[BigH]

Anyone got any tips for compatible editing software for the SD100? I'm looking not only for ability to handle AVCHD but also create footage in different formats, anything from DVD (MPEG2) and lower resolution formats. I'm also looking for something intuitive and with reasonable editing and movie creation. Budget is not a big issue.

I've got a pretty meaty PC (Dual 3GHz Xeons 4GB RAM) with large fast disks and XP or Vista Ultmate (if needed) so hardware is not an issue.

Cheers BigH.

[senu]

Do a search on AVCHD compatible software.
Any of the current titles should be able to do it. The differences would lie mainly in the GUI and how you get on with it and less on any specific abilities
What is true is that all are learn able, affordable and intuitive once you get past the initial unfamiliarity.
Sony Vegas Movie Studio ( platinum) is popular . The Pro version is costlier and perhaps more able but not by a factor of cost difference HERE
Adobe Premiere Elements 7 is new but promises much
Pinnacle Studio 12 has mixed reviews on the face of it is intuitive and capable
Correl ( Ulead ) 11.5 now 12 (X2) is quite popular but it isn't universally so(thre are a few dissenters) as it cant seen to move away from hand holding wizard driven interface despite being quite well featured. Also some output quality issues have been reported
The good news is that they mostly have downloadable trial versions for try before you buy but Adobe seems to be holding on to its product and Pinnacle seem to bundle it rather than pu it on itas website for trial
Your PC is way more than capable but a BD wiritng drive ( with capable software) would perhaps be icing onthe cake
HTH

[BigH]

Cheers for that. I've done some research as you said and the usual suspects are all coming up. PowerDirector7 seems to do quite well, but you did not mention that package - any reason for that?

I'll be looking at a Blueray drive but for the minute it is not critical as I will stream from a media server.

BigH

[senu]

Originally Posted by BigH

Cheers for that. I've done some research as you said and the usual suspects are all coming up. PowerDirector7 seems to do quite well, but you did not mention that package - any reason for that?

No, if it seems it will work, give it a go.
I similarly didn't mention Roxio or Magix ( which seems quite well featured )
Cyberlink seems to get the market by bundling lite versions then encouraging upgrades..
It lacks ( not the features .. but) the "Presence and maturity " of Vegas and Premiere Elements, the sheer simplicity but logical GUI of Pinnacle studio and wide user base of Ulead/Corels VS..
That isn't a criticism just explaining why I didn't mention it
I guess they all have happy users

I'll be looking at a Blueray drive but for the minute it is not critical as I will stream from a media server.
BigH

Wish list for Christmas.. eh?

[BigH]

Thanks again.

I have a philosphy, if you want it don't wait for Christams, life is too short

One more question - I have an old Panny SVHS camcorder (NV S85- nice camcorder in it's day!) with footage I want to move into a digital format. I bought a product called Ezgrabber which does on the fly conversion from S-video/composite input with sound to various formats including MPEG2 (the best on offer). I have been very disapointed with the result (blocky and full of artefacts) which is rubbish when compared to the original footage - I should have guessed that £30+ is not going to cut the mustard despite the usual promises. Any suggestions on hardware/software that will do a decent job?

BigH

[senu]

If you can afford it
THIS
will satisfy you It has costlier brethren too

For similar cost, This Dazzle may likely be better than EZ grabber

[BigH]

It looks like a useful bit of kit (ADVC-55) - I'd rather pay a bit more than be disapointed with another £30 jobby!! I just need to checkout my firewire connection on my server to make sure it is the 6 pin version!

BigH.

[BigH]

Well I took your advice and got a ADVC-55 and the results are much better - thanks for the tip.

BigH

[senu]

No worries Hope it does as it says on the Box!