Please recommend a good home movie editting programme

[interdave999]

I have managed to convert my VHS home movies on to DVR-R disks using a Funai DRVR-B778 VHS-DVD recorder (excellent machine). I would like to edit them and produce reasonable DVDs in serial clips, with the option to fade and add titles between them. I would appreciate recommendations for suitable software to do this (not Pinnacle).

My equipment is a Sony VAIO VGN-AR51J laptop on Windows Vista Home Premium, 2GB DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz, NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GT GPU graphics and more than adequate storage.

I have no idea of what most of that means as my computer expertise is enthusiastic, of mature years, self taught over 26 years with and an anathema for jargon.

[P04287544]

Adobe Premier Pro, version CS3 would be ideal. Easy to use and alot of fun too!

[senu]

Originally Posted by interdave999

I have managed to convert my VHS home movies on to DVR-R disks using a Funai DRVR-B778 VHS-DVD recorder (excellent machine). I would like to edit them and produce reasonable DVDs in serial clips, with the option to fade and add titles between them. I would appreciate recommendations for suitable software to do this (not Pinnacle).

Why not Pinnacle Studio? I havent used Ver 12 yet ( I stopped " testing them after ver 10) but AFAIK after Ver 9 it has been stable and continues to be easy to use
In fact Pinnacles Interface is a classic in simplicity and logical work flow even if it can be problematic in use

My equipment is a Sony VAIO VGN-AR51J laptop on Windows Vista Home Premium, 2GB DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz, NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GT GPU graphics and more than adequate storage.

I have no idea of what most of that means as my computer expertise is enthusiastic, of mature years, self taught over 26 years with and an anathema for jargon.

Quite So
However Simply put You have
A Sony Laptop
Run Vista
Have 2 Gb of reasonable fast RAM
An above basic Graphic card
What you dont state is your Processor ( AMD Athlon or Intel ? ..P4 , C2D, Quad core) and How much HDD Space you have " adequate" is relative
In truth these facts are only relevant if the software requirement are more
Editing from DVD ( mpeg files) need not require more than this

Anyway back on track,
All the current software in the market ( do a little search here on software) are capable
They differ in GUI ( User interface , ) and in a sense , how you get on with them

• Sony Vegas Movie Studio
• Corel X2 or Ulead 11.5 Vudeo Studio
• Roxio ( I have Creator 2009.. Its fine )
• Magix Edit Pro
• Cyberlink Power Producer

Are the Usual suspects
Adobe also have Premiree Elements 4 and 7 which are IMHO capable, a little newbee challenging and not kind on lesser hardware ( yours is fine)

[senu]

Originally Posted by P04287544

Adobe Premier Pro, version CS3 would be ideal. Easy to use and alot of fun too!

Easy, .. I dont think so
Even the more pocket freindly Elements version is not the easiest
It is learn able and can be fun, eventually but there are mosre capable but simpler and cheaper programs
It is certainly possible to use it in a basic fashion but that would be like getting a Limo for going to get the groceries
Also it costs a fair bit especially for " home Movie editing"

[P04287544]

Originally Posted by senu

Easy, .. I dont think so
Even the more pocket freindly Elements version is not the easiest
It is learn able and can be fun, eventually but there are mosre capable but simpler and cheaper programs
It is certainly possible to use it in a basic fashion but that would be like getting a Limo for going to get the groceries
Also it costs a fair bit especially for " home Movie editing"

First of all, i didn't mention anything about purchasing the program.

Premier Pro is not used by most companies due to simplicity and limitations.

Name me an easier program to use mate?

[interdave999]

Thanks for the response.

I have not had a good experience with Pinnacle Software. Perhaps it was my fault but I tried them (Vers. 9 & 12) and am not prepared to try them again.

My hard drive has 250GB and I have a 500GB external hard drive.

I am prepared to spend 150/200GBP but the reason for asking this question is to minimise any further agro!

I will research the software you listed.

[senu]

Originally Posted by P04287544

First of all, i didn't mention anything about purchasing the program.

True, but cost is a consideration when suggesting software. Even Adobe knows not all user purchase them

Premier Pro is not used by most companies due to simplicity and limitations.

I do have CS4 Production Suite and Seldom use it TBH.. Lazy.. Maybe

However Imn ot sure about " a lot of companies " not using it
Those using Macs now tend not to anyway
I know a lot of major outfits Use AVID/ Final Cut amongst other bespoke titles but a lot of independent Producers who dont have access to unlimited fund do Use Premiere. I chatted with them at Seminars at the Broadcast and Video Show only last month ( Earls Court)
Adobes lisencing for multiple is also a bit steep and that may also accout for companies not using it

Name me an easier program to use mate?

All the ones in my post are easier , . Premiere does have a learning curve

Including Adobe Premiere Elements, a much cut down version of Premiere but capable of what the OP wants
Also bear in mind the hardware requirements for software
Adobe Premiere Pro does prefer "better" hardware with oodles of RAM and a fairly current processor
In short Im au fait with it (by no means an expert) but I would suggest my 14 year old daughter would find it far easier to Edit and output video with minimal help with any of those titles I suggested

[senu]

Originally Posted by interdave999

Thanks for the response.

I have not had a good experience with Pinnacle Software. Perhaps it was my fault but I tried them (Vers. 9 & 12) and am not prepared to try them again.

No Problem
Pinnacle Studio is a bit like marmite.. Excellent when it works, a nightmare when it doesn't

My hard drive has 250GB and I have a 500GB external hard drive.

Plenty . I was asking about Processor though. Better ones make it easier

I am prepared to spend 150/200GBP but the reason for asking this question is to minimise any further agro!

I would try the Vegas Software.. unusual interface but reasonably stable and wide user base

All have trial downloads

I will research the software you listed.

Good luck

[Sheks]

I also recently had to decide on new editing software, as I purchased a Sony TG3 camera.

I read all the good things people said on here about Sony Vegas and thought that was the one I wanted - then I tried the free trial and couldn't get on with it, so I also tried Corel, Pinnacle Studio and Premier Elements 7 free trials.

I eventually settled on Premier Elements 7 and have purchased a copy of this which I am very pleased with.

I am very glad I spent the time playing with the free trials.

Best of luck
Sheks

[chrishull3]

Senu is right i have pinnacle 12 ultimate its good when its working a nightmare when its playing up,i also have adobe and ulead[both far more complicated]to be fair to pinnacle it renders raw avchd better for me than ulead,its completed titled films that are very hit and miss.

[Simond25]

Hi InterDave

However how did you manage to record from vhs to dvd with the above player.

I have tried the following:

I have checked the setup menu and this looks correct. I have made sure in advanced settings it is set to vcr to dvd mode.

Followed the instructions to use dubbing. However when pressing dubbing this lights up the dvd led display with vcr to dvd and then after a few seconds disappears.

Am I doing something wrong?

Any help much appreciated

Regards Simon