Q\A - How does MSP8 compare to other NLE's?

[tgill]

I have never usede another NLE so I was born on Ulead since version 5 for video studio and 6.5 for Pro.
Almost every editor I speak with has some bull and crap story about how much better Avid is or how I need to dump the PC and switch to Mac so I can use final cut. I even have Adobe Premeire user swear by their product.

I must admit since the Intervideo buyout of Ulead service hads not quite been the same and I notice that 3rd party components like boris are not so quick to write addon for Ulead. As a matter of fact (at least down here in sunny florida) MSPro seems to be a well kept secret.

Personally I can't see myself switching because of time, money and learning curves. I am just really curious to know what some of you users of multiple NLE's think about how MSPro sizes up to the comp.

I use a lot of 3rd party addon to enhance my experience but I have not heard of one feature (save multiple timeline preview in final cut pro) that MSPro 8 cannot duplicate.

What are your thoughts?

[sjj1805]

tgill

I am a dedicated Ulead user but have downloaded the trial versions of the competition mainly to grab ideas. One look at the interface is enough to stop me bothering exploring much further.

You will always get the user of a particular product swear that his products is the best. "Independant" comparisons can be flawed because they are written by people who will not know all the ins and outs of each product and will be looking at them from a new users point of view, also the benchmark tests they employ may favour one products above another for that particular benchmark.

So the only answer that will be acceptable to yourself would be to download the trial versions and try them.

Steve J

[troppo]

I have just purchased Adobe Premiere Pro 2.0, because it has a nifty feature that MSP8 doesn't. Multiple camera edit. When I can set up all my video files from a multiple camera shoot and switch between them in real time, using the mouse, point and click!
Problem is, I've just spent the last hour clunking my way around trying to work out how the software works!
MSP8 is by far easier to work with, but I would say that Premiere is more powerful.
I'm probably going to have to get a book, or do a course on how to use premiere, never had to do that with MSP!

Also, plugin and hardware support is much better for Premiere, although it doesn't seem to see my capture card (pinnacle av/dv) and MSP8 does!

I will probably use both, I love the composition feature in MSP8, it makes my work look great!

[Devil]

Assuming you mean NLE packages in the hundreds of bucks range, they each have their strong points and their weak points. There is no "best" software. The choice usually boils down to two factors:
1. it is imposed on you by forced use with hardware (e.g., the Matrox RT-X series enforces use of Premiere) or
2. it is personal preference, with respect to the features offered, cost, ease-of-use etc. (i.e., it is a compromise)