Questions before purchasing VS

[Perry]

Hello,

I am working with a group of parents at my daughter's school to produce a 10-15 minute video to play at her class graduation class, and a longer DVD version to give to the students as a keepsake. The videos will have some titles/credits, photos and possibly some digital video set to music. I have been evaluating trial versions of several software packages to purchase for this purpose, and VS10+ is at the top of my list so far, but I have some questions:

1) In VS10 it doesn't appear that there is much in the way of audio editing capabilities. Am I correct in this observation, and if so do I need to use something like Audacity to edit the music track and apply transitions between songs and inset song snippets/clips?

2) I tried to use VS DV-to-DVD Wizard to Burn a whole Digital-8 tape and it applied a transition template that has music playing overtop of my tape. I can not find a way to not use the template or choose a different template. Can this be done with VS?

3) Is there any benefit to choosing MediaStudio over VS, other than HD support? I am new to video editing, so I don't want to make things overly complex, but I also don't want to short change myself on features that I am likely to need or use.

Any help with questions or other advice for a newbie would be appreciated.

Oh, I almost forgot what is an Avatar image that is referenced in the profile setup for this forum?

Thanks

[GuyL]

1) In VS10 it doesn't appear that there is much in the way of audio editing capabilities. Am I correct in this observation, and if so do I need to use something like Audacity to edit the music track and apply transitions between songs and inset song snippets/clips?

There are very basic features in this regard. I recommend using Audacity, a very powerful free audio editor. You can then import the audio into VS as required.

2) I tried to use VS DV-to-DVD Wizard to Burn a whole Digital-8 tape and it applied a transition template that has music playing overtop of my tape. I can not find a way to not use the template or choose a different template. Can this be done with VS?

I can't help you here, sorry. I don't use the templates. I build every project from scratch.

3) Is there any benefit to choosing MediaStudio over VS, other than HD support? I am new to video editing, so I don't want to make things overly complex, but I also don't want to short change myself on features that I am likely to need or use.

If you are new to video editing than I would recommend you start with VS. The learning curve is much shorter and I think you will be able to produce what you need in VS.

[Black Lab]

1. I also use Audacity for more complex audio editing, but from what you describe VS10 should be able to do what you want.

2. I'm like Guy, I have never used the Wizard, but build from scratch.

3. Again, I'm with Guy on this one. You say you don't want to make things overly complex, then VS10 should do the trick. It is very powerful. A lot of bang for the $. MS Pro has a lot more bang, but a lot more $!

[sjj1805]

Perry
To avoid using the templates do it manually instead by using the VideoStudio Editor:



I have used various video editing programs and they all attempt to provide an 'All in one solution.' some better than others. One thing that is certain is that if there is a specific program available to perform a specific task it will invariably be better than the all in one solution.

For audio it is better to export the audio track and manipulate it with a dedicated audio editor such as audacity. For Titles and opening sequences it is better to use a purpose built program such as Cool 3D Production Studio.

Whatever combination of programs you have available to use you then tie everything together with your chosen Video Editor.

VideoStudio is the easier of the two Ulead Editing programs and is aimed more towards the casual user.
MediaStudio is more complex and is aimed at the professional or serious hobbyist.

For more help please view:
From camcorder to DVD with VideoStudio

[Perry]

Guys,

Thanks for the advice. I'll have to retry the DV to DVD tomorrow without using the all in one solution.

Regards,
Perry

[heinz-oz]

Hello,

.....
Oh, I almost forgot what is an Avatar image that is referenced in the profile setup for this forum?

Thanks

When you look at posts from the moderators and most regular users, you will notice a mug shot in the top left hand corner that's the avatar.

[Black Lab]

Yea, and some of us are uglier than others. I'm a real dog.