VS ver7 to 10 and now Microsoft Movie Maker...

[kapaa-papa]

Super happy now that I've tried Movie Maker that comes FREE with XP. I no longer have those problems with audio getting choppy halfway thru a capture, system running slow and erroring out when I finish a project and try to burn a DVD, etc. etc.

I upgraded from ver7 to 10 (trial ver) and really didn't see a difference between the two. The sporadic choppy audio problem went away but it bugged me that I¡¦d have to dish out $70 to upgrade. Plus Ulead support stinks, yet to get a response back on two issues I logged plus the forum in jammed with complaints on this topic.

So far I¡¦m loving Windows Movie Maker. It A LOT easier to understand than Ulead, a ton more on screen help and look-up help as well as web instructions and demo mpegs, the screen/control layout is nicer, overall just easier to use and understand and since I¡¦m running XP¡Kit¡¦s FREE. Plus I¡¦m sure Microsoft has a ton more resources to toss at Movie Maker to assure it works well. I just started using Ulead and one of biggest hurdles is understanding how to use it, what does what, if I select an option what exactly is the outcome. Created a menu with chapters, burned the DVD, and DVD contains some default menu with first clip as chapter. What the hell, it¡¦s this kind of crap that ticks me off, things not working correctly no place to turn for help unless you wish to post something in a forum and wait a day for response which is I guess is better than waiting until hell freezes over for Ulead support to help out.

Sorry Ulead, but I as of now I don't see anything outstanding in your ver 10 (let alone ver 7) that makes you outstanding.

[Black Lab]

I upgraded from ver7 to 10 (trial ver) and really didn't see a difference between the two.

•HD Editing
•Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound
•Timeline Chapter Points
•Multiple Overlay Tracks
•New Video Filters
•Text Menus
•Multi-Trim Editor
None of these things were in version 7, 8 or 9.

it¡¦s this kind of crap that ticks me off, things not working correctly no place to turn for help unless you wish to post something in a forum and wait a day for response

I don't know what gave you this impression. I answered you in about 4 minutes.

I just started using Ulead and one of biggest hurdles is understanding how to use it, what does what, if I select an option what exactly is the outcome.

If you'd care to let us know what your problems are, maybe someone can help you.

If simple editing is what you want then maybe Movie Maker will be a good fit for you. But if you are looking for something with more robust features you will be looking for something other than Movie Maker.

[CycleWriter]

Plus Ulead support stinks, yet to get a response back on two issues I logged plus the forum in jammed with complaints on this topic.

Obviously, you've never had to deal with MS support.

So far I’m loving Windows Movie Maker. It A LOT easier to understand than Ulead, a ton more on screen help and look-up help as well as web instructions and demo mpegs, the screen/control layout is nicer, overall just easier to use and understand and since I’m running XP…it’s FREE.

VS offers a simple Wizard-style interface much like MM. In any case, MM is an entry-level editor with no upgrade path. Once you become more familiar with video editing you'll likely find that MM no longer fits your needs and will again be looking for a better, more robust product. If you exclude VS, good luck with that.

Plus I’m sure Microsoft has a ton more resources to toss at Movie Maker to assure it works well.

Yeah, because it is such a widely used product MS has invested tons of development money into making MM, a free program, a big competitor in the video editing arena.

I just started using Ulead and one of biggest hurdles is understanding how to use it, what does what, if I select an option what exactly is the outcome.

You're right. Who needs all those pesky choices and user control that require one to actually learn the program to use it to its optimum? Damn Henry Ford! He started all this when he stopped making cars in just black.[/sarcasm]

[CycleWriter]

Black Lab, you're getting as twisted as I am. Stop agreeing with me, I have a rep to maintain.

[Black Lab]

Ah, but you do it with so much more wit and sarcasm. I have a long way to go to fall to your level.

[CycleWriter]

Ah, but you do it with so much more wit and sarcasm. I have a long way to go to fall to your level.

You're right, it was a long fall. But the landing was amazingly softer than I expected.

[Black Lab]

[joosuna]

Kaaapapa...There are lots of upgrades from UVS7 to UVS10. I upgraded to UVS10plus. There is nothing wrong with making a financial
decision as to paying or not paying for the upgrades. For some people, the upgrades may not be worth it, for the type of projects that they do. For some of us, the upgrades are worth it because the new options open up new features in editing and coming out with a better video/audio product.

The other editing program you mention does the basic editing stuff. But, if you do not want to get a little more fancy and have more options, and if you think the options are not worth it..then stay where you are with UVS7.

Enjoy video editing
Joe O

[CycleWriter]

Enjoy video editing
Joe O

Freakin' diplomat.

[kapaa-papa]

I upgraded from ver7 to 10 (trial ver) and really didn't see a difference between the two.
•HD Editing
•Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound
•Timeline Chapter Points
•Multiple Overlay Tracks
•New Video Filters
•Text Menus
•Multi-Trim Editor
None of these things were in version 7, 8 or 9.

Dolby 5.1 - I'll bet .001 percent of the Ulead users have a camera recording in Dolby quality. And that other stuff listed, good luck figuring out how to use it unless you life consists of coming home and tickering on PC all night. I have three kids who need help with home work each night, house and yard to maintain, etc. so I want to get my video recording completed quickly, no time for trial and error or hovering my mouse pointer over an object to have it display "this is the title menu"... no duh!

Here's something simple I don't recall seeing on Ulead, with Movie Maker it captures the date and time the video was made. I love this option, I want my audiance to see what year my kids were taped. If Ulead 10 has this, I guess I better dig around until I find that setting.

You guys are probably right, if doing basic editing or just beyond, don't spend the money use Movie Maker instead but for more technical editing Ulead might be the tool as long as you don't mind dumping a ton of time into trial and error, screen freezes, errors, having to reboot, etc.

[heinz-oz]

My two cents worth



if he is happy with not having to learn anything in order to do what nobody else would find good enough, what's wrong with that. At least he will get what he paid for with that program.

[Ron P.]

I have to agree Kapaa-papa,

If you don't have the time to learn anything, just want your video productions to appear simple, then don't upgrade, or better yet just play them on your TV straight from your camcorder.

However I strongly disagree with your advice to others not to. Your situation is your problem, numerous others do not have that, and will not with just a little help, something you also appear not to want. If you would like assistance in working out your problem, then that's what we are here for, and that's what the forums are for, Not to just post rants about the product.

[daddog]

I have to say I spent time time with Movie Maker before I tried out several other options, one of which was VS9. After a hour I quickly realized the greater potential in VS9, Sony Vegas, Pinnacle, etc. I settled on VS9 and despite the bumps in the road it was well worth the time.

I have 4 kids who also need help with homework every night, (and I teach middle school). Also a house to maintain along with several animals, (thankfully nothing bigger than a dog) and not a lot of time to spend, but every hour was worth it.

Last year I did our small school year book on DVD and it was a huge hit. This year with the input of my students we are also making a Christmas DVD. Really helps with the class room funds.

Having said all that if Movie Maker suits your needs than more power to ya, but I am glad I had room to expand and that is something you will not have with MM.