Which software to choose

[MavsCoach]

Hi,

I'm new to the forum. I've got a question. I'm not sure which software to choose....Video Studio 11 Plus, or Movie Factory 6 Plus.

I've used the trial version of VS 11 and am happy with the video capture and editing portion of it. I am not, however, very impressed with the DVD authoring and DVD menus available with it. It has very limited templates. Do I get more templates if I purchase the full version?

I just downloaded the trial version of Movie Factory 6 Plus to see how it is. From the literature, it seems to have more DVD creation features...but does it have limited video editing software as compared to VS11? I will know when I give it a try later......

So, my question is.....which is best for me? I wasn't really planning on purchasing both. I have used Ulead in the past and really like the features it provides. Can't I get one package that has the best of both worlds?

[Ken Berry]

You have already indirectly picked up on the difference between the programs. VS is essentially an editing program, which happens to have some fairly decent authoring capacity added in to make it a stand-alone program. And the full version certainly has a lot more templates than the trial version. (And even more when you buy the program and upgrade with the Power Pack or purchase outright VS11.5.)

MF6, on the other hand, is essentially an authoring program, and does this better than VS. It also has some basic editing functions. So again you can use it as a stand-alone program.

But it all depends on your plans. The programs are really complementary and many of us here have both (and lots of other programs besides which we call on in any single video project). We edit in VS then author in MF.

But if your needs are fairly simple, and you don't intend to do much editing, then MF is probably the best choice. If on the other hand you intend to do a lot of editing, want to add a variety of transitions, use filters etc, then you should buy VS as it will still allow you to produce fairly sophisticated menus in its authoring/burning module. The Smart Menus in particular are almost infinitely customisable...

[Black Lab]

Only you can answer that question. You are correct that VS is primarily a video editor with some authoring capabilities, while Movie Factory is the opposite. Many of the visitors to this forum do, indeed, use both. I'm not sure what you are looking for as far as DVD templates are concerned, but keep in mind that you can customize many of the templates in VS. See the tutorials section for more info.

BTW, you guys really put it to the Sixers last night. Nowitski is practically unstoppable.

[MavsCoach]

BTW, you guys really put it to the Sixers last night. Nowitski is practically unstoppable.

Thanks....but actually I'm a coach of a Mavericks 7th grade boys team!

That is where most of the clips I'm editing takes place. I capture a lot of games and make highlight videos for the boys. Then at the end of the year, I create a DVD for them.

So, most of my editing is sports footage.

I am going to try Movie Factory 6 and see how it works.

Thanks for the input.

[Black Lab]

I figured as much. But your kids could probably beat the Sixers anyway.