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After watching my company's annual conference project (construction) videos a couple of years ago, I was inspired to create similar videos with our family photos. Never having done anything like this before, I stumbled across Windows Movie Maker and got hopping. It was fairly straight foward and fun.

I wanted to do more, so I purchased a Sony HD Camcorder. Movie Maker seemed a bit overwhelmed by videos, so I started researching Video editing software at CNET. I trialed a few different products and recently bought Video Studio Pro X2 (this weekend in fact).

The basics of VS and Movie Maker were pretty similar, which I liked. But I was pretty excited about the extras; the video triming, custom photo/video effects, multiple options for exporting.

In fact, the reason I'm here is because I'm a bit overwhelmed by the exporting options. Movie Maker basically exported WMV files and I just had to select quality. But I'm having trouble so far with VS.

I spent the day yesterday reading the forum and I have a better grasp, with bitrate... but I'm still lost on all the Codecs, file types, audio options.

I created a video for my wife this weekend using photos going back 15 years. In the preview portion of VS, photo quality and sound is fine. I have my computer and Xbox360 connected so we can watch created videos directly on the big TV. It seemed to me that VS defaults to MPG, so I tried creating a very high quality MPG first. Windows Media Player played it fine, but the Xbox couldn't read it. I could see the video on the Xbox, but when I tried to play it... nothing.

I figured I had the settings too high, so I tried reducing them. Now the Xbox could play the video, but it looked like complete crap compared to earlier videos I had created with Movie Maker. So I changed format to WMV, but the WMV options are very limited in VS (from what I can tell). I selected the highest option in the Share/WMV options (HD/720/30FPS I think). Still looked like crap. I ran out of time on Sunday and here I am.

I really want to complete this video before Sunday! Mother's Day you know.

I'd like recommendations for settings for the following options.

- Xbox360 Playback through computer - Highest setting possible, file size doesn't matter
- Video Posting on Facebook - My previous efforts with Movie Maker were about 25MB-35MB for 3-5 minute videos. I'm not concerned with this one.

They can be either MPG or WMV. I don't know what is best for these applications. I click on the Codec settings and there's so many options.. ??? Since I downloaded VS, I don't have a manual. I looked everywhere on Ulead's and Corel's websites and couldn't find a PDF manual, just some basic tutorial videos... I just need direction so I know how to select when creating future videos. I'd like to create a DVD in the future with all my videos soon to send to family/friends.

Also, I've been viewing the other user videos posted and I'm very excited for future projects, unlimited possibilities! Everything to date has been self taught to date, but I can tell I'm going to need some help with the advanced stuff. I'm looking forward it!!

Anyway, thanks in advance for any help.

Scott

In our Tutorial section you will find the very comprehensive From Camcorder to DVD. There may be some other tutorials there that may help you.

I am not familiar with XBox (although my kid just told me he wants one - I told him to get a job ), but if you go to Share, at the very bottom of the list of output templates is Custom. Opening that gives you many more options for output.

Wow, there's so much to go through! Baby steps...

Thanks for the redirect. I'll puruse and post back if I still need help.

Thanks!
Scott

The section on sharing files is still under construction. I've been looking around for info on file types, codecs, etc. There's info mixed in with other topics, but not a comprehensive post showing the different file types, options, etc.. Detailing when and how to use.

I guess the old trial and error process may work. It's just a little frustrating.

I think I may know the problem with the first file I did with the Xbox. The Xbox itself can't play HD-DVD's. I guess that may mean it can't play MPG's with similar formats either? Back to the drawing board this evening.