Video Track vs Overlay Track

[jamesd1]

I just read this whole thread as I had the same conceptual question as the original poster. It was helpful, but it caused another question in my mind: What is the advantage of using the main video track at all, since as was pointed out you seem to be able to do everything on overlay tracks plus some things you can't do on the main video track? I understand that everything gets pushed down on the main video track, but that would mean that, if you have a voice over for instance, then the slightest change would throw off your audio? I just put two images with a transition between on the main and one on an overlay track and the result seems to be exactly the same. So again, the advantage/s of using the main video track instead of an overlay track for everything is/are what??

[BrianCee]

Primarily that every thing automatically moves to the right closing up any gaps so that you do not get unexpected black gaps in your video

If you have voice overs or background music then you turn on Ripple editing which locks the other tracks to the video track so that they move as well when you cut the video track

but the bottom line is that it is up to you which you find easiest and best for your editing procedures - use whichever you prefer