computer and editing movies

[Icarus]

At this point I would recommend a mini DVD camera that has a firewire port (Your computer should have come with one, but check).

Or one that records to mini dvd-r/dvd+r/dvd+-rw in a standard format. Sony makes them.

DVD format video recording The DVD recording format delivers digital picture and sound quality comparable to that of MiniDV, but on DVD. Playback of the DVDs couldn't be simpler. After finalizing the disc in the camcorder, the disc can play back in most DVD Players, computers and even PlayStation 2 video game consoles.

DVD-R/RW and +RW compatible The DCR-DVD505 is compatible with a variety of DVD formats allowing the easy of use and simplicity found in DVD Media. With DVD+RW media there is not a need to finalize the disc (minimum recording required). Simply remove the disc and insert the media into a compatible DVD player.

-David

 

[pwrshift]

Frank has a good idea about turning off programs that run in background and use computer resources as movie making will tax your computer power for sure and a momentary pause could spoil it. I always turn off my internet link, Norton, Second Copy, Dell Support, etc., especially when 'capturing' from the camcorder or sending an archive copy back to the camcorder when edited.

Brian

 

[fnewman]

Having learned the 'hard way' I now boot my system with almost nothing running, figuring if my burner software still runs I must not have needed that other stuff anyway! I also recommend that the system be booted 'clean' rather than trying to turn things off that have already started running on a normal startup because some applications don't 'turn off' completely. In addition, if your software will let you save a rendered file instead of requiring that you do rendering/burning in one session, I'd make sure the system is clean during that process as well; otherwise you will just burn a glitch onto the DVD.

Given how long it takes to burn a 'full' DVD the extra affort is worth it, IMHO.

Frank has a good idea about turning off programs that run in background and use computer resources as movie making will tax your computer power for sure and a momentary pause could spoil it. I always turn off my internet link, Norton, Second Copy, Dell Support, etc., especially when 'capturing' from the camcorder or sending an archive copy back to the camcorder when edited.

Brian

 

[bigrick]

I also recommend that the system be booted 'clean' rather than trying to turn things off that have already started running on a normal startup because some applications don't 'turn off' completely.

How do I do this?

 

[fnewman]

Assuming you are using XP, Go to 'Start', 'Run' and type 'msconfig', then 'ok'. Go to 'selective startup", 'Startup tab' and uncheck everything, then reboot. If the system runs ok, you're good to go. Otherwise, repeat the process, adding back one application at a time until you can do what's needed. Write it down for next time. When finished, run msconfig again and select "normal startup". Reboot.

Hope this helps. It has made a lot of difference in my system's DVD burning performance.

 

[bigrick]

Thanks Frank! Yes I am using XP so your instructions will work for me. I'll test them out and look into the Ulead Video Studio in June. In the meantime, I have to travel. Oh those timeshare commitments limit by dvd manipulation times!

Ulead VS does 7 layers. Is there a max number of layers or are more available as the software becomes more sophisticated?

 

[fnewman]

Can't help you with Ulead. I used the 'lite' version a couple of years ago, but didn't really care for it. I've used Adobe Premiere Elements for the last year of so, and like it very much.

 

[pwrshift]

I agree with trying the Adobe Premiere and Photoshop package. I use their big brothers but had the lower priced combo package been available when I started I would have bought them instead - also believe you can upgrade to the bigger packages for a lower price if you decide later to do that and recover your money for the combo pkg.

Brian

http://www.adobe.com/products/psprelements/index.html

 

[daventrina]

Ulead VS does 7 layers. Is there a max number of layers or are more available as the software becomes more sophisticated?

Video Studio 10 has 7 video tracks. The standard version does 2.
http://www.ulead.com/vs/compare.htm
http://www.ulead.com/vs/compare2.htm

I use a script to resize images added to a video as a slide show that optimizes their use for both square and non-square pixel display applications (TV vs. computer display)

 

[pwrshift]

Before I started using Premiere Pro 1.5 from Adobe, the biggest frustration with most programs like MM2 and a lot of the 'free' ones is the severe limit on audio tracks, especially if you want to add a lot of sound effects, background music, narration, etc., and the ability to manipulate each sound independently of the other tracks. I don't know if there are any limits to PP1.5 tracks in audio or video, but I haven't hit them yet.

That's why I recommend you spring $150 for the Photoshop/Premiere Elements package. The jump to their big brother packages is much easier to learn once you have the Adobe basics, and if this hobby takes hold with you, as it did with me, you'll eventually spring for the best to get the best results. When I got into Photoshop and Premiere they didn't have the junior packages so the learning curve was tough - and took me almost half a year to find it coming together. Now, it's as addictive as TUG.

Brian