A question for anyone who has used DVD authoring and editing software to make their own movies, and burned them to DVD:

I'm ready to get a new computer and I want to dedicate it to capturing my own video movies and editing them prior to burning them to DVDs. I want to get the best results possible, without having to buy professional industry-level equipment. I want something that will have enough memory to store and edit "movie-length" video, enough memory to render effects to entire scenes, and enough speed to do it before the next Ice Age comes.

I want software that will allow me to do fancy stuff like superimposing a picture element over each frame of existing footage, and to do image-enhancements of individual scenes. Mostly, I want the finished DVD to have near enough to professional image quality.

Anyone have any recommendations? Thanks.

Nero (http://www.nero.com/us/index.html) is the way to go!

[QUOTE=Exterminance]Nero (http://www.nero.com/us/index.html) is the way to go![/QUOTE]

Thanks, Exterminance. I'll check it out.

Sounds like you might know a bit about the subject. If you have any clues to impart, I'm all ears. :)

[QUOTE=Sieg]Thanks, Exterminance. I'll check it out.

Sounds like you might know a bit about the subject. If you have any clues to impart, I'm all ears. :)[/QUOTE]
I'm just pioneering myself; so far the only DVDs I've made were copies of 'Der Ewige Jude' downloaded from the Internet, not the best quality video to begin with... But Nero comes highly recommended.

[QUOTE=Exterminance]I'm just pioneering myself; so far the only DVDs I've made were copies of 'Der Ewige Jude' downloaded from the Internet, not the best quality video to begin with... But Nero comes highly recommended.[/QUOTE]

Thanks, anyway, Exterminance. Maybe we can help each other out when we both get up to speed. What I'm aiming for, (as you probably are), is making my own movies and docos from scratch, doing scene-by-scene editing of shots, with syncing of soundtrack and addition of overlays etc.. In other words, using the computer like a complete film studio.

Actually, my first "production" will probably be very similar to Der Ewige Jude, would you believe? Well, kinda. I want to do a montage kind of thing, to illustrate the gradual decline in Western society, coupled to images of the jewish presence. Got tons of pictures ready. Gonna be fun.

Whatever you do, get a Mac. Management of media files and troubleshooting is much easier on a Mac than a PC for this kind of work. You'll pay a little more but it's worth it (there's a reason EVERY professional post house uses Mac based Avid systems). Trust me, I've done video editing professionally on both operating systems. Depending on how much money you have to burn, I would reccomend you go with the prosumer Avid DV Xpress on a G4 or G5. Final Cut Pro is good too (that's what I'm using at the moment) but it's definitely not as stable as Avid.

Thanks, Spengler. I was kinda hoping nobody would mention Macs. ;)

I know they're the absolute sovereign system for any graphic use, and I'd sell my nuts for one. Trouble is, I think I'd probably have to. :( But now that you've got me thinking about them, I guess I'd better check out the prices. Maybe I can stretch the budget, (and my wife's good will).

But if you had to settle for a PC outfit that was more affordable, what would you suggest?


[QUOTE=Spengler]Whatever you do, get a Mac. Management of media files and troubleshooting is much easier on a Mac than a PC for this kind of work. You'll pay a little more but it's worth it (there's a reason EVERY professional post house uses Mac based Avid systems). Trust me, I've done video editing professionally on both operating systems. Depending on how much money you have to burn, I would reccomend you go with the prosumer Avid DV Xpress on a G4 or G5. Final Cut Pro is good too (that's what I'm using at the moment) but it's definitely not as stable as Avid.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Sieg]Thanks, Spengler. I was kinda hoping nobody would mention Macs. ;)

I know they're the absolute sovereign system for any graphic use, and I'd sell my nuts for one. Trouble is, I think I'd probably have to. :( But now that you've got me thinking about them, I guess I'd better check out the prices. Maybe I can stretch the budget, (and my wife's good will).

But if you had to settle for a PC outfit that was more affordable, what would you suggest?[/QUOTE]
Ugghh!! I'd by a used G3 and get Final Cut Pro! The only editing software I've used on a PC is that HORRID Adobe Premier (which is the PC standard, unfortunately) which fuckin' sucks my left nut. Get a used Mac in good condition.

[QUOTE=Spengler]Ugghh!! I'd by a used G3 and get Final Cut Pro! The only editing software I've used on a PC is that HORRID Adobe Premier (which is the PC standard, unfortunately) which fuckin' sucks my left nut. Get a used Mac in good condition.[/QUOTE]

Not a bad idea, Spengler, except that I never buy second-hand computer equipment of any kind. If I ever decided to go Mac, I'd get a new one. (Brave words!)

I'll check around tomorrow and get some Mac prices. I have absolutely no idea what they cost. All I know is they're more expensive than PCs. The bottom line is I want the best final results on the screen. If a cheaper PC will deliver, I don't care how hard it is to learn the software.

I once used a try-out version of Premier but didn't get very far. But then, I didn't have any video to play around with. I just fiddled around with the commands. I must admit I was a bit confused by it, but I put that down to my unfamiliarity with such software. I didn't know it was considered the PC standard.

Again, thanks for your input.

Check out a Mac.

MOST professional graphics, sound, music, and film producers DO NOT TOUCH WINDOWS.

http://www.apple.com/pro/film/murch/

And for good reason... start reading.

http://www.apple.com/motion/
http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/
http://www.apple.com/pro/video/ktvx/
http://www.apple.com/pro/video/scrubs/

And look what the FBI uses...
http://www.securityfocus.com/cgi-bin/sfonline/columnists-item.pl?id=215

Dave had some surprises up his sleeve as well. You'll remember that I said he was using a ThinkPad (running Windows!). I asked him about that, and he told us that many of the computer security folks back at FBI HQ use Macs running OS X, since those machines can do just about anything: run software for Mac, Unix, or Windows, using either a GUI or the command line. And they're secure out of the box. In the field, however, they don't have as much money to spend, so they have to stretch their dollars by buying WinTel-based hardware. Are you listening, Apple? The FBI wants to buy your stuff. Talk to them!

Check out the OS Myths here: http://www.apple.com/myths/

Apple's Pro Section: http://www.apple.com/pro/archive/index.html#profilm LOTS OF INFO

http://a1520.g.akamai.net/7/1520/51/689272f487240a/www.apple.com/r/store/images/fce_screenshot_01.jpghttp://a1520.g.akamai.net/7/1520/51/689272f487240a/www.apple.com/r/store/images/fce_screenshot_02.jpg
http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/stories/
FinalCut X/Pro Film/Video Editor

OS X info: http://www.apple.com/macosx/

I have used Sonic Foundry's Vegas Video for editing on a PC, its a top-notch program and not incredibly expensive.

Good link for software-shoppers...

http://www.shareprovider.com/edonkey-cat-3.html

And hardware shoppers:

http://www.ncix.com/

[QUOTE=Sieg]Not a bad idea, Spengler, except that I never buy second-hand computer equipment of any kind. If I ever decided to go Mac, I'd get a new one. (Brave words!)

I'll check around tomorrow and get some Mac prices. I have absolutely no idea what they cost. All I know is they're more expensive than PCs. The bottom line is I want the best final results on the screen. If a cheaper PC will deliver, I don't care how hard it is to learn the software.

I once used a try-out version of Premier but didn't get very far. But then, I didn't have any video to play around with. I just fiddled around with the commands. I must admit I was a bit confused by it, but I put that down to my unfamiliarity with such software. I didn't know it was considered the PC standard.

Again, thanks for your input.[/QUOTE]

There are places that sell refurbished Macs complete with a waranty and tech support.

[QUOTE=R MacDonald 14-88]Check out a Mac.

MOST professional graphics, sound, music, and film producers DO NOT TOUCH WINDOWS.

http://www.apple.com/pro/film/murch/

And for good reason... start reading.

http://www.apple.com/motion/
http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/
http://www.apple.com/pro/video/ktvx/
http://www.apple.com/pro/video/scrubs/

And look what the FBI uses...
http://www.securityfocus.com/cgi-bin/sfonline/columnists-item.pl?id=215



Check out the OS Myths here: http://www.apple.com/myths/

Apple's Pro Section: http://www.apple.com/pro/archive/index.html#profilm LOTS OF INFO

http://a1520.g.akamai.net/7/1520/51/689272f487240a/www.apple.com/r/store/images/fce_screenshot_01.jpghttp://a1520.g.akamai.net/7/1520/51/689272f487240a/www.apple.com/r/store/images/fce_screenshot_02.jpg
http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/stories/
FinalCut X/Pro Film/Video Editor

OS X info: http://www.apple.com/macosx/[/QUOTE]

Thanks, Mac. That's a lot of good info! Between you and Spengler, you'll have me convinced. But damn, it's the money! Even a used one costs around $5000 here, which is what in the US? Big bickies! Still, it's only money.

Thanks again.

[QUOTE=Sieg]Thanks, Mac. That's a lot of good info! Between you and Spengler, you'll have me convinced. But damn, it's the money! Even a used one costs around $5000 here, which is what in the US? Big bickies! Still, it's only money.

Thanks again.[/QUOTE]
AMD 2800 processor is all you need and software off of the P2P nets. $750 with a gig of memory and all the add on's. Probably less if you know how to shop around.

Macintosh's mean more to people who are pro's and know how to tweek the living hell out of everything.

You dont need all those buttons and switches, if your just starting out and not showing your films in a theater to DP's who are anally retentive sticklers for unholy perfectness.

[QUOTE=Sieg]Thanks, Mac. That's a lot of good info! Between you and Spengler, you'll have me convinced. But damn, it's the money! Even a used one costs around $5000 here, which is what in the US? Big bickies! Still, it's only money.

Thanks again.[/QUOTE]
HOLY SHIT!! They are nowhere near that much here. Last year I got my G4 Powerbook for $2,000.

[QUOTE=Old White Goat]AMD 2800 processor is all you need and software off of the P2P nets. $750 with a gig of memory and all the add ons. Probably less if you know how to shop around.

Macintoshes mean more to people who are pros and know how to tweak the living hell out of everything.

You dont need all those buttons and switches, if you're just starting out and not showing your films in a theater to DPs who are anally-retentive sticklers for unholy perfectness.[/QUOTE]

Yes, I agree, OWG. I want to get the very best results on screen that I can, but I don't mind doing it the hard way if it saves me money. I'm sure the Macs are easier to use and less prone to problems, but I'd expect the Windows programs to be able to give the same results in the end.

At least, I presume so. More research needed.

[QUOTE=Spengler]HOLY SHIT!! They are nowhere near that much here. Last year I got my G4 Powerbook for $2,000.[/QUOTE]

Our dollar closed at 73c against the US dollar today. And I think that's better than it's been in a long while, (not that I follow any of that shit, because it's all in the hands of the kikes, and I hate to remind myself of that fact).

No, as long as I can get a PC and Windows software to actually produce a good result on the screen, I don't mind if it's a bit harder or slower to use, compared to a Mac.

[QUOTE=R MacDonald 14-88]Check out a Mac.

MOST professional graphics, sound, music, and film producers DO NOT TOUCH WINDOWS.[/QUOTE]

Finally got around to reading all those links you kindly provided, Mac. I'm still drooling! Thanks again.

[QUOTE=Sieg]Finally got around to reading all those links you kindly provided, Mac. I'm still drooling! Thanks again.[/QUOTE] eek!
Mac's are not all that great. (they are known in the industry here as 'candy coloured sex boxes' that’s about all the amount too)

Apple is not renowned for their use of quality components.

Keep away from that elitist junk and buy a quality PC, believe me mac’s are
not as 'secure' and 'crash free' as 'technically unenlightened' people make out.

There’s a reason 95% of the worlds computing population use pc's.
With pc's the hardware is a hell of a lot cheaper to purchase and have installed.

Most programs are written for the windows platform, most of the other 5% is mostly written for some variation of linux/unix.

My mate works at a mid-sized tv station and all they use is PC's and Premiere Pro

(i'm told the apple editing suites are easy to use.. but limited in functionality)

For video editing i'd prob go with a P4 2.8GHz+ with at least 768MB's of Ram and 2x 120GB drives with 8MB's cache on Raid 0. (Basically two or more drives working as one... it's faster.)

Adobe Premiere Pro software is a revolutionary nonlinear video editing
application that takes video and audio production to an entirely new
level.
Features:
* Real-time editing
Take advantage of a new, real-time editing experience that provides
immediate feedback and enables you to edit with amazing speed.
* Multiple, nestable timelines
Take advantage of multiple, nestable timelines to experiment more freely
and manage complex projects more efficiently.
* Advanced color correction
Use color correction tools to adjust hue, saturation, and lightness for
highlights, midtones, and shadows; replace a color throughout a clip with a
single selection; and more.
* Enhanced audio editing
Produce richer, more vibrant audio using sample-level editing, VST filters,
track-based effects, and 5.1 surround sound.
* Customizable keyboard shortcuts
Customize keyboard shortcuts to fit your editing style. Use default presets,
leverage industry-standard shortcuts, or create your own. Export custom sets
to share with colleagues.
* Scalable editing platform
Work closely with your other video software and hardware tools: Adobe
Premiere Pro supports the latest industry standards, including OHCI, ASIO,
AAF, and VST.
* Standard definition/high definition support
Import, edit, and deliver HD or SD productions using certified OEM hardware
with Adobe Premiere Pro. Encode HD Windows MediaT 9 Series content using
the built-in Adobe Media Encoder.
* Unprecedented Adobe integration
Enjoy unmatched integration with your favorite Adobe applications, including
Adobe After Effectsr, Adobe EncoreT DVD, and Adobe Photoshop software.
* Third-party hardware support
Enjoy extensive hardware support and an open architecture that let you work
with everything from an impressive list of DVCAM gear to the latest video
decks and camcorders to third-party hardware, including SD and HD boards.
* Windows XP speed advantage
Make the most of multiple processors, advanced multithreading technology,
and hyperthreading support on the latest Intel Pentium based Windows XP
systems.
* Extensive video format support
Import and work with MPEG-1, MPEG-2, DV, AVI, Windows Media 9 Series, and
QuickTime formats.
* Comprehensive audio format support
Import and work with WAV, WMA, MP3, and AIFF as well as audio-only AVI and
QuickTime formats.
* Support for leading video media
Produce video and audio content for the leading delivery media: broadcast
formats, DV, DVD, CD, VCD, SVCD, and the Web. Output AAF files for sharing
with other professional editing systems.
* Still-image and sequence file support
Work with AI, AI sequence, PSD, PSD sequence, JPEG, TGA, TGA sequence, TIFF,
TIFF sequence, PCX, BMP, and BMP sequence files.
* Direct to DVD
Export Adobe Premiere Pro projects directly to DVD for distribution of
high-quality MPEG-2 content.


http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere/main.html

They have a trial there if need be.

Besides, a one button mouse? Thats just wrong.

This could be you

[font=Arial][size=2]http://www.stonecold128.com/mfac.wmv

I'm just going to copy and paste some stuff i was e-mailed now.

"RE:Video Editing Software
[/size][/font][font=Arial][size=2]Corel Lumiere.... if you can find it any longer.[/size][/font]
[font=Arial][size=2]Otherwise there is a Sony product which is the "god humbley sucks it's cock" of video
editing packages.... apparently..."

"[/size][/font][font=Arial][size=2]Here is that sony package, called Vegas 5, getting awarded best advanced video
editng software of 2003:
[/size][/font][font=Arial][size=2]http://www.videomaker.com/scripts/page.cfm?id=38

[/size][/font]
[font=Arial][size=2]Otherwise there are many, many video editing packages in many different price ranges
to consider:

[/size][/font]

[font=Arial][size=2]Canopus Edius v2.0 - Has seperate FX packages available like Premiere has After
Effects but don't know how it compares. At least four extra FX and encoding packs
available. Has a history in editing with hardware encoders, favoured for farken fast
work. [/size][/font]

[font=Arial][size=2]Ulead Media Studio Pro - My guess is this would be at the cheap end of things, still
rates a mention in the same sentence as Premiere and Edius.

[/size][/font]

[font=Arial][size=2]Pinnacle Liquid Edition V5.5 - Apparently kicks the shit out of Premiere and Final Cut
Pro (according to one enthusiast). There is also a "Pinnacle Studio" but I'm not sure
how it differs."



[/size][/font]

[QUOTE=MuKau]eek!


There’s a reason 95% of the worlds computing population use pc's.
With pc's the hardware is a hell of a lot cheaper to purchase and have installed.

M.[/QUOTE]
Actually Mukau, the reason is the same reason VHS surpassed Betamax as the standard consumer video format. The reason being that JVC (the inventor of VHS) licensed out it's technology to other companies (like IBM did with what's now known as PC) thus making it more affordable. Sony's Betamax was the superior format (like Mac), but they held on to the license (like Apple) and lost the consumer market. The Beta format, however, was the industry standard because it was higher resolution (720 lines of resolution vs. VHS's 250 lines).

Mac is simply better. I've worked on both systems professionally and have personally owned both. Because of experience, Mac is, in my opinion, the better choice for video editing. And every pro I know agrees.

[QUOTE=Spengler]Actually Mukau, the reason is the same reason VHS surpassed Betamax as the standard consumer video format. The reason being that JVC (the inventor of VHS) licensed out it's technology to other companies (like IBM did with what's now known as PC) thus making it more affordable. Sony's Betamax was the superior format (like Mac), but they held on to the license (like Apple) and lost the consumer market. The Beta format, however, was the industry standard because it was higher resolution (720 lines of resolution vs. VHS's 250 lines).

Mac is simply better. I've worked on both systems professionally and have personally owned both. Because of experience, Mac is, in my opinion, the better choice for video editing. And every pro I know agrees.[/QUOTE]
Don't compare, give [font=&quot]references[/font]/proof.

Enjoy your boat anchor. :D

I'm beginning to get confused. :p

But thanks, Moo Cow, and everyone who's contributed, I'm grateful for all the input. I guess I'll just have to try to get my hands on one of each system and try it out. Maybe I should go do a course in video authoring.



[QUOTE=MuKau]eek!
Mac's are not all that great. (they are known in the industry here as 'candy coloured sex boxes' that’s about all the amount too)

Apple is not renowned for their use of quality components.

Keep away from that elitist junk and buy a quality PC, believe me mac’s are
not as 'secure' and 'crash free' as 'technically unenlightened' people make out.

There’s a reason 95% of the worlds computing population use pc's.
With pc's the hardware is a hell of a lot cheaper to purchase and have installed.

Most programs are written for the windows platform, most of the other 5% is mostly written for some variation of linux/unix.

My mate works at a mid-sized tv station and all they use is PC's and Premiere Pro

(i'm told the apple editing suites are easy to use.. but limited in functionality)

For video editing i'd prob go with a P4 2.8GHz+ with at least 768MB's of Ram and 2x 120GB drives with 8MB's cache on Raid 0. (Basically two or more drives working as one... it's faster.)

Adobe Premiere Pro software is a revolutionary nonlinear video editing
application that takes video and audio production to an entirely new
level.
Features:
* Real-time editing
Take advantage of a new, real-time editing experience that provides
immediate feedback and enables you to edit with amazing speed.
* Multiple, nestable timelines
Take advantage of multiple, nestable timelines to experiment more freely
and manage complex projects more efficiently.
* Advanced color correction
Use color correction tools to adjust hue, saturation, and lightness for
highlights, midtones, and shadows; replace a color throughout a clip with a
single selection; and more.
* Enhanced audio editing
Produce richer, more vibrant audio using sample-level editing, VST filters,
track-based effects, and 5.1 surround sound.
* Customizable keyboard shortcuts
Customize keyboard shortcuts to fit your editing style. Use default presets,
leverage industry-standard shortcuts, or create your own. Export custom sets
to share with colleagues.
* Scalable editing platform
Work closely with your other video software and hardware tools: Adobe
Premiere Pro supports the latest industry standards, including OHCI, ASIO,
AAF, and VST.
* Standard definition/high definition support
Import, edit, and deliver HD or SD productions using certified OEM hardware
with Adobe Premiere Pro. Encode HD Windows MediaT 9 Series content using
the built-in Adobe Media Encoder.
* Unprecedented Adobe integration
Enjoy unmatched integration with your favorite Adobe applications, including
Adobe After Effectsr, Adobe EncoreT DVD, and Adobe Photoshop software.
* Third-party hardware support
Enjoy extensive hardware support and an open architecture that let you work
with everything from an impressive list of DVCAM gear to the latest video
decks and camcorders to third-party hardware, including SD and HD boards.
* Windows XP speed advantage
Make the most of multiple processors, advanced multithreading technology,
and hyperthreading support on the latest Intel Pentium based Windows XP
systems.
* Extensive video format support
Import and work with MPEG-1, MPEG-2, DV, AVI, Windows Media 9 Series, and
QuickTime formats.
* Comprehensive audio format support
Import and work with WAV, WMA, MP3, and AIFF as well as audio-only AVI and
QuickTime formats.
* Support for leading video media
Produce video and audio content for the leading delivery media: broadcast
formats, DV, DVD, CD, VCD, SVCD, and the Web. Output AAF files for sharing
with other professional editing systems.
* Still-image and sequence file support
Work with AI, AI sequence, PSD, PSD sequence, JPEG, TGA, TGA sequence, TIFF,
TIFF sequence, PCX, BMP, and BMP sequence files.
* Direct to DVD
Export Adobe Premiere Pro projects directly to DVD for distribution of
high-quality MPEG-2 content.


http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere/main.html

They have a trial there if need be.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Sieg]I'm beginning to get confused. :p

But thanks, Moo Cow, and everyone who's contributed, I'm grateful for all the input. I guess I'll just have to try to get my hands on one of each system and try it out. Maybe I should go do a course in video authoring.[/QUOTE]
No Problem :)


Hope I was helpful.