What would be a good Video-editing software

[drvajra]

I am converting my VHS tapes into DVDs (using a DVD recorder).

I need to delete some of the scences.

Could someone pls advise me which software is user friendly to do this, and also, if there is any free software.

Vajra

[Digiital]

All depends on what you want and how much you want to spend. I personally like Sony's Vegas Video, you can get the light version for about $100.

[chief]

If you have XP you can just use Windows Movie maker, but remember, it's not as detailed as the many programs available.

[Digiital]

I don't think there is anyway he'll be able to convert those windows files back for a DVD. The Sony Vegas Video will do the edit and also includes a DVD authoring program.

http://www.sonymediasoftware.com/Products/ShowProduct.asp?PID=932

[Ken_ver_1_5]

I use nero vision express 2.
its simple easy to use once learned.
mind you if you looking for fancy its not.

main use for me is after using my capture box
to put my vhs to the hd I use nero to add
chapters and simple menu then burn to dvd.

[Les Shaw]

I like Video Explosion. cost me 99 a little while ago

[Marsher]

I have pinacle studio 9... came with my son's video camera....used it a few times seems good... also have a couple that came with my DVD burner but I am at work now and do not know what they are called...

OK checked and they are windvd and neodvd

[drvajra]

Many thanks to Digital, the Chew, Ken, Les and Masher. I truly appreciate your tips.

I am going to purchase what is known as a "DVD Xpress" - it is a device into which the VHS is connected and the output in DVD format is connected to computer via USB cable. I am told it comes with an editing software. I will see how it works.
I also have Nero software, which I haven't tried yet. I hope when I need help, I can count on Ken!

Thank you so much!
Vajra

[jb22]

I'm a fan of Premiere Pro, but that would be over kill for simple video editing. So I suggest Premiere Elements (http://www.adobe.com/products/premiereel/main.html). I think it goes for around $100, or you could buy it bundled with Photoshop Elements for around $180 (http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10049665&catid=10599).

[Ken_ver_1_5]

Many thanks to Digital, the Chew, Ken, Les and Masher. I truly appreciate your tips.

I am going to purchase what is known as a "DVD Xpress" - it is a device into which the VHS is connected and the output in DVD format is connected to computer via USB cable. I am told it comes with an editing software. I will see how it works.
I also have Nero software, which I haven't tried yet. I hope when I need help, I can count on Ken!

Thank you so much!
Vajra

is that the ads dvd express if so its a great capture device.
I have been using one for some time now.
capwiz is the program that allows you to capture to the hd
or use dtd direct to disk dvd.

[drvajra]

Someone recommended ASUS TV-FM card which is only $65, but apparently it helps one to watch TV, record and edit videos. This sounds better than DVD-Express. Any thoughts?
Vajra.

[sybil]

It depends what you want to do. If you also want tv and pvr capabilities, then a tv tuner card will also do vcr captures. In that case, I would recommend either the Hauppauge WinTV-PVR 150 or the Sapphire Theatrix Theatre 550 Pro (ATI). Both are hardware encoders and good quality. They both require WinXP. The 150 can be obtained as oem version (no remote or ir blaster), but requires 3rd party software for the tv. There is a good free application called GB-PVR. The Sapphire card comes with software.
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=006356&cid=CC.344
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=006803&cid=CC.344
The Wintv-pvr 150 retail version runs about $149 at Future Shop / Best Buy, but goes on sale occ for about $100. That version has the remote and an ir blaster to allow you to use a digital box and get all the channels. If you didn't need that, I would go with the oem.
http://www.gbpvr.com/

For just straight editing - ie cutting, rearranging etc. one program that works well and iis very fast is VideoRedo.
http://www.videoredo.com/?src=VRD2004-09-08
It's not too expensive and there is a demo to see if it does what you want.

[drvajra]

Thank you so much, Sybil, I appreciate the suggestions.
Vajra.

[Glen]

Hi Sybil. I have a quick question for you if you don't mind. If you read my DVD Express post you see I am having a problem with recording when it hits a static (blank) spot on the tape. From your experience with the Hauppauge does this happen?

[sybil]

Hi drvajra and Glen. I haven't installed the WinTV-pvr 150 yet - I also have an ati aiw 9600pro which I have been using for tv recording, but wanted to try the Hauppauge card for compatibility and also because I'm gradually working up to building an htpc. The version I bought is the retail version (was on sale at FS) and includes Ulead DVD MovieFactory and an mpeg editor. It also includes the tv scheduler, which I have heard isn't great, hence the discussion on 3rd party applications. I plan on installing it in the next couple of days, so should have some first hand experience then. (dual tuners - can watch and record at the same time or record 2 different channels).

Glen - I haven't tried recording from vhs tapes yet, but I don't see why it wouldn't continue recording until you stop it. I can try it later. When you talk about static, I'm not quite sure what you mean (I'm not totally computer challenged, but am definitely electronically challenged.........;) ) Is that a blank spot on the tape between segments, or an interference of some kind? Is it some thing I can reproduce, say by recording something, then say recording nothing, then recording something else? (lol - sorry to be so dense!)

[Glen]

Ummm.....heh, heh...I think it is when I turn my camcorder off and start again on another date. The screen has nothing but noise on it. This is a Sony Handycam from 17 years ago playing Super 8mm tapes.