Professional video editing software

[Oreo]

I'm thinking about getting in to some video editing soon but I'm not to up to date on what software there is. What are some of the best video editing apps for the PC? I'm looking for something for intermediate to advanced users, no pure beginner stuff. Are there any good digital video sites with reviews and stuff? I know about Premiere and Ulead Media Studio but aren't there other more powerful apps out there (even though Premiere is quite good)?

 

[LethalWolfe]

I'd rank editing software like this:
1. AVID Media Composer
2. AVID Xpress/XpressDV
3. Final Cut Pro 2
4. Premiere 6.0

Of course, you have to make sure that your hardware will run w/said software.

www.videoguys.com
www.matrox.com
www.justedit.com
www.abcdv.com

Lethal

 

[Oreo]

Does Avid Media Composer have anything to do with Ulead Media Composer? Why would my hardware not be able to run this software? Or is just a matter of having enough MB's and MHz? Final Cut Pro is only out for the Mac right?

 

[LethalWolfe]

AVID and Ulead are not related expcet in having a similiar name. Pro level proggies (like AVID) are only certified to run on specfic systems(If you go to www.avid.com you can find a recommended hardware and prebuilt system list). Just like Pro or Prosumer level editing hardware won't run w/all hardware combonations(Canopus, Matrox, etc. all have recommended hardware lists). This is one reason why Mac's are so popular. A G4 is a G4. Manufacturers don't have to worry about different procs, chipsets, mobo's, etc. Makes R&D and tech support alot easier.
FCP is Mac only. AVID and Premiere are sold in PC and Mac versions. In my experience AVID software runs much better(more stable) on Macs. I've never used Premiere on a Mac, only on PC. If given the choice between PC or Mac, I'd always pic Mac. I'd never edit on a PC unless I had no other choice.

That said, I built a video editing PC around the Matrox RT2500 video capture card and Premiere 6.0. I've had a couple of bumps in the road, but she's done everything I've asked of her.

My biggest suggestion is to pick what video capture card you want (Matrox, Canopus, etc.) and follow the manufacturer's recommended hardware list. Or, if you have the money for AVID, find out what hadware AVID supports and go by that list.

Lethal

 

[Oreo]

Ok, thanks. It's just that Macs are so damn expensive for what you get. I mean even in their absolute highend dual G4 you get 5400 rpm HDs. They're ripping off their own loyal customers it seems like.

 

[LethalWolfe]

Yeah, Macs are a bit on the expensive side. Only the low-end G4 has a 5400RPM HDD, but that doesn't bug me 'cause I'd buy extra HDDS to hold the A/V files anyway.


Lethal