Video editing software

[NRaygun]

OK, I've had it with Pinnacle Systems Studio 8. :|

I've been trying to get it to work on a clean install of XP with all of the latest patches, drivers, updates, etc. It's unstable, unpredictable, and just not working out. Right now it crashes every time I close it.

I've spent way too much time trying to get it to work and I'm done with it.

Can anyone recommend a better alternative? I'm looking for the following characteristics:

1. Stable (under XP SP1)
2. Plenty of fades, transitions, special effects
3. Ability to create a DVD or VCD directly(although, I have Nero 6)
4. Good compatibility with an ATI AIW 9700 Pro (I also have a DC10Plus)
5. Ability to create slide shows from stills - some effects on the stills would be cool (pan, zoom, etc.)
5. Inexpensive - under $100 would be good

I might even give Windows Movie Maker another look here in a minute.

Any suggestions?

 

[DOSfan]

My roomate uses Pinnacle 8 on his XP machine and has no problems with it.

Of course, he may not use it as intensively as you.....

What is your memory like?

Have you ruled out your hardware?

My point is, it may not be the software.

I would test the hardware first. It would be a shame to get new editing software and have a hardware problem instead.

Good luck to you!

 

[Nothinman]

I tried Pinnacle Studio 8 when I had Win2K on my laptop and I noticed it was crash happy too, and the one time it did finish rendering the video it was corrupt. I quickly removed that software and stopped working on the project, it's just too much hassle when I can just make SVCDs a lot easier.

If I absolutely had to use a DVD I'd probably now just take the video over to my friend's and use his Mac heh.

 

[NapalmKing]

I use Ulead Video Studio 5.0, although I only use it for video editing. It many effects off the box, but you can add more or even make your own...

 

[beer]

Windows Movie Maker does all those tasks. If you have Nero, you are set.....

 

[LethalWolfe]

Stable editing progam. On windows. At/Under $100. Pick any two . You could give Avid FreeDV a whirl, but if you are used to low-end editing software you will probably hate the interface. But it's free so what the hell, right?


Lethal

 

[mrbass]

Originally posted by: NRaygun
OK, I've had it with Pinnacle Systems Studio 8. :|


5. Ability to create slide shows from stills - some effects on the stills would be cool (pan, zoom, etc.)
5. Inexpensive - under $100 would be good
Any suggestions?

memoriesontv I think the url is picturetotv.com not sure it's $49 if you wish to output to dvd...has ken burn effects.

 

[NRaygun]

Thanks everyone for their suggestions. Here are a few replies to some posts/questions:

I dont think I have any hardware problems. Except for Studio 8, everything else seems fine.
I have 512MB of memory, 40GB main drive, 100GB secondary, and a 240GB RAID0 config(2x120GB WD+8MB drives)
I've considered a Mac
Ulead Video Studio might be worth looking at
Movie Maker might be an option - and free! Well, sort of...
Avid FreeDV - but if I really like it, $995 is a bit much for a full version
MemoriesOnTV looks like a good solution for just the photo tasks

Any other recommendations?

 

[flexy]

It's not under $100, but ...SonicFoundry (now Sony) Vegas4.0 - hands down !!!!

 

[NicColt]

Originally posted by: flexy
It's not under $100, but ...SonicFoundry (now Sony) Vegas4.0 - hands down !!!!

but they do have Sonic Video Factory for $69 or so.... that will do most of what Vegas will do.

 

[Relayer]

Originally posted by: Elemental007
Windows Movie Maker does all those tasks. If you have Nero, you are set.....

I don't think Windows Movie Maker can make an Mpeg2.

 

[cpars]

Originally posted by: Relayer

Originally posted by: Elemental007 Windows Movie Maker does all those tasks. If you have Nero, you are set.....

I don't think Windows Movie Maker can make an Mpeg2.

I believe you are right , It can open mpeg 2 files but i cannot see an option to save as one. Also i would like to add that i have had very few problems with studio 8 and i do quite a bit of home movie editing along with some other recorded content.I wish it was a bit faster but as far as completing what i need it to do it's fine.

 

[NRaygun]

How's Roxio Videowave?

I'm downloading the demo - 436MB!