OK. As of right now, which inexpensive (less than $100) editing program produces:

1. The best picture; ie the least rerendered, the clearest, the cleanest video picture when producing either DVD or AVCHD?

2. The best sound; with either stereo or 5.1 surround sound?

3. The best feature set; including transitions, titles, menus, tools, etc.?

4. The best selection of free music; the greatest selection (most number and greatest variety)?

5. The best for ease of use/stability when using?

I do not have an up to date computer with superpowers, but what I have (32 bit, 4 quad, vista PC) does do quite well. When I edit my AVCHD/HDV videos from my two camcorders, I will produce both regular DVDs and AVCHD DVDs. I use the tools included in the original program package, not spending anything on extra add-ons. I am interested in producing the best total product that I can without spending several hundreds of dollars on a pro level editing program. So far I have purchased and used Pinnacle 12, and Nero 8. I have downloaded trials for Power Director 9 and Corel Pro 4(?). They all seem very close in performance, while they vary in the features they offer. Power Director seems to have the best music, while Pinnacle seems to have the best titles and transitions (at least what I have seen).

Is there anything out there now that you would recommend? And why?
Is there anything on the horizon that you have heard about that might be better than what is available now?

Thanks.
Mike

Hi Mike--

I'd think you should at least check out the free trials of Vegas Movie Studio and Premiere Elements and see what you think.

Thanks Adam. I will take a look at those programs and get back to you.

Anybody else?

For whatever reason, my computer will not let me download the trial versions of the Sony Vegas. Does anyone have a link to the free trials for Sony Vegas and Adobe Premiere?

Corel VideoStudio Pro X4 Ultimate!

stelios