I have used Ulead Media Studio in the past (version 5 I think) it was pretty good.

But now I am starting over and the technology has changed (DVD, Mpeg2 not SVHS, Mpeg1). I can't afford a Mac platform, however I can whip a Athlon PC platform together for around a $1,000. The Sony DVD burner comes with some DVD software. Is it good enough to start and what else should I use for "authoring".

Is the software that comes with the Sony PD150 or the Canon GL2 any good for authoring or burning?

Any comments would help, please reply.

Mark

I don't want to spend a $1,000 on editing software yet.

I saw that Ulead DVD workshop is affordable and Pinnacle Studio 8 is also affordable.

Is there a much better solution for a little more money?

Solution #1
Media Studio Pro 7 = $400 approx (should have everything I need)
$400 total

Solution #2
Ulead DVD Workshop = $250 approx
Pinnacle Studio 8 = $70 approx
$320 total

Solution #3
Sony software with DVD burner = Free
Pinnacle Studio 8 = $70 approx
$70 total

Solution #4
Your recommendation, I don't have much experience with anything other than Ulead. (remember PC with 2.4 gig athlon, 1 gig mem)

Thanks in advance.
Mark

Check out Video Factory 2.0 (http://www.sonicfoundry.com/Products/showproduct.asp?PID=490).

If you decide you need more features down the road, Sonic Foundry has an upgrade path to Vegas 4 (http://www.sonicfoundry.com/shopping/category.asp?id=10&PRCat=52).

I don't think Video Factory 2.0 allows you to "author" DVDs, you will probably need to get separate software for that.

Pinnacle Studio 8 is one of the reasons why what little hair I haven't pulled out is now grey at 34.

Between random crashes, and the program just deciding to "go away" right in the middle of an editing session (A problem which I can replicate on different computers - both Athlon and Intel) I switched to using a combination of Vegas Video and Premier, depending on what I know how to do in each program.

With that said, my vote goes for Vegas.

BTW - I should get a reply back from managment on Thursday in regards to if I can be off to help you out on the 11th.

Have a good night-

-Phil

I am in favor of Vegas 4 with DVD Architect. Easy upgrade path. Tons of advanced features.

Pinnacle Studio 8 is one of the reasons why what little hair I haven't pulled out is now grey at 34.


No argument here! I really hate that program. In addition to crashes, it has some of the most un-intuitive features ever. They're just little things that compound to become very, very annoying.

it may be cheaper (if it is possible) to purchase vegas3 and then get the vegas 4 upgrade....just my .02

Since you're already familiar with MSP I think you should strongly consider the upgrade to 7.0 I have 6.0 and have tried the 30 day 7.0 demo. It seems to have made some good improvements-speed of render being one of them.

I think I am going to download it and try it.

Mark