And also look at Pyro's FW and Premiere bundle. I hear (but have not confirmed) that it's sub-$300 . Nothing whatsoever against Vegas; just rounding out the recommendations.

While we're at it: Avid Xpress DV 3.5 StudentPack, non-commercial use for qualified degree seeking students, for sub-$500.

What will be interesting is what adobe and a few sites are rumouring.

They are going to combine premiere with after effects, and make basicly one giant NLE. If that becomes a reality, except for the sound manipulation, that would be an almost unbeatable package.

Zac

Well, thank you everyone for your input. Although the conversation did stray a little from my topic it was very interesting. How cool it must be to get paid for doing something so fun. I'm envyous. But, either for better or worse, I have chosen a different career path and will never be a professional editor. So I have taken it up as a hobby.

Just so you know where I am coming from, I did a few projects on Videowave and Ulead but always felt pretty severely limited in what I could do and how fast I could do it. Which is why I started investigating these other products. Since this is just my hobby stability, ease of use and ease of installation are important, so I can spend more time playing and less time troubleshooting. However, I also want to have the flexibility to use some neat tools (things I mentioned in my original text) and make a great looking video.

From all of the discussion I am leaning towards buying Vegas Video and then if I want more, getting something diferent when its time to upgrade my computer.

I realize there are many good video editing tools available, most people have their favorite and even the best ones have their weaknesses. But for what I want to do it sounds like Vegas Video would probably meet my needs at a reasonable price. Anyone strongly disagree?

Thanks again for helping me with this really difficult and confusing decision. And thanks Rick for the generous offer to help me if I get a Canopus product.

Thats interesting--AE and Premiere combined into one giant package---I think that they will have to concentrate on tweaking premiere a bit----Hey, I have an idea---what about Adobe buys Vegas (is will be sold within 90 days--) dumping Premiere--and creating the super application Vegas After Effects---(headache, bags under your eyes, anxiety about credit).

I think that would be a nightmare for VV3 users. If Adobe bought VV3 they would probably merge it into Premiere and VV3 would disappear as you know it. That would be a shame, because it is a very good NLE.

Jeff

Charlie White of Digital Media Net has done a great job comparing the RTX.100 vs DV Storm2 vs Pro-One RTDV

http://www.digitalproducer.com/2002/...ootout2003.htm

Check it out!!

Gary
Videoguys.com