dvd editing on pc? which programe to use?

Randini3333

Every time you convert to a different format you loose quality so you’d be better off staying in DVD ‘s native format which is mpeg2 (.mpeg or .mpg). Then find a video editor that will let you edit in this format.


Search for software that will let you “rip” or convert video from VOB to mpg. To preserve quality you need to make sure your rip the video at the same screen size as the orginal video (720pixels x 576pixels for PAL). Your loss in quality converting to .wmv may also be because your software is reducing the resolution to lower numbers than these. Some software assume you want your end result to be broadcast on Youtube rather than home cinema.

Can’t give you any advice on free programs because I use paid for software (DVDFab) for ripping.


As for burning to DVD - this is a two stage process. First the editing software will convert your video to an .mpg file and then it will put it in a .VOB file container and burn it onto a DVD according to the DVD standard structure. Again, if your video is already an .mpg file you’ll preserve quality because the software is saved step one.


I’m getting the idea from your post that you’re copying your edited Windows Movie Maker files onto a DVD disc and expecting it to play on your TV? If so, I’m afraid life isn’t that simple. DVD’s have a very strict file structure - of which converting your final video to VOB files is only part. Decent DVD creation software will take care of all this for you automatically.

Have a look at the guides at the Doom9 forum - they specialise in advice on free video software and how to use it.

tomstickland

I've been using Windows Movie Maker for a few years. It's OK as long as you don't make a project too large. It has several glitches and will crash sometimes, so I keep saving work. It lacks flexibility, but for basic editing it's fine.
If you go above about 8 minutes and a hundred splices it might struggle to compile. Then you have to split the project into two, compile the two bits and then joing them together in a 3rd project.

I'm on the lookout for something better.

23n1th

Try Avidemux brilliant video editor fairly simple to use and great documentation.

tomstickland

I'm just having a play with various editors.
So far I've had a look at http://www.avs4you.com/AVS-Video-Editor.aspx?type=GoogleAdWordsContent&gclid=CMij7rLdoaICFVWY2AodA2pOwg

It looks similar to windows movie maker, but with a lot more control over the effects. I've been using it straight away without having to read the instructions, so pretty intuitive to use too.

tomstickland

I'm just trying out Cyber Link Power director.
All three (Windows Movie Maker, AVS, Cyberlink Power Director) have similar interfaces. Timeline along the bottom, preview screen on the right, media library, effects etc on the top left.

I don't think that Powerlink offers much over and above AVS from what I've seen so far.

Only extra features it has are the ability to reverse video and improved cropping. If you want to take a clip and start with a zoom and finish with a different zoom then doing that in Power Director is pretty simple via the Powertools. In AVS you'd have to put two zoom effects on and ramp one down and the other up to create a similar effect.

I slightly prefer the AVS interface. However, I couldn't stretch the screen layout to give me a bigger preview window, somthing that Microsoft and Power Director do.

Powerdirector has claimed 260MB of system memory and is now complaining that there's not enough available.

tomstickland

I've done a bit of googling. Other big names are:

Adobe Premier Elements
http://tryit.adobe.com/uk/premierelements/?sdid=DMUDB&

Didn't get on with this at all. Very slow to start up. Menus and layout all looked grainy and pixelated on my screen. Video playback during editing really low res looking. Might be some settings, but all the others just worked.

Pinnacle
http://www.pinnaclesys.com/PublicSite/uk/Products/Consumer+Products/Home+Video/Studio+Family/Studio+HD+14.htm




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tomstickland

Oh dear, not going too well for Corel VideoStudio.
I've installed it but I can't work out how to import files.
I've done what the help told me to but the OK button is greyed out for all the folders containing the raw avi files.
I assume that it's because they don't contain what it expects, but I've yet to find out what it expects.

I'm just asking on their help forum.

tomstickland

Well, I've worked it out now by trial and error.
Obvious really. To import files you have to go via "import from mobile device" and that includes your hard drive. Then you have to edit the folders that it uses to include those that you want.

That's all sorted now.

My next challenge is to zoom a video clip. This is proving a challenge.

By now I'd already made a video on AVS.

S0litaire

If you want to go "overkill" and professional ^_~ (well there may be someone who wants to do a bit more than the windows stuff gives you)
Try DVD-Lab: (30day free trial)
http://www.mediachance.com/dvdlab/

I use it all the time, it's Professional software.

It looks complicated but in reality you can simplify it down to "drag and drop" (and ignore all the extra options).

tomstickland

Oh dear, look at the Amazon reviews for Adobe Premiere Elements:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/B002OB5G70/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_helpful?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending