Need recommendations for PC/software for editing HD video

[rogman]

The hard drive on my Sony SR11 is nearly full, and I'm in the market for a PC to edit the video and burn it to DVD-Rs (in AVCHD format) and later (when the prices come down) to BR discs. I'm not sure how much horsepower I'll need to edit/author the HD video. Here are the specs I'm looking at on an HP desktop PC:

• AMD Phenom X4 9850 Quad-core (2.5GHz)
• Windows Vista 64-bit
• 6GB RAM
• NVIDIA GeForce 9800GT w/512k VRAM
• 750GB hard drive

Is that enough to edit 1080P video? (Without the rendering taking all night!)

Also, any recommendations for editing/authoring software? The two biggies (with support for AVCHD) seem to be Sony Vegas and Pinnacle Studio. I have an old version of Studio (8) that seemed to work great- except for the fact that it crashed all the time. Has anyone used either/both for editing HD video? Preference? Thanks!

[aygie]

What format are your video files? .m2ts?

[arush5268d]

What kind of budget do you have for this? A quad core Intel Xeon would blow that AMD chip out of the water.

[dvcmember]

Roxio's Creator 2009 and Nero's Ultra 8 should also be considered. Both Nero and Roxio web sites indicate that you can edit AVCHD videos and burn to Blu-ray (assuming you have a Blu-ray burner). However, I do not have an AVCHD camcorder (I have a Sony HDV model) so I can't offer any tips or information based on actual experience.

I just bought Roxio Creator 2009 and haven't tried yet to create a Blu-ray with it. It comes with a free Blu-ray plugin through the end of September.

I have used older versions of Sony's Vegas and Pinnacle Studio as well as Nero 6 Ultra and Roxio's Creator 10 (featuring Videowave) to create standard definition DVDs. I've always preferred the User interfaces in the latter two products and have always been satisfied with the final burned DVD. Also, I believe Sony's Vegas product has a steeper learning curve to master than the other products but that could just be me.

As far as your equipment goes, I think you have more than adequate specs. However, take a look at the requirements on any software box before you purchase to ensure compatibility. Good luck burning those videos in Hi-Def, my friend!

[rogman]

Originally Posted by Aygie

What format are your video files? .m2ts?

Yup. That's the format.

[rogman]

Originally Posted by arush5268d

What kind of budget do you have for this? A quad core Intel Xeon would blow that AMD chip out of the water.

The HP is about $1,200 w/19" LCD. I could probably go up to about 2k. I've spent a lot on electronics lately though, so I don't want to go that high unless I have to. I'd like to get 4-5 years out of it, and the editing is probably the only 'power app' I'll have. Maybe some Flight Simulator, but not much else in gaming.

[Deadset]

Originally Posted by rogman

Also, any recommendations for editing/authoring software?

A good friend of mine is really into drag racing and just about a year ago started making movies of the car builds / races with music etc. He swears by Sony Vegas. He said it's THE best editing software he's ever used.

I asked him b/c I recently bought a HD camcorder b/c we had a new addition to the family. It's just a matter of time before I get that software to make DVD's, but I'll most likely go with Vegas just b/c I've seen what it can do.

[arush5268d]

If you want to get that much use out of this - you should take a look at a Xeon based system. Those processors are really good at handling intensive crunching with large files. Also, the rest of the system is designed to keep up with intensive duty.

[LORDs_angellos]

Those specs should be fine for you. For Vudeo-editing software I recommend Corel VideoStudio Pro X2. That can easily handle AVCHD and much more. Its MSRP is $99.99 but you can probably find it for less if you look around.

[aygie]

What kind of editing do you want to do? and what type of footage is ti? ie personal or professional?

To be honest i'm a Mac guy 100%. I own a Panasonic HVX and use Final Cut Pro for editing. I've used Vegas and adobe premier and just didn't like them. (But this is just out of personal preference not due to the programs lacking anything.)

I think what your after is something for home type of movies and an editing program which is simple yet affective. If i was you i'd go for an iMac (loads of different types to suit your needs) and use iMovie, and if that isn't powerful enough for then upgrade to FCP.

[CyberVisions]

No offense to anyone here, but Vegas is at least a comparable professional tool, though not the tool of choice for most in the industry, and the rest listed above are for home studios. If you want professional HD video editing tool/s, then Adobe Premier and After Effects are what you should be looking at for primary production video programs, with Adobe Encore, SoundBooth, Ultra and OnLocation optional programs depending on your particular project.

However,while your system configuration will do HD video without any problems, using Adobe programs depend on your expertise level, your system configuration, and your wallet - these are not entry level programs at all and they're not cheap by any means. With new HD and Blu-Ray support added to the CS3 versions, you need expanded graphics, RAM and CPU speed capability as well, and your system configuration is well within those limits. For HD you only need a minimum of 1g RAM, 2 recommended. Those of us with 64bit systems are going to have fun when the expanded RAM programs start hitting the streets.

If you already own either an Adobe suite or an old Macromedia suite, you can get Adobe's Master Collection for a discounted price which includes Premier, AE, Soundbooth (like Sony DM's Cinescore), Encore (Adobe's version of DVD Architect,but better), OnLocation (if you know enough about professional production methods on site) and Adobe Ultra, which is a really cool "green screen" backdrop program that you can use to add pre-existing backdrops or your own for video projects. You can also get them in a CS3 Video suite CS3 Production).

Premier, AE and the other programs I mentioned are available on the Adobe site as full version trials that last 30 days if you want to try them. Your system config will have no problem as I'm running them on my HDX notebook. Keep in mind though, that officially Adobe's position is that their programs aren't as yet supported by 64bit systems - but I and others haven't had any problems so far.

Soundbooth is more of a scoring tool, but if you're looking for a good audio editor/mastering program, then Sound Forge is the way to go. Sony DM bought it when they bought part of Sonic Foundry about 6 years ago. It has support for HD audio mastering.

The CS4 Beta's are currently out, with CS4 final release set for the 23rd, so if you decide to get them in any form, wait until the CS4 release in a couple of weeks. If nothing else check out the demo's on the Adobe site - the new tools are cool.

If you want to get them and then get trained, you can always go to Lynda.com for professional online courses for the programs I've mentioned.
Adobe's site is at http://www.adobe.com

[rogman]

Originally Posted by Deads3t

...He swears by Sony Vegas. He said it's THE best editing software he's ever used...

A few reviews I've read, plus some of the comments here have indicated the Vegas interface is a bit complex with a steep learning curve. That's the price you pay for additional power, I guess.

While I'm pretty computer savvy, I don't have tons of time to spend editing videos. It's strictly family movies, but in the past I've liked Pinnacle Studio's ease of use, and the features (like the timed music, animated menus, etc.) I may end up getting a trial of both Vegas and Studio and comparing. Still need to look at some of the others mentioned...

Some of the professional packages mentioned (I have Macromedia Studio that I use for my Web sites) sound good, so I may check further, especially if I can get an upgrade discount. However, some of the features may be overkill, and like I said, I won't have tons of time for editing.

[CyberVisions]

Which old Macromedia studio suite do you have (there were so many)?

Macromedia Trivia question - What was Dreamweaver called before it became Dreamweaver?

BTW, if you haven't seen the DW CS4 Beta, you should take a look.

Concerning Vegas, I have other friends that also say that Vegas has a hard learning curve, but I think it may be the difference between the light home studio version and the Pro version, which you can get training for.

Check out this link at PC Mag for a comparison of HD Video software for Home Studio use:

http://tinyurl.com/6zmtrr

The reviews and comparisons are very recent and should give you a good overview of what you're looking for within your particular budget.

[Deadset]

Originally Posted by rogman

A few reviews I've read, plus some of the comments here have indicated the Vegas interface is a bit complex with a steep learning curve. That's the price you pay for additional power, I guess.

While I'm pretty computer savvy, I don't have tons of time to spend editing videos. It's strictly family movies, but in the past I've liked Pinnacle Studio's ease of use, and the features (like the timed music, animated menus, etc.) I may end up getting a trial of both Vegas and Studio and comparing. Still need to look at some of the others mentioned...

Some of the professional packages mentioned (I have Macromedia Studio that I use for my Web sites) sound good, so I may check further, especially if I can get an upgrade discount. However, some of the features may be overkill, and like I said, I won't have tons of time for editing.

I asked him to send me what he thought about the learning curve... I've never used it so I can't say. From what I've read, you may have to spend some good quality time with learning all the ins and outs of it.

Sorry can't help you other than that. Personally, I've just been making mpg2 files from my HD camcorder so that I can share them easily on the web and DVD, for that I use the Corel software that came with my Canon HG10. It's real simple, but I'm also in the market to upgrade to something ... of course after the base ment is done

Good luck!

[rogman]

Originally Posted by CyberVisions

Which old Macromedia studio suite do you have (there were so many)?

Macromedia Trivia question - What was Dreamweaver called before it became Dreamweaver?

BTW, if you haven't seen the DW CS4 Beta, you should take a look.

Concerning Vegas, I have other friends that also say that Vegas has a hard learning curve, but I think it may be the difference between the light home studio version and the Pro version, which you can get training for.

Check out this link at PC Mag for a comparison of HD Video software for Home Studio use:

http://tinyurl.com/6zmtrr

The reviews and comparisons are very recent and should give you a good overview of what you're looking for within your particular budget.

I'm pretty sure it's 2004. I have no idea what Fireworks was called though. Thanks for the link to the article. I'll check it out!

[Chevypower]

Get Sony Vegas Pro 8, it comes with DVD Architect 4.5 (with free upgrade to 5.0) that's what I would recommend for a PC, it's also very easy to use.

[CyberVisions]

Originally Posted by rogman

I'm pretty sure it's 2004. I have no idea what Fireworks was called though. Thanks for the link to the article. I'll check it out!

Not Fireworks!! Fireworks has always been called Fireworks.

Dreamweaver was originally released as Version 2. Before that it was called Backstage Internet Studio.

That's my "Useless Historical Trivia" for today.

With 2004 MX it'll get you a good discount, but it's still $1999 (no decimal). However, you could get the CS3 Production Premium set for $1099 with your old suite serial number for the upgrade.

Looking at some of the reviews at the link I posted yesterday, the new Pinnacle was clearly the top dog on the list, having added some new interface adaptations and other things to make it easier to use. That's one thing about Adobe programs - their toolsets are pretty standard across all their programs, so once you learn them it's pretty easy. It's learning them that takes time.

The best way to see if you like anything is to download and use a trial version first, and most of the major vendors offer trials for their programs. For your system configuration though, if you're going to do HD video, then upgrade to Ultimate and use at least 2g RAM. Anything less then make sure you have an ample supply of coffee and donuts while you wait for your system to compile your project.

Anyone here reading that has had problems with Vista likely hasn't used Ultimate or is using a minimal configuration with a Home Edition. Get with the real world and upgrade, not downgrade, unless you really like fingernails on a chalkboard....

[Chevypower]

I will also add that I have and have used final cut studio 2, final cut express, adobe master collection cs3, Sony vegas pro 8.
I don't recommend using adobe cs3 for AVCHD as you need to convert it on a third party program to import your footage which is time consuming.

[rogman]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback and recommendations. At this point I'm leaning towards the configuration I mentioned earlier and the Pinnacle software. It seems to have most of the features I'll need, won't have the learning curve of something more complex, and won't break the bank.

Still may try a couple free downloads though...

[Deadset]

Rogman, that's probably your best bet. I spoke with my friend and he said he spent weeks and close to months figuring out the ins / outs of Vegas, to use it to some functionality...so it's pretty indepth.