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When it comes to software for high end users and those truly familiar with video editing, picking the right program depends on preference as much as price. Things start to become a bit trickier when it comes to picking software for first time users, or those with less than high pro needs.
Coming in at just under $100, Sony’s Screenblast Movie Studio Video Editing Software could be one of the better packages for neophyte film makers. In terms of wizards, ease of use and the basic core of the application—which in this case is Vegas Video from the now defunct Sonic Foundry—there are some very compelling reasons why this is a good choice for new users.
Just as Adobe has taken over Syntrillium, Sony has taken over the software titles previously developed by Sonic Foundry. What this spells for end users is greater support, more options and continued development by corporations with huge resources for future R and D.
The similarities between Vegas and Movie Studio are marked. This is great for end users in that you are given a format that will suit you well should you opt to upgrade to more professional packages. Given the heritage of the program as a high end application, Movie Studio goes out of its way to make the process of video creation as simple as possible.
Overcoming one of my pet peeves, poorly written user manuals, Sony has given Movie Studio a really solid, actually pleasant, 123 page book that can get you up and running. If you don’t know the difference between an IEEE 1394 port and a USB 2.0 port, this book will break it down for you. Without being too condescending, and taking just the right tone, I am rather impressed that the book makes it easier to comprehend what digital video is all about. To give you an idea, think of an abbreviated version of those "...for dummies" books that seem to pop up everywhere. Mercifully minus the jokes and comic happy heads, this booklet will get you up and running.
If that were not enough, there are wizards and helpers that take some of the difficulties out of the digital video creation process. Another helpful feature is the site www.screenblast.com itself. With a paid subscription, the site becomes a full featured portal for help tips, downloadables and online help. There is a free version as well. As to be expected the gratis subscription is severely truncated when contrasted to the subscription service. There is a trial version of the site available that provides a glimpse into what is offered. For new users with broadband connections, the advantages are ease of understanding video software, templates and special tips.
Using a time line approach, as opposed to a story board one, everything is placed on the timeline window. There one literally pieces together a video production. Again, if you are familiar with the Vegas interface, there is very little here that will be unfamiliar.
For Sony Camcorder owners whose format is the proprietary MicroMV format, Movie Studio fully supports this format. In the arena of lower priced video editing software, it is important to locate this feature. It is not a format commonly supported by many applications.
Another important feature is that Movie Studio ships with a DVD creation tool. This allows you to make a DVD from your video files that can be viewed on either PC’s or DVD Television players. This again is an important feature and saves you having to purchase a separate application for DVD creation. The included MY DVD also includes the ability to create video CD’s from standard CD’s.
For new Digital Video Camcorder owners, and in particular those with Sony MicroMV format cameras, there is much here to recommend this surprisingly sophisticated application. Friendly enough for new users, and powerful enough for those that want rich special effects and convenience, this is a very strong package. Installation wise, the program installed and worked without so much as a single problem.
For those that want to get their proverbial feet wet in digital video editing, this is a very good solid starting point that is price point friendly.
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