bit-tech Shopping: Sony Vegas Movie Studio plus DVD8 Platinum - Windows

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Months

Strengths: features, "show me how" tutorials, mix/match SD & HD video, handles Canon AVCHD (MTS files), DVD Architect included, external (2nd) monitor support

Weaknesses: doesn't output to Bluray, doesn't output to 1920x1080, 4 video track limit, places many project files on hard drive

Summary: This is the "lite" version of Sony's more powerful and feature packed Vegas Pro 8, which costs 6 times more! I have tried both (trial versions) applications and the interface is almost the same. The Pro version has more features and unlimited tracks. But I was looking for a consumer level video editing app that costs under $100 and can handle Canon AVCHD video codec. After using the trial version, I eventually purchased it after I found it works with Canon's AVCHD (MTS) files from my Canon HF-100 HD camcorder.What I liked about MS8 is the easy to use interface and "free form" flexibility on the timeline. For example, you can just drag and move clips, overlap them to add an automatic cross disolve, easy trimming, ripple editing, "daisy-chain" effects (for example, combine sharpen with color correction).It has many powerful features like compositing tracks, "Green screen" chroma key effects, text generator, keyframing, track motion, color correction, transitions, SFX filters and plug-in support. It also has really good dolby sound editing capabilities.MS8 can output to many different formats including PSP and standard definition DVD. However, it (nor DVD studio architect) does NOT support burning to Bluray. It does support output to 720p but will not burn to BR. I do not have a Bluray burner nor an HDTV yet, so I have not tried this feature. However, the output to standard def DVD (down converted to SD) looks really good!The included DVD Architect application works seamlessly with MS8. If you use markers in your MS8 project, DVDA will automatically detect it. DVDA lets you create nice DVD menus with motion or still backgrounds, slideshows, and navigation or scene selection menus. You can also add background music, splash screens, and custom buttons. The render time to create a DVD is fast. I was able to create a DVD in less than 2 hours!One of the things I didn't like too much (but not a deal breaker), is the software will place a lot of small project files where your digital assets are. So if you tell the program you have stills in folder A and video clips in folder B, the program will create project files in both those folders. So when you are done with your project, just delete them to keep your folders clean.Download the trial version of Movie Studio 8 Platinum and compare it to other consumer level NLE's. I think you will find this is a powerful and easy to use program - especially if you have HDV or AVCHD footage.