I have a new computer that is more than capable of handling the rigors of video editing.

I am very naive about what to buy to start out. I do know that I need something that can capture analog and digital video.

I've looked at Pinnacle as an option, but have heard bad things about them. I don't have much money and I won't have much money for awhile. My price range is anywhere from $70-200.

I want to turn old hi8 tapes into DVD's and do some editing on them and really turn those into gems. I also have projects of my own that I would love to finish.

I have experience with using premiere in my TV Production class. We use a matrox system and I know that's way out of my price range.

Any suggestions?

Are you on a Mac or a PC?

PC

Well, your price range for editing is a little low, I'd try to save up for Vegas or Adobe Premiere or maybe even Avid (but that's higher up there)

I love premiere. I have worked with Pinnacle editing and it seems pretty decent. I'm talking about something that can capture analog though. I mean what kind of Capture device is best?

The best analog to DV converter I could find is the PYRO A/V Link by ADS Technologies.

Its a bit more expensive than I'd prefer (over $100), but its really good.

How experienced are you with editing? If you don't have much experience you should probably start out with an easier program, but if not, go for Vegas.

I think I'm going to buy PYRO A/V Link so I can transfer analog. It seems like a good deal. already have Adobe Premiere on my personal computer. So then I'll be able to capture and edit.

What do you think?

I really appreciate the help so far. You guys know your stuff and I really am happy to get some good advice.

My experience with editing is alright. I've been editing 2-15 minutes pieces on premiere and I've done stuff with after effects. I still have a lot to learn.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: BillCurley13,

Glad to help! Please keep posting your questions The PYRO is quite good, my brother purchased it to serve as an analog passthrough for the onion-skin preview on a stop-motion film project. He does the actual frames with a digital camera, and has the preview from the camera's analog feed on the computer.

(Also, just so you know, you're not supposed to mention pirating software on these boards.)

quote:

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Originally posted by titaniumdoughnut:
The PYRO is quite good, my brother purchased it to serve as an analog passthrough for the onion-skin preview on a stop-motion film project. He does the actual frames with a digital camera, and has the preview from the camera's analog feed on the computer.

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It's good to hear a good review for something that's in my price range. I've heard the horror stories of Pinnacle and it scared me out of buying anything.

I'm going to look at ebay for the pyro. I've found quite a few of them and it looks like a simple device.

Yeah. I remember observing as a friend used something called the Dazzle. I will still have nightmares about it

dazzle...cringe

The Pyro AV Linkis a very good converter for the money. Last summer they updated some of the chips and the quality is really spot on.

even cooler, it now ships with Premiere Elements. For $159.95 that's one heck of a deal! Videoguys AVlink page

Gary
Videoguys.com

I got mine from OWC for 45 cents less than your price, videoguy

I'm stoked now because I have access to an XL-1 and as soon as I get setup at home I'll be able to have fun from there.

Everyone thinks I'm crazy when it comes to this stuff.

Good luck Bill! You've got the makings of a great setup.

Videoguy, you did a good job of advertising because within a week or so I'll be ordering from you. Haha.

I ordered off Videoguys.com and it comes with Adobe Elements. Anyone know anything about this program?

I'm going to end up with Premiere, but what are everyone's impression on Elements if you've had any experiences with it?