From VF to VV: The Big Difference? DVD creation?

Steadman wrote on 6/16/2002, 5:11 PM
Hello Folks:

This is my first post here after reading dozens of previous threads on a variety of topics. I just purchased VF (primarily for evaluation to compare to Premier...and in comparison VF or VV seem more "intuitive" than Premier...and look as though I will be more productive sooner with either of them rather than Premier).

I just got VF a few days ago in a retail store and wonder if I should upgrade to VV after reading some of the threads here. Both VF and VV seem to be a wonderful products with many features that will be very useful in my upcoming productions.

But...there are some lingering doubts now...Frankly, I have looked over the various "comparison" and "new feature" lists and am a little confused.

At first glance it seemed that VV would be better as it allows MPEG2 encoding from within the VV app. Aside from that, I don't see much difference (please point out your favorite differences if you have one. The comparison tables are written to compare VF to competitive products (not VV) so I may be missing the "big difference."

But...then I read somewhere that others have bought into other 3rd party DVD creation software ("Dazzle DVD Complete" was mentioned recently) to do the trick better than VV's codec does. So...I am a little confused now. Oh...and I am aware that Sonic has a add on DVD codec for VF at some cost.

I am wondering if it is better to upgrade to VV and use its MPEG2 DVD ability...or stay with VF and buy another app that is dedicated to MPEG2 and DVD creation.

Of course it may be helpful to know what my intended use of the software will be. I need to create some 30 minute or shorter videos that utilize lots of still images (jpg) and some mixed in video (with some slow motion effects). I then need the option to burn to SVCD (for viewing on DVD players) or DVD (I don't have a burner yet but will be getting the Pioneer soon). I don't need 1,000 ways to get 3d transitions in the video...as I will be using simple (classic)_ cuts and dissolves..and I don't need PIP or other "fly in" type of features. I also need to keep this simple and efficient for production costs. My concern is getting myself stuck in some problems with the production of the final product (authoring and burning the DVD). Because of that "concern" it appeals to me to use a single app that is "supposed" to work seamlessly and reliably.

Your suggestions and guidance appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Steadman

P.S. I posted a shorter version of this on the VF forum a few minutes ago...before thinking that you folks would more likely have the answers if you have "upgraded" yourself from VF to VV.

Comments

Jessariah67 wrote on 6/16/2002, 5:58 PM
The whole DVD "creation" is still a bit shaky, in terms of compatability with DVD players, and rather expensive. I know someone who put a project on DVD and went in to make a presentation -- only to discover that it wouldn't play on the client's DVD player.

As for VF vs. VV, there are a lot of differences. I used VF for about a week, and there are many limitations it has compared to VV -- otherwise SF wouldn't be able to charge so much more for it.

If you're not an audio nut and are only looking to put together family videos or log your kid's little league season, VF would be fine. Anything much more than that, and you're going to want to go with VV.

Compared to Premiere, I prefer VV. VV is stronger on audio, and Premiere is stronger on Video -- but I think VV will catch up on the video end long before Premiere gets it together with audio.
vonhosen wrote on 6/16/2002, 6:01 PM
I'm afraid I can't assist you with the transition from VF to VV as I'm a fairly recent convert having come to SoFo direct to VV3. I must say it is a powerful, intuitive editor. You are up and running very qucikly with it & there is not a day goes by where there isn't something new to learn from just reading these posts.

I primarily use it for editing DV footage prior to DVD author/burning.

For DVD authoring I had mostly used DVDit (also Ulead DVD Movie Factory & DVD Workshop) before finding the new DVD Complete. DVD Complete is the most fuss free DVD authoring program I have encountered & does give remarkable results for it's price. It shames programs like DVDit which are much more expensive (& far more buggy & problematic). Yes DVD complete does a good job of encoding your .avi files, but VV3 gives you the great .avi files in the first place.

DVD Complete will allow you to use DVD compliant MPEG-2 files produced by the MC MPEG encoder in VV3. The MC Encdoer itself gives great results allowing you of course not to be tied to one authoring program but to be able to use others safe in the knowledge that you are still going to be able to achieve good MPEG results.

I am sure the MC encoder is going to cotinue to develop with VV3. SoFo give a level of service following your purchase, (with the help of this forum) that is beyond that of most companies these days.

For me VV3 & DVD Complete make a good partnership.
Steadman wrote on 6/16/2002, 8:07 PM
Hello VonHosen and Jessariah....thanks for posting replies..and offering your opinions/experience...

I am not familiar with DVD Complete. I looked at the local Circuit City but suppose I will have to order via web. I have no idea how much or where.
Links?

Steadman
Steadman wrote on 6/16/2002, 8:12 PM
Actually, I just found the Dazzle website with info (wasn't sure if Dazzle was the company name or not). Now looking for price...
BillyBoy wrote on 6/16/2002, 8:46 PM
Also take a look at Ulead's DVD Movie Factory. Half the price of DVD Complete, basically the same features excluding it don't render taking the MPEG-2 Vegas Video generated file directly. In my opinion that saving a step is important. Why render twice? I can't say if the quality is superior starting with a AVI file since I haven't tried DVD Complete yet. The quality I get using MC codec (included with Vegas) and DVD Movie Factory is excellent. Of course we're talking subjective views.

I started with Video Factory. Used it for about a year. Excellent product. Vegas Video is an Video Factory on steriods and then some. Like others said, it depends what you're going to use it for if or not it justifes the substantional difference in cost. One thing others didn't mention is you're limited to two video tracks and three audio track is VF (if I remember right) there are no limitations in Vegas. That may or may not limit your creativity again depending on what you plan to do.

You could and I would suggest you download both products and try them each out. Also download the extensive manual in PDF format for Vegas Video to see first hand what's missing from Video Factory.
BillyBoy wrote on 6/16/2002, 9:55 PM
Oops... forgot an important point. Neither Video Factory or Vegas Video make DVD chapters or burn a DVD disc. Either will make a MPEG-2 compliant file that third party DVD Authoring software can use. The codec is part of Vegas, an option with VF.

Now as far as making a DVD, again, depends on which DVD Authoring software you pick. Some will only work if you feed it a MPEG-2 and all they do (and well) is add chapters, (menu system) and do the actual burning to DVD. Others only accept AVI and have their own rendering engine. Still others let you do it either way.

So everything you need to make a DVD or CD can be done in VV or VF, except for the all important chapters and actual burning of DVD's.