From VF to VV: The Big Diffference?

Steadman wrote on 6/16/2002, 4:55 PM
Hello Folks:

This is my first post here after reading dozens of previous threads on a variety of topics. I just purchased VF and wonder if I should upgrade to VV. 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.

But...then I read somewhere that others have bought into other 3rd party DVD creation software to do the trick better than VV's codec does. So...I am a little confused now.

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. Suggestions?

Thanks in advance,

Steadman

Comments

Chienworks wrote on 6/16/2002, 7:20 PM
Keep in mind that Vegas will NOT make DVDs for you. All it can do is create a DVD compliant MPEG-2 file (which you can also do with VF by adding the MPEG-2 encoder option). You will still need a DVD authoring program to convert the MPEG-2 file into VOB files and burn the DVD with the appropriate support files.

Here's the big differences that come to mind when i think of Vegas:

- unlimited tracks
- much better audio support
- chroma key
- velocity envelopes
- much more customization of rendering templates

I'm sure other people have other favorite things.
Steadman wrote on 6/16/2002, 11:20 PM
Thanks for the reply.

From what I have read in the last few hours....VV seems to be the way to go for me.

Now..I have to pick the other "must haves" such as the DVD authoring SW.

DVD Complete has been highly recommended by another forum member and the promo material on the Dazzle website seems to be pretty convincing.

Then again....if I purchase a DVD drive (Pioneer AO4?) will it (maybe) come bundled with some sw?

Steadman
BillyBoy wrote on 6/17/2002, 10:00 PM
I thought that too. Sadly it seems many DVD drives seem to come only with watered down DVD Authoring software if any at all.

For example my HP 200i DVD drive came with a badly crippled version of DVDit! It won't do chapters except in capture mode making it all but useless to me. To upgrade $300 just to do chapters. No thanks.

I picked up DVD Movie Factory on sale for $30. Very happy with it. DVD Complete seems a good choice too, but twice the price. It offers nothing I see making it worth twice the price. Your needs may vary.

Download the demo of each and see what works for you. With DVD Movie Factory you get a FULL version, time limited trial. With DVD Complete they go the Mickey Mouse route and only allow you to burn a 5 minute video. That's a deal killer to me and I bet a lot of people. I HATE it when you can't really test the software you're thinking of buying. If I can't, I don't buy. Just that simple. Someday they may learn.
Stiffler wrote on 6/20/2002, 2:24 AM
Steadman...Since you asked why upgrade?? I personally upgraded to Vegas for the unlimited video tracks (for multi-camera editing).

I could have done it with VF, but I'm a bit lazy and wanted the easy way out...

I think, if you get to know VF, you will be fine (depending what you want to do). And, if you upgrade to VV at a later time, it will be easy to learn. The interface and functions is about the same with the two.

Read over Chienworks post again to see if there is a feature you need with Vegas.

Happy editing, Jon