Sony? Sonic Foundry VideoFactory?

Joby wrote on 12/4/2003, 9:22 PM

I have been ill for some months and though I was aware Sony were taking over Sonic Foundry I am completely lost as to what my VideoFactory 2.0c is comprable to in the Sony products? What does Sony call my VF 2, are there diffrences, are there plug ins from Sony version that are compatable with mine or can (or should) one upgrade?
I am being given a DVD burner for Christmas (even though I have no idea how to use it) and I have been told the 'Pioneer AO6-CV is a good one. Does anyone have experience with this?
I have noticed that for software Ulead (model unknown) seems to be a favourite. Any advice there?
Thanks in advance for answers to the above or any other advice offered.
Joby

Comments

JohnnyRoy wrote on 12/4/2003, 10:47 PM

VideoFactory 2 is comparable with Sony Screenblast Movie Studio 2 except that Sony added a chroma key effect (so MS2 is actually better). The new Screenblast Movie Studio 3 adds MPEG2 encoding, an additional video track, more transitions and effects and DVD burning using MyDVD. I think its well worth the $29 upgrade price since the MPEG2 encoder alone would cost you $29 for VideoFactory.

As for DVD burning, MyDVD is OK as long as you don’t want to set chapter points. If you do, you’ll have to buy another package. Ulead Movie Factory 2 is a favorite of mine and other folks around here. It’s a good deal for only $45 and it also does slide shows on VCD or DVD.

The Pioneer A06 burner is outstanding. I have the A03 and am planning to add an A06 to my next PC. I’ve been very happy with my Pioneer burner and have ad no trouble in over two years.

~jr

Joby wrote on 12/5/2003, 2:14 PM

Thanks JohnnyRoy. As I now have just SonicFoundry and wish to make DVD,s are you telling me it is better to get the Sony add ons (though I don't know when I would have to use chroma key effects) for the MPEG2 capabilities or would Ulead be better. Remember I know nothing about 'authoring DVDs. If I can get a wedding video (or whatever) produced I would be happy.
At least my friend and you agree about the Pioneer!!!
Thanks again, Joby

ChristerTX wrote on 12/5/2003, 3:01 PM

I think the best plan is to do the upgrade that Johnny is suggesting in his post.
Then you will be up to par with the current software. I'm in the same boat as you so I will do the same.

When it comes to DVD authoring, it is easier than it sounds.
You basically edit your wedding video and then produce a MPEG2 file.
That file is used in the DVD authoring software to create and burn the DVD. You can do all sorts of artistic stuff and make it look very professional with menues and stuff, so you can give it to who ever wants it and be proud of it.
Come back to this forum with any questions. There is a lot of talent here :-)

JohnnyRoy wrote on 12/5/2003, 4:07 PM

I think you should definitely upgrade to Movie Studio 3. Think about it; you get new effects like: Chroma Key, Border, Black Restore, Deform, Lens Flare, Light Rays, Linear Blur, Mirror, Quick Blur, Radial Blur, and Threshold. Then you get new transitions like: Page Peel, Page Roll, Venetian Blinds, etc. You also get MPEG2 encoding (which was $29 alone with Video Factory) and to top it all off, you get a 3rd video track. That allows you to overlay video on two tracks and still have a track free to add titles. But wait... there’s more... ;-) You also get DVD authoring with MyDVD. Where else can you get all that functionality for $29? (that’s approximately one tank of gas which barely lasts a week!)

Take a look at how Pinnacle treats their customer upgrades. They give them 10% off when all the retailers are selling the same software for 20% off. (basically ripping off their loyal customers). Sony is being very generous in offering an upgrade on a $99 package at only $29. You shouldn’t have to think twice about it.

As for DVD burning; wait until you get Movie Studio 3 and MyDVD and see how you like MyDVD. It may be fine for you and its included with the package. I would not buy Ulead Movie Factory 2 just yet because I think it comes packaged for free with the Retail Pioneer A02 DVD burner. (with even more Ulead software). So hold off on that purchase for now.

~jr