I have them and believe they are great value. Spot's presentation style is excellent and they cover a large amount of material. Some of the more complex stuff is somewhat rushed and some of the simpler stuff is too liesurely, but that is about my only criticism. I learnt quite a few things, including a few simple tricks that I wish I had known earlier. They are a good investment.

I also have them and they are excellent.

If they come out with another Vegas version, I will definitely buy them.

A++.

My largest complaint is that the set should have included at least some of the files DSE works with. (DSE says (via email communication) they will be included in the next set of Vegas 4 DVD's). I agree that the more advanced stuff seems somewhat rushed. Was it worth it? IMHO: ABSOLUTELY YES! I am a beginner to intermediate level user and learned plenty. These videos whet my appetite for the more advanced stuff. DSE style is relaxing, personable, and friendly. It is almost like he is sitting there with you taking you through the items and because of this I find it easy to rewatch the videos. I have no doubt I will buy the next set when it is available. On the technical side, some users (including myself) have reported that the DVD's will not play well on all machines. (In my case they play well on my computer's DVD player but not my home DVD player (APEX). Class on Demand has shown their class (no pun intended) because they sent me a VCR set while they are tracking down the DVD problem. They also said they would ship me another DVD set once the problem is corrected, and I believe them. I would not use this as a reason to not buy the DVD's though. Chances are they will work well on your computer DVD.
HTH,
Barry

I can’t say enough good things about these DVD’s. If you learn nothing else you will learn the habits of a seasoned editor and that alone is worth the price of admission. I knew quite a lot of the stuff on the DVD’s because I’ve been using Vegas for over a year and have been doing non-linear editing for 3 years but I picked up a few tips that I would not have realized could be done. But more than that, I learned how to make my workflow more productive by watching Spot (the instructor). I could see it in my very next project. I was using shortcuts that I never knew before and I finished the project quicker than I had in the past. I plan to watch them a few more times to really absorb the workflow Spot teaches. I would definite buy them

I understand Spot is working on an advanced set of DVD’s and I’ll buy them as soon as they go on pre-order. I can’t wait to get his book.

~jr

I actually watched portions of the videos before buying the full version of the program. I was impressed with DSE's laid back approach and the material covered in instruction. After downloading and playing with the demo for Vegas and DVD architect, I decided this was the way to go.

The Disk 1 set-up was excellent for a first time installation but would have been boring for a skilled user. DSE did provide a warning that it would be kind of dry. I found it to be an excellent explaination of all of the switches and their purposes.

I am now on disk 2 and am grateful that the training is available and that vegas seems to be so easy to use.

Spend the hundred bucks it will be worth it. Just my opinion.

I ordered DSE's book and then waited, and then waited. Finally, I decided to order the DVD set and I'm glad I did. I'm only at the beginning of the second DVD and it's great.

I enjoy watching the material as well as learning how to use Vegas. I'm new to video editing and I highly recommend it if you're serious about learning Vegas and NLE. I'll be ordering the second set as soon as it's available.

Search this forum and you'll find other comments on the series.

I have them and learned a lot, particularly techniques and keyboard strokes.
There was no problem with viewing.

JJK

I purchased the set a couple of weeks ago. I am a novice with Vegas and needed a visual approach to learning the application. I went through the set in one day to get an idea of the overall material. I think the instructor has done an exemplary job in presenting the material. Without being too corny... you can see the sparkle in his eyes and you can definitely tell this is a man that really enjoys teaching and the subject matter. I agree with previous posts that his relaxed style is a plus for me and I can repeat sections of a lesson without getting fatigued. I would like a little more information and a little slower presentation in the timeline area of the application. Probably the best way I can sum up my purchase is to state that I look forward to buying other training materials on Vegas from the author, DSE.

Buy! Buy! Buy!

Dwuane

I have the set and, like everyone else, heartily recommend it if you aren't an expert in V4. You may, as bjtap says, experience problems playing the DVDs on a standalone DVD player. I also have an Apex which will normally tolerate almost anything, but it will not play these DVDs. However, they play fine on my computer which is where I prefer to use them. A minor criticism is the limited menus. I prefer a more extensive sub-chapter list so I can precisely select the topic I want to review. However, the chapters get you close enough. For the money, you get one h*ll of a deal.

Guy

I´ve posted my opinion at http://www.sonicfoundry.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?ForumID=4&MessageID=194329

Have a look!

Lawrence
http://www.nucleodecriacao.com.br

Wow -- its unanimous!

Thanks to all who took the time to reply. I ordered today! Even managed to get my order placed in their on-line shopping cart!

Marc

I just watched the set and they are definately worth the price of admission. DSE is a good teacher. They did not cover everything I would have liked (especially the more advanced stuff) but I'll definately buy the next set.

Marc

I got the DVD set in the mail a couple of weeks ago. They deffinately did help me in certain areas. While I wish they got deeper into certain things, I would recommend them to any who wants to learn things that I'm sure were missed.

Still waiting for the manual. Boy THAT is one long wait!

Search a little more. You'll find many comments on DSE's Vegas DVD set.

Geez whiz! Holy Cats! You guys have inspired me to get off my butt and finish the advanced/surround sound series as well. Just returned from training in Scandinavia, and hadn't seen this thread.
thanks for the many kind words. Criticisms have not been taken lightly, many of the 'wish it did....' and 'wanted to see......' have been added to the list for the next version, which will be produced slightly differently.
thakns for all your input.
BTW, EVERY veg I used in the DVD's can now be found at the Sundance site in one location or another. Some are only found in the tutorials section, but they're all there.

just wanted to say wow..
I am a beginning vegas editor and all i have to say is wow, and I am definitely going to buy the other sets , as soon as they become available for pre-order... i just got back from a 2 week vacation to myrtle beach, south carolina, ( i live in michigan) it was a 15 hour drive split up over two days, my wife drove the car and i took my laptop, and i have to say the best part of the whole vacation was the drive down there!!
I watched the entire series twice... and twice more on the way back.. oh yeah and in between i went to the beach.. ehehehe

Douglas Spotted Eagle is a great teacher, not only does he know his stuff, but he can communicate it to you, in easy to understand terms.. I felt like he was in the car with me, giving me personal instruction!

I'm looking forward to his book and im now going to be signing up for the vegas vasst tour when it becomes available.

please make more training series.. they are great..!

Had to order over the phone, but that was no problem - dvd's got here in two days, I believe. Have watched pieces of all the dvd's (I am a novice) just to get a flavor, and all I can say is WOW. Thank you, thank you. I did a short photo montage with simple panning, and it took me forever. As someone said earlier, when you see a seasoned pro go through their proven workflow, it is very smooth. I'm coming over from Pinnacle Studio, and I do sometimes have a hard time with "...well, in Studio it's easier because you do it this way...." - seeing DSE fly through the stuff gives me hope that it's just a matter of time...my ONLY critisism is, I would like to have seen examples of the finished product, esp. re: the 5.1 stuff. Not necessarily editable files, but just something to play on our dvd players that is 5.1. Two thumbs way, way up. Looking forward to any advanced training dvd's as well.

- David
mcknightvideo.com