Discussions on the Thread "PC Requirements"

yes, I would recommend Avid Studio over Pinnacle Studio... just glance at the comparison on Avid's website... they do a full comparison of their products... http://www.avid.com/US/products/avid-studio/upgrades ... as you can seen, you get most of what they offer as plugins, right out of the box...

I'm not sure what classes you are talking about, but the classes here on NYVS and the "Class on Demand" that comes with Avid Studio (doesn't come with Pinnacle) is a great start and Class on Demand has an advanced training as well... but I can't say about that because I haven't seen it yet... I am enjoying the basic and plan on purchasing the advanced (supposed to cover more effects)... although, after a few courses here, and changing some of my own techniques, I've learned that effects have their place and its not everywhere, lol...

I've heard about VideoGuys, never used them... I'm a computer tech by my original career and my degree (electronics engineering), so I've always built my own systems... that way I control what goes in and how its setup...

I've converted all my VHS, 8mm, Mini8, and DV tapes as well as some really old footage my grandpa had from the 60s when my parents were little... equipment like that can be expensive, but one gold mine is ebay... there are guys who use ebay to "rent" equipment for a number of weeks and then you just return it to them... requires a deposit of course, but it's better than buying some of those $1k machines...

since you are planning to buy in the fall, keep an eye on the processors... AMD has new stuff slotted for release mid-year... should be a decent price when you're ready...

congrats on retiring... I'm not that lucky yet...

So, you'd recommend going on up to Avid Studio rather than Pinnacle? Not that much a jump in cost from Pinnacle Ultimate. Does the Pinnacle Studio class still be worth attending or would that be a waste of time?

Being native 64 bit also attracted me to PowerDirector

I'm still in the planning stages on the PC - I also want to build it so I can get exactly what I want - I think your configuration looks good - I also like the one over at VideoGuys.com:

http://www.videoguys.com/Guide/E/Videoguys+DIY8+Hex+Core/0x094b1737e0a06c495e5178a167fbdbd7.aspx

I've been shooting video several times over the years starting with standard, then digital tapes, and I'm getting a new HD. Never had the time or the money to edit so I mostly have a huge pile of tapes. Just retired and figured now I have the time and I can spend some of the money it took me 40 years to save <grin>. And, we are doing a lot of traveling so I'll plenty of HD as well.

I was going through some boxes the other day and ran across a standard one I shot at Disney World when my son was around 6 or 7 - he's going to turn 36 in June. I also have some tapes that were made from 8mm home movies my grandfather took of me when I was a little kid. Would like to get them converted to DVD and perhaps do a bit of editing.

Probably won't get to building the PC until it's starts to get cold in the fall.

Pinnacle Studio is 32bit only... Avid Studio is 32bit, but has some 64bit processes to enhance speed... Avid Studio has the first library interface for organizing media files... Avid Studio has more plugins bundled with it, more effects... Avid Studio controls dual monitors better. I have dual monitors and Pinnacle Studio could output video to the second monitor, but it would also play on the first at the same time. Avid Studio doesn't play on first monitor if you output to the second....

yes, Avid Studio is considered the higher version... rumors are that Avid will replace Pinnacle name on all editing products... don't know when...

what kind of system are you building/buying? will you be editing in HD?

Thanks!

Is AVID Studio a higher level version of Pinnacle Studio? The interface basically the same?

hey VideoMike,

I've been using Pinnacle Studio since v11 and now have v15 and the Avid Studio v1 (Avid is switching all their products to a common name)... I've bought PowerDirector v9 for its native 64bit architecture (of which no one else has right now), its high marks in the reviews, and its DirectorZone (website where anyone can collaborate menus and effects that they created, literally thousands of downloads there)...

they both are very similar in their use, layout, and basic operations... they also have strengths and weaknesses... having them both, in my opinion, is a great thing... little to no learning curve bouncing back and forth between them and utilizing each of their benefits respectively...

a few examples of this... 1. when I get a corrupted video file, Pinnacle/Avid tends to trash the video after the corruption point... doesn't recover very well, I get a lot of misplaced fields and artifacts in the video. I use PowerDirector and Nero to re-encode or scrub a video clean, then use Pinnacle/Avid to finish it off... 2. Pinnacle/Avid has the ability to use aftermarket plugins like NewBlue or Red Giant. PowerDirector doesn't have that... 3. with my cam, I can shoot Dolby 5.1. Pinnacle/Avid can handle output of 5.1 but only to an AVCHD DVD or Blu-Ray disc, not to a file again. PowerDirector and Nero can each output 5.1 to a file just as it originates from... 4. sometimes I want to create a disc without a menu (but its a bad habbit), Pinnacle/Avid doesn't easily allow a disc without a menu. PowerDirector and Nero can easily do it...

I could go on and on, but I think you get my meaning... each program has their goods and bads, and I'm a firm believer that you shouldn't limit yourself to a single point of view... so I expand my use of each of my programs to benefit my creativity...

I have Vegas v8 as well, I don't like that one... lol...

I hope I answered your question... feel free to ask anything...

Sorry to butt into this thread but I have question for HiTechRedNeck.

I notice you listed both Pinnacle Studio 14 and PowerDirector 9 - I've been trying to decide which to go with.

Pinnacle Studio users seem to report a lot of problems but PowerDirector doesn't have any training or classes like I can find for Studio.

You have any thoughts or recommendations? Is one good for one application and the other good for something else?

I too plan to build my own PC so I should have adequate resources available for the software.

Thanks!!!

sorry for being so technical. if something is not clear, please feel free to ask. I will lend what info I can...

Well I must admit that I was a little overwhelmed at all the tech talk. But after reading it a couple of times I think I understand it. Thanks for taking the time to post!