What is best software to edit movies from miniDVD format?

[dirvine]

I have a 2yr old camcorder which records the video in miniDVD format. I am looking for some software which would allow me to do the following:
1) work on a windows XP machine
2) take the video files off the miniDVD itself (from the computers dvd drive)
3) convert to a computer friendly format for editing/sharing on utube, etc
4) allow for simple editing like cut/paste, adding music or captions, etc.
5) writing to a standard size dvd for playback on dvd player.

any suggestions?

[Chuck Engels]

I think you would be very happy with Premiere Elements but would suggest you download the trial first and test the import with your specific files.
You can also use a combination of free software to do the job, 'Super' to convert the files, 'Windows Movie Maker' for editing and export, 'IMGBurn' for DVD Authoring.

All in all I don't think you will find anywhere that you will get more help than right here, no matter what you choose.
Premiere Elements should be able to do all of the items on your list, all depends on the files your camcorder creates on the DVDs, easy to test though.

What model camcorder do you have, in case someone else is using the same model and they can tell you what works for them.
What are your computer's system specs; Processor, RAM, Video Card, Audio, Hard Drives, DVD Burner?

[Chuck Engels]

By the way Dirvine

Welcome to Muvipix !!

[Chuck Engels]

And here is an article I wrote about a year and a half ago, still pretty relevant though.
Some of the links will probably go to newer versions or you may need to find the most recent version.
Still has some good information and questions that you will need to ask yourself.
viewtopic.php?f=66&t=3704

[Bobby]

I have edited video from my daughter's miniDVD camera in PE with no problem, although I can't say that I have extensive experience doing it.

[dirvine]

Thanks for the tips Chuck. I tried to view that link for the past post but got a message saying I wasn't authorized. Any ideas?

Thanks, Doug

[Chuck Engels]

Thanks for the tips Chuck. I tried to view that link for the past post but got a message saying I wasn't authorized. Any ideas?

Thanks, Doug

Sorry Doug, my fault. The Articles section of the forum is limited to subscribers only
I put the article back on my sight temporarily for you to read it.
http://www.chuckengels.com/articles/whatsoftware.html

[jackfalbey]

The latest version of MPEG Streamclip has the option to "Open" a DVD and convert the video directly to AVI. I used this process recently to re-edit a series of PAL-format DVDs to NTSC, with good results.

Keep in mind, Doug, that once video is recorded to DVD, it is compressed and therefore trying to edit it and return it to DVD will result in noticeable loss of image quality. How noticeable depens on the initial quality, amount of editing, and capability of the software. Using MPEG Streamclip to convert to AVI, then lightly editing in Premiere Elements should maintain a fairly decent image.