Video Editing Menu

TMPG DVD AUTHOR

TMPG SOURCE CREATOR

VIDEO SYNCH

TMPGEnc 4.0 XPress

MPEG Editor 2.0

TMPGEnc FREEWARE

     

 

DVD and Video Editing


 

Renetmended DVD Editing and Authoring Software

I have used several video editing software suites and none seemed to be as versatile as that produced by TMPG. Initially I was looking for software that would import VR files from my Panasonic DMR-EX85 DVD Recorder and the only software that I found capable of doing this reliably was TMPG's DVD Author 2.

I downloaded the trial version and had a go at netpiling a DVD from VR music videos I had recorded. The result was a pretty professional looking DVD video with moving menus and background audio. (As far as I know all TMPG software is available as a trial download). Note that if you decide to purchase the product you will need to download the full retail version again as the trial version cannot be converted to a retail one. 

As it had done the job I decided to buy DVD Author 2 in a bundle with DVD source creator 4.  Since I purchased DVD Author 2 TMPG have released TMPG DVD Author 3, this incorporates the ability to import and produce Divx video, again with menus and background audio, in fact just like a DVD. Bear in mind that Divx discs with menus are only netpatible with Divx ultra certified equipment. See below for main features of DVD Author 3.
 

Main features

• Officially licensed DivX® video software product
• Produce high-quality DVD and DivX® video
• Import most popular video formats
• Capture video directly from your DV or HDV camcorder
• Add up to two subtitle streams
• Create your own custom menus or use ready-made templates
• Perform precise frame cut-edits with Smart Rendering
• Shrink (transcode) your video to fit onto different media
• Multi core CPU support
• Dolby Digital stereo output


 

Source creator 4 is a specialist video  importer and can handle most types of video file. Both pieces of software do what they say on the box and together would be all you require to produce professional looking DVD video discs.
See below for main features of DVD Source Creator 4.
 

Main features
• Create MPEG's for DVD-Video, SVCD, or VCD easily
• High Definition Video input
• 12 audio/video filters
• High Speed Thumbnail Viewing and Scrolling
• Smart Scene Search
• Multi core CPU support
• Dolby Digital stereo output


 


Needless to say I have upgraded from DVD Author 2 to  version 3 mainly because of the Divx authoring capability. TMPG products do overlap i.e. DVD Author 3 will import various video formats, however if you wish to have a more feature rich video import product you would buy Source Creator 4. If you require the ability to produce video for PSP, iPod, or PDA etc. take a look at TMPG videoSynch. Again this is specifically for producing output for PSP's, iPod's, or PDA's. The main features of VideoSynch are as follows:
 

Main features
• Drop n' Drag video files to your mobile device.
• Sync your favorite videos to your iPod, PSP™, or PDA.
• Manage your PSP™ Memory and iTunes playlist seamlessly.
• Choose the quality of your video that you want on your mobile device
 

I would only renetmend stuff that has done the job for me. I have not used VideoSynch, however if it's as good as those I have used then it will no doubt be up to scratch.
The TMPG product matrix is aimed at users that require professional looking results with a minimal amount of fuss and  fiddling, moreover it does what it claims to do. Another big plus is the try before you buy downloads.
I would highly renetmend you try them.
See panel on the left for TMPG software including a free encoder.

Check out TMPG range of products, visit their homepage at  http://tmpgenc.pegasys-inc.net/en/index.html