Introduction to Video Editing Software (page 2)
Do the Menus Look Tasty Enough?
Once a production has been edited together, and its sound cleaned up and/or re-recorded, it's ready to be given some finishing touches and then saved as a video to be uploaded to the Internet, or to be burned to disc.
When it comes time to burn a disc, consider what your needs are. Frequently, the quick, basic DVDs that many editing programs output are all you need. Some editing software does ship with somewhat more advanced DVD authoring software than others. If this is important to you, look into factors such as the types of DVD menus the editing program can create. Many come with default DVD menus to choose from, but their quality varies widely. Having a variety of professional looking menu templates can make your life much easier, especially if you'll be cranking a lot of the same kinds of discs (i.e. productions, wedding). Check to see that those menus look like something you'd be comfortable releasing to clients, and whether or not they offer sound, still pictures, moving video, and other touches we've become accustomed to seeing on the menus that accompany Hollywood films on DVD.
If you intend to get much deeper than this into DVD authoring, be sure to check out our DVD Authoring Software Buyer's Guide (Videomaker, January 2006).
Time To Hit the Editing Room!
So with all your software needs in mind, turn the page to review your options for editing systems. No matter which one you choose, you're in luck: no razor blades required!
Ed Driscoll is a freelance journalist covering home theater and the media for the past decade.
