Video-Editing+Software

=== [|Evaluation of Video-Editing Software] ===

The assignment for this week was to evaluate various video-editing software options. Since technology is such a vital part of education these days, I felt it was important to look at a variety of possibilities and compare them to what I already knew about creating videos. I have used Movie Maker in the past, and I feel very comfortable with it. I also chose to take a look at Roxio Creator 9 Videowave and Adobe Premier Elements, since I already had those downloaded on home and school computers. At first glance of this assignment, I just wanted to use what I knew- Movie Maker. I liked the ease of left hand menu for adding video, audio, transitions, and text. It has a variety of options, from which I enjoyed choosing. When importing images, audio and video, it gave friendly reminders within the window, telling the acceptable file types. It was relatively easy to manipulate the pictures and videos and audio, lengthening them, shortening them, cropping, panning, and adding special effects. The one difficulty I had was when I saved the project with the intent of returning later to continue working. When I opened my unfinished project, I saw red X's where the pictures and videos once appeared. So, the advice to save all needed files in one folder on the desktop or storage device was REALLY important. Luckily, I had them saved in the first place. Other than my own thoughtlessness, I really had no problem aligning my elements. Using my knowledge of Movie Maker, I began to look through the Roxio Creator 9. In many ways, it resembled the Movie Maker. It had various tracks labeled for different media types, and it used the same storyboard format. It accepts a variety of file types for images, video and audio. The one thing I noticed was that it did not accept Flash Video Format. It took some time to figure out how to clip or trim the files. I found that you just cannot be afraid to click and wish for the best. There was a zoom feature that allowed to stretch or compress the timeline for a more detailed look when editing. There was also a feature that allowed you to see the audio track that was attached to the video clip, but you are limited to what you can change. I was hoping to copy the audio from a video clip and use it in other places within my movie. In esseance, I wanted continuity within my audio throughout the movie. After clicking on various things, I could not find what I was looking for. (Perhaps I ask too much of one program). In all, this program had more options for transitions, effects and text, but it also comes at a price, if downloading from the website. However, I did find a $20 off coupon and educator discounts available from roxio.com, which could be inviting. As far as Adobe Premiere Elements is concerned, this is, by far, an amazing piece of software! The effects are beautiful. The transitions are smooth. The text options are versatile and fancy. The clarity of video is superb. The complexity available can be simple, but also incredibly advanced. This software does include the option of importing Flash Video, unlike Roxio. The ease of left-click and right-click features make it very user-friendly. It has a variety of themes and chapter-creating options. My favorite feature is that it saves all uploaded files within the working project. After my experience with Movie Maker, this feature is a time-saver and life-saver. No more red X's! Overall, I see many similarities with various video-editing tools. Your choice depends on your ability and patience to explore, test, and play with the various elements that each program offers. In your planning, it is also wise to think about your video length, purpose, budget and audience when choosing software. Some software is free and simple, some expensive and complex. "You'll need to find a program that fits your editing style and your budget" (About). I prefer to sick with Movie Maker in my 4th grade classroom. It is simple and just-right for their projects. However, it is a great pre-cursor to Adobe Premiere Elements, as they advance in their skills. Both programs are available to all students and faculty within our district. Now, we just need to work on copyright and fair-use application...to be continued!

About. (n.d.). Getting started with desktop video. Retrieved on April 12, 2009, from http://desktopvideo.about.com/od/desktopeditinghardware/u/ GettingStarted.htm

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