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I am currently working on some digital movies, and would like some advice on software to use. Preferably, I would be able to find a piece of software or, with any luck, freeware that would allow me to do a number of things. If you would suggest certain software for certain parts of the process, please feel free to say so.

Here is what I would like to do
1. Import my digital video from a miniDV camecorder (The windows movie maker just ain't gonna cut it anymore)
It would also be preferable that it has a decent way to edit the video.
2. Save this movie at a fairly nice resolution, and in multiple was such as (.mpeg,.mov, aif's, and maybe a few other versatile types of formats)
3. Burn the movie to dvd that is playable on dvd players

It would also be nice to be able to burn copyrighted movies on dvds for, um, what was that word....oh yes "backup". 100% legaly backing up video.

I have used the DVD Shrink before, but I don't like that it doesn't allow you to save in formats such as .mpeg.

Any help or segesstions would be nice. Thanks

If you have access to an Apple, that would be the best way to go as that's how all the professionals do it. It's also the easiest way.

Beyond that, the best software is Adobe Premiere although it's really... really buggy. As far as freeware goes Virtual Dub is good.

Final Cut Pro is best. The pros use that or Avid.

Yea, I can use apple, and I have imovie and idvd.

Still, you would have to find something to illegaly burn dvds.

I do have to admit, a mac has a nice set up, but I have other reservations, as you might have been able to tell from my picture.

But, I will look at the other ones. Thanks.

To illegally burn DVDs you just have to rip them, then you could even use iDVD.

Can you rip copyrighted dvds in idvd?

Does anybody know some good freeware for like ripping dvds and putting them in mpeg format. Thanks?

One word to fix ALL your problems: Google.

I have tired google, and I am actually very sick of it. I keep ending up with places that claim to have freeware, but the truth is that it is a "free download" and you can use it for a limited amount of time. Then, you have to pay somewhere in the range of $35 to $99 to continue using it.

I have even tried other places in the hopes of finding my true dream of a half decent freeware program, but I was left in discouragement. Would you be able to suggest a piece of software I could buy, if you don't know of any good freeware apps. I have looked at things like "DVD Ripper" and others like it, that claim to allow you to "backup" copyrighted dvds, but does anybody know the specifications (such as the different ways you can back a dvd up), and if it is a fairly well put together program? Thanks