Cheap and Simple NLE for 16:9
 

I have test footage that I have shot in the 16:9 mode of my Canon Optura.

I need to do simple editing and titling on an NLE that will recognize the format and send an edited letterboxed version out for DVD authoring.

Any suggestions? Neither Pinnacle Studio 8 or Windows Movie Maker support 16:9.

Try Vegas Video. It can handle 16:9, render to MPEG 2, and is reasonably inexpensive. Plus, it is very easy to use.

I have downloaded the demo versions of both Vegas Video 3.0 and Vegas Video Factory 2.0.

Both recognize the 16:9 input from the Canon with no intervention on my part. Oh yes!

So Video Factory 2.0 is $69 in the downloaded version, but the MPEG2 codec is an additional $30.

And someone in another thread pointed this out:
http://sonicfoundry.com/products/showproduct.asp?PID=684
Tutorial plus working copies of Vegas 3.0 LE and their audio software - all for $49!.

Can anyone tell me the difference between LE and the full version of Vegas 3.0? I am tempted to go with the Video Factory. The Vegas demo looks big and bad - a professional tool - and for me, simpler is better.

Edward, thanks for the suggestion!

Go for the full version - it's worth the difference. If you purchase Video Factory for $70, you can upgrade to Vegas Video for $200.

An actual comparison chart can be found at:

http://www.sonicfoundry.com/PRODUCTS/showproduct.asp?PID=416&FeatureID=5997