First off, I'm not sure which version I want to download. The Sony site has the following trial versions listed:
- Vegas Movie Studio 8.0
- Vegas Movie Studio Platinum Edition 8.0
- Vegas+DVD Production Suite 7

The platinum edition 8.0 sounds like it's the best based on the use of the term "platinum" and the fact it's version 8.0 instead of 7 (or 6) but maybe there's stuff in the "DVD Production Suite" that are a better choice than going "platinum"?

Also, can I edit HDV in these trial versions? In googling around, I found a thread where people said they couldn't import HDV in the trial and that Sony had left it out of the free trial because of the cost of the MPEG-2 license. Any truth to that?

Can I import HDV files that were captured on a FCP system? They're just quicktime .mov-wrapped HDV files as far as I know (no AIC or other conversion going on) but I'm wondering if there are any issues with this kind of cross-application import?

Finally, is the 30-day trial fully functional, or does it limit you in any kind of way?

Thanks

it is true that you cannot edit HDV in the demo versions of these various software applications, due to the cost of the MPEG license. The same holds true with most demo ware. You'd think the MPEG people would offer the developers some sort of special deal.
No, you cannot directly edit HDV captured with FCP. FCP does not play nicely in the sandbox with anyone. Convert the HDV files in FCP to XDCAM and then Vegas will open them nicely.

As far as which version to download, what's your budget and what are your feature/tool requirements?