For the absolute beginner:

I have Vegas 6 & DVD Architect 3 (actually, I haven't installed 6 & 3 yet), however, I'm wondering if there is anyone on these boards who can fairly (unbiased) and honestly comment on the strengths and weaknesses of the various DVD training options available. At this juncture I'd be happy with a Vegas 5 and Architect 2 training if that happens to be more robust or applicable to someone starting out. I'm particularly interested in knowing if any one of the available products is exceptional in the area of explaining the myriad rendering options: codec pros and cons whether outputting for DVD, NTSC, PC, film out, wide, 4:3, drop/non-drop, pulldown explanations and why understanding them matters and under which circumstances.

The three products I'm aware of are:

1. Videoguys "Class On Demand": http://www.videoguys.com/COD.html

2. VASST/DSE (appears to be highly regarded, at least in this forum, hopefully that won't skew the balanced reporting)

3. Gary Kleiner: http://www.vegastrainingandtools.com/ *Vegas 6 training set not yet available so I guess it would only be fair to compare it to other V5 training sets at this juncture.

Based on prior versions (I have stuff from all three), I like Gary's teaching DVD's format/style the best. YMMV. And version 5 will probably be a great start.

As far as I know, here's what's currently available:

Gary Kleiner: Vegas 5/DVDA 2 training (Vegas 6/DVDA 3 update/full versions still in the works)

VASST: Vegas 6/DVDA 3 "update" now shipping. Best to build upon the Vegas 5/DVDA 2 full version.

COD: Vegas 6 full version now shipping. Not sure how much it includes about DVDA 3 but DVD Architect is listed as one of the topics.

While I have not seen most of these, I can say that all will be filled with a lot of good information. I will have to leave it to others who HAVE seen them to determine how well the information is presented.

Shawn,

I cannot compare as I've only used Gary's set. I bought the two-DVD set for Vegas 3 (or V4?, can't remember). Then based on how helpful they were, I pre-ordered the V5 set and wasn't dissappointed when they came.

I viewed the set initially all the way through and learned a great deal even though I've used Vegas for a few years (but only one or two projects a week, and one of those is non-creative, repeatable, and frankly boring; I digress). The best part of Gary's set is being able to cue up a specific section and review a feature that I don't use frequently in my normal workflow. I don't think I was getting my money's worth out of Vegas until I purchase and used Gary's DVDs. You won't go wrong purchasing these, Gary does a great job of not only explaining each feature/tool/menu-option, but he relates it to workflow. I've had many times watching his video where I've said, "ohhhh...that's what that's for!", or "ohhh...that's why I'd use that."

I've heard DSE puts out a quality set of instructional DVDs also, I just haven't used them yet. I did download a video of him providing instruction (at a tradeshow maybe) and thought he did a fine job of covering the topic.

ok, not a lot to go on, but the votes for Gary's material is very compelling, thanks!

I'm particularly interested in knowing if any one of the available products is exceptional in the area of explaining the myriad rendering options: codec pros and cons whether outputting for DVD, NTSC, PC, film out, wide, 4:3, drop/non-drop, pulldown explanations and why understanding them matters and under which circumstances.


Shawn,
I have Gary's V5 DVDs and really like them, plus I used the COD V4 DVDs with DSE. They were just fine, too! Although I haven't watched Gary's DVDs in their entirety, I don't believe this series addresses the particular information you seek.

Go to www.VegasTrainingAndTools.com . You'll see that Gary's got the Vegas 6 Companion for sale (I think it's shipping at the end of this month). Maybe you could e-mail him and ask your specific question.

EDIT: His DVDA3 tutorial is more what you'd want, isn't it. Ship date on that is apx. July 19.

Thanks Lorinda, I think I'll ask Gary if he can chime in here (obviously only about his product, but perhaps he can comment on my specific questions here for the benefit of others). Thx again for the feedback.

First off, thank you for your kinds words about my videos. I am very busy producing the new series.

As for question concerning widescreen, pullldown, etc, these are good topics, and may well wind up in The Vegas 6 Companion, but I can't promise anything at the moment.

Best Regards
Gary

Thanks Gary, so, what's the current ETA on the V6 companion?

I have the Vegas 4 Editing Workshop by DSE. It helped me a great deal when I was just getting started in NLEs and Vegas in particular. But I suspect that you wouldn't go wrong with either Gary's or DSE's videos.

I am also interested in this and the Kleiner discs look good to me, but on the vegas editing DVD is for version 4, and then there is a companion for Ver. 5, and a primer and a companion for Ver. 6. I have ver6+DVD. I'm not sure what to buy... Do I need the v.4 editing and then the v.6 companion? thanks for the help. Mark

Yeah, I'm still confused on what to buy as well as I have V6 and no other tutorial DVDs at this point, so, a companion doesn't sound like the way to go. I wrote to Gary about a month ago and thought maybe I should just go with the version 5 and then get some kind of V6 "companion"... but I really want something a little more in depth in regards to the subjects I mentioned, but if it's not available in any specific product/tutorial I'll just read up in addition to what I get.

The Class on Demand full version for Vegas 6 is shipping now. Check out the Videoguys website mentioned above.

Gary has Vegas 4 and Vegas 5 full versions shipping. I know he's working on both a Vegas 6 update and Vegas 6 full version.

Spot/VASST has a Vegas 6 update shipping. Check out the VASST website for full information on their offerings.

Check out the three websites and you can see what is NOW available. There's lots of training there.

The Class on Demand full version for Vegas 6 is shipping now. Check out the Videoguys website mentioned above.

Gary has Vegas 4 and Vegas 5 full versions shipping. I know he's working on both a Vegas 6 update and Vegas 6 full version.

Spot/VASST has a Vegas 6 update shipping. Check out the VASST website for full information on their offerings.

Check out the three websites and you can see what is NOW available. There's lots of training there.


Edward, thanks for the info. Indeed I’ve actually been to all the sites, however, it's not always clear which products are only supplementary vs a full on tutorial, but more importantly...

"..I'm particularly interested in knowing if any one of the available products is exceptional in the area of explaining the myriad rendering options: codec pros and cons whether outputting for DVD, NTSC, PC, film out, wide, 4:3, drop/non-drop, pulldown explanations and why understanding them matters and under which circumstances."

Shawn,
I am not expert, but I would think that those things you are interested would be much better covered in a book rather than a video tutorial. The pros and cons of codecs are largely mathematical algorythm differences and I would think with a bit of research you could determine which ones you are most interested in and then render the same video clip using the ones you wanted to explore and find out everything you needed to know, first hand. Just a thought. Also, I may be wrong, but those things are also not Vegas specific so a more general text on NLE and video rendering might be more appropriate. Mark

I have Vegas-related books, but I find Gary's DVD tutorials absolutely essential in showing me step-by-step what to do. It has made a big difference in my using Vegas more quickly and efficiently, so for some us a show-and-tell approach works wonders!

I know it might be surprising to hear me say this, but I actually do know quite a bit about codecs as I worked for an online music company, however that knowledge was specific to encoding for online music/audio distribution, i.e. streaming and downloading DRM encrypted files not codecs specific to video/DVD/or for film blow ups. So, although a book might be a good adjunct, the other topics I mentioned are very much specific to Vegas and NLEs in general and would be extremely valuable and appropriate in a DVD training series (and a decent overview of the relevant codes choices could also be covered).

Keep in mind that Gary Kleiner, the creator of the www.VegasTrainingAndTools.com series already acknowledged that he also feels that some of these topics would be appropriate to cover in a DVD training series:

From Gary: "As for question concerning widescreen, pullldown, etc, these are good topics, and may well wind up in The Vegas 6 Companion, but I can't promise anything at the moment."


Keep in mind that many of the training DVDs end up covering a lot more information than most books, and the real issue is that for some of us our learning style lends itself to DVDs and visual learning more than books, though admittedly I have about 15 books on Cinematography, lighting, and various other aspects of filmmaking (but I really do prefer the visual teaching style much better!) ;-)

Hey Shawn,
I don't disagree. I am very new to NLE and video work so my experience and knowledge is limited and I also like the visual tutorial method! Mark

I am wondering since some time has passed since the last posting if there are any additional comments that people can make re: Class On Demand Vegas 6.0 Complete Training vs. The Vegas 6 Companion?

From what I can understand they are both meant to educate from beginner to intermidiate and cover a wide spectrum of topics. any speicific suggestions would be highly appreciated.

thanks

I can't comment on COD but I recently purchased The Vegas 6 Campanion and I am very happy with it.

I do note that there is another DVD training video on Sony's website for Vegas 6 and DVD Architect called "The Seminar Series". Check it out at:

http://www.sonymediasoftware.com/products/showproduct.asp?PID=993

FYI, Alla, there's a sweet Vegas 6 FASST Training Bundle deal (http://www.vasst.com/product.aspx?id=250e945e-d710-4d88-bf32-c5ad2ea5d3d4). And, thanks to CMP Books for a new Vegas 6 Editing Workshop DV Expert Series (http://www.cmpbooks.com/product/1480).

Thank you for your advise to look into other opitons. These are meant for those already familiar with Vegas. While I've used some very basic Vegas features, I feel that I need a thorough training and thus have narrowed my choices to Class On Demand Vegas 6.0 Complete Training or The Vegas 6 Companion.

If there is anyone that is familiar with both and can comment ont he differences, I would be very greatful.

Thanks,

Thank you for your advise to look into other opitons. These are meant for those already familiar with Vegas. While I've used some very basic Vegas features, I feel that I need a thorough training and thus have narrowed my choices to Class On Demand Vegas 6.0 Complete Training or The Vegas 6 Companion.

If there is anyone that is familiar with both and can comment ont he differences, I would be very greatful.

Thanks,

Given the choices, I'd pick up the COD package. COD is an ethical company that you don't have to worry about.
BTW, as the author of the Vegas 6 Editing Workshop, I assure you, it's NOT written for those familiar with Vegas. Chapter two starts with "Assuming you've already loaded Vegas...."
Additionally, there are older DVD sets from both COD and VASST, both will be exceptionally applicable for the basics. The VASST Introduction to Vegas 5 covers most of what you're likely wanting to know, and it's extremely cheap.
Finally, of all the Vegas 6 offerings, the Sony series is the best one available at this time, IMO.

Thank you for your advise to look into other opitons. These are meant for those already familiar with Vegas.Incorrect, assuming you're referring to VASST. The materials from VASST are perfectly suited for a beginner and you're doing yourself a serious disservice if you exclude VASST from your consideration. Hope this helps,

What am I missing - right on their website in the description section for
Vegas 6 FASST, it states:

*This DVD is intended for those users already familiar with Sony Vegassoftware who want to quickly learn the new features in Vegas 6. Plus a lot more!

What am I missing - right on their website in the description section for
Vegas 6 FASST, it states:

*This DVD is intended for those users already familiar with Sony Vegassoftware who want to quickly learn the new features in Vegas 6. Plus a lot more!

for the Vegas 6 FASST, this is correct. However, there is nothing at the basics, or even intermediate level for Vegas 6 that isn't contained in the Vegas 5 series, and for the most part, even the Vegas 4 series.
If you use the code "dvinfo" without the quotes, it will get you the Introduction to Vegas DVD for $15.00. That is a DVInfo.net-only price.

Feel free to privately email me, or one of the guys at VASST if you'd like.

What am I missingWhat you're missing is that a person can at once be both a beginner and have some familarity with Vegas. Have you considered sources in print as well as live seminars in addition to DVD? If you're really in need of a thorough training, perhaps you should explore those options as well.

Alla,

I picked up the Vegas 5 Editing Workshop, intending to skip "Chapter 1: Getting Started with Vegas". It turns out, that first chapter alone holds a wealth of information for both the serious enthusiasts as well as beginners.

I've already ordered Vegas 6, and can tell you these volumes are Must Haves.

Vegas more than most NLE programs (think PPRo) is so intuitive that a beginner can climb right in and instantly beginning seeing outstanding results, yet mastering it could take years.

You can't go wrong with the Vegas editing workshop books.

Brian