Choosing a Video Editing Program

tip

Make sure that you're working with the latest version of Windows Movie Maker, WMM 2. If you need to upgrade, go to Microsoft's WMM website (www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/moviemaker/).

PC-based video editing software performs many of the same functions as the professional editing consoles you might find at your local television station. You can use video editing software to cut entire scenes from your movie, rearrange scenes, add fancy transitions between scenes, add titles (and subtitles), and even add your own music soundtrack. The results are amazing!

The most popular Windows-compatible video editing programs include

• Adobe Premiere Elements (www.adobe.com/products/premiereel/)

• Adobe Premiere Pro (www.adobe.com/products/premiere/)

• Pinnacle Studio (www.pinnaclesys.com)

• Ulead MediaStudio Pro (www.ulead.com/msp/)

In addition, Windows XP includes its own video editing software, called Windows Movie Maker (WMM). Although its not quite as sophisticated as some of the other video editing programs, WMM includes all the features you need to do basic home video editingand it's free!