Each individual clip also contains a set of controls that allow the user to make adjustments or add effects to a clip on a single timeline without affecting the other clips on the same timeline.Ĭomposite level and velocity or speed control are both handled using an envelope, which is great for those of us who work visually. To customize even more, advanced users can quickly change the track properties, allowing for complex compositing or masking effects. Each video track contains a group of tools and controls including track automation, track effects and motion tracking. Oh, and you should definitely have plenty of hard drive space available, but hopefully that goes without saying.After dropping our first video clip onto the timeline and performing a few quick edits, we quickly noticed how fast and smooth the program handles. The minimum requirements for the program call for at least an 800MHz processor and 256MB of RAM. We tested the program on a Dell XPS system with a 3.0GHz Dual Pentium Processor. Offering both basic and advanced capture modes, Vegas allows the user to quickly capture video with the touch of a button, or for more advanced users, the batch capture allows you to capture only selected areas from the source media. The video capture interface is intuitive and well laid out. The preview window has several display modes from “Draft” to “Best” quality, allowing realtime playback even on slower machines. The main interface is slightly different from most other editing programs, namely the timeline is at the top of the screen with the media pool and preview window being at the bottom, However, the interface can be customized to emulate other editing programs such as Avid, Final Cut or Premiere.

With installation complete, we quickly dove into the program. Installation is fairly quick, and Vegas must be activated before use.

Whether you’re editing together a highlight video from last Christmas or producing a feature length movie in HDV, Sony Vegas 7 has the tools and stability to suit your needs. Who said professional editing programs had to be difficult to learn? Beginners and advanced users alike take note: Sony’s premier editing software offers a very easy learning curve while maintaining the integrity and power of a professional editing suite.

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