CAN YOU REMEMBER YOUR FRUSTRATIONS AS A ” NEWBIE ” ?

[Laszlo Kovacs]

[cosmoman] “Can you remember how you started in Vegas ? Did you come from extensive backgrounds in other programs ? Did you try out various programs, before you chose Vegas ?”

I was about starting to archive my own VHS records, those time
only to SVCD. I quikcly realised, that there are parts of the videos which need enhacment, or need to be cut out, etc, so I looked around.

I tried bundled software ulead video studio, but I wasn’t very happy with it.
Then I looked around, and based on recommendations, tried ulead mediastudio pro 5.0, adobe premiere 5.0 (I didn’t buy these I got installs for free, just for testing).
Mediastudio pro would be my decision if I would not meet sonic foundry vegas video 3.0.

Vegas was so intuitive, and easy to use yet powerful, after couple of hours I was able to do the things I could after few days with media studio pro.
Since that I don’t want to use anything else for video editing.

I still have to learn vegas (and I do learn it:)), I don’t know all of it’s features, but as I use it, I get every day more familiar with it.

Now I’m using Vegas 5.0b.
I recommend you to try Vegas, read the help files, and the user manual – you will find it a great program, especially if you already tried others.

By(t)e
Laca

[Cosmoman]

Thanks for your insight. Yes, like you, I like Ulead Media Pro. I guess we all have our ” comfort-cushions “. People’s views regarding different programs are very personal and individualistic, and perhaps based on individual adaptions to those programs.
Best regards.

[Edward Troxel]

[cosmoman] “I am new to Vegas, and finding it hard, even to perform ” bread and butter ” stuff”

Yes I do. That’s one of the reasons I started my newsletter. Download and read my newsletters – particularly look at the “Beginner’s Corner” series beginning in the 4th issue. (Link is below my name)

[cosmoman] “such as lining up transitions between clips”

Not sure exactly what you mean by “lining up”. Simply overlap clips to create a transition – the larger the overlap, the longer the crossfade. If you want a different transition, just drag it onto the crossfade.

[cosmoman] “just when you thought all video-editing programs are the same ( you know, seen one, seen ’em all ) you find out that there’s a litany of different ways to do the same things !!”

Yes, there are definitely different ways of performing the same task. When moving NLE’s, you usually have to “unlearn” how you do things so that you can learn how the new program works.

[cosmoman] “Maybe after reading some of your stories, I may feel a little better”

I think you’re normal. One of the biggest questions people ask when opening Vegas is “where’s the razor tool”? The answer is THERE ISN’T ONE! You simply press “S”. So… don’t feel bad – just read the resources I’ve pointed you to, search for the DVD training sets that are available, and ask questions. You’ll be up and running in no time.

Edward Troxel

[Allen Zagel]

One of the best ways to learn Vegas is to purchase Gary Kleiner’s set of training DVD’s. That way you can watch and learn or just follow along. I’m sure there’s other training DVD’s available, it’s just that I have Gary’s and I think they’re great.

https://vegastrainingandtools.com

Also search this board. There’s a we4alth of information and help right here.
Welcome to Vegas and the COW and good luck.
Allen

My web site features;
China, China Railways and music.
https://www.azagel.com

Video site;
https://www.asxvideo.com
NEW! Shanghai MagLev DVD.

[Jeremy Rochefort]

For any newbie, my suggestion would be to get hold of a set of training dvd’s. These not only give you a good insight into the inner working of Vegas, but also allows you to gain knowledge from experts in the field who have been using Vegas for a long time.

Many of us most likely started in a very similar fashion.

You are fortunate in that the learning curve for Vegas as by no means as steep as other NLE’s out there which for some, can be daunting.

Rest assured in that your choice was a wise one, and being backed by Sony, it can only grow from strength to strength.

Cheers

Jeremy

MJ Productions

[Terje A. bergesen]

I am an old ULead MS Pro user. I started out on Vegas because it has a couple of features I wanted which were not available in MSP. I started out playing around, there were quite a few things that were different, but I quickly got a feel for the UI.

I discovered that when I moved from MSP to Vegas, there were very few things I was used to in MSP that I tried to do in Vegas. In other words, it didn’t seem that a lot of the stuff I did in MSP was automatic/spinal/second nature to me. The other week I had to do a few things in MSP in some old projects, and I found my self pushing buttons, searching for tools etc all the time. In 9 months a lot of what I do in Vegas is “spinal”, and going back is not easy.

To me Vegas is very intuitive and work-flow is much better than with MSP. Get a book or two if you like to learn that way.

—
Terje A. Bergesen

[Ted Snow]

Very true. You can and will learn a wealth of info just from this forum. I started out with Ulead Video Studio which came bundled with one of those ADS Instant DVD USB gadgets (uh hem…junk). Absolutely nothing but headaches and hardware lockups. I finally said enough is enough and bought Vegas 4.0 two days before Sony doubled the price after buying out Sonic Foundry. I haven’t looked back since. Vegas has always been rock solid and not one lock-up yet. And from testimonies from other users, it’s the MOST stable video editing platform out there (besides maybe what Hollywood uses). I just started “playing” with it and in no time I had learned my way around Vegas and found it a breeze to do about anything you desire. And if you do get stumped you can pretty much find the answers to any question you have. And if you don’t find it just ask here on the forum and you most likely will get an answer within minutes. MANY THANKS go out to EVERYONE on this forum for sharing their help and knowledge.
Ted

[Seatlanta]

Hi Cosmoman:
I think we all remember beginners’ frustrations. My problems began with 8mm movies in the 1950s. Here’s the truth (as I see it): As you gain experience, you’ll find new frustrations. That’s the way it is with anything. If you’re never frustrated, you’re not advancing.

Vegas is not perfect, but in my opinion, it is definitely the best. I’ve used most of the others, and I don’t have any intention of ever going back. I started with Vegas 4.0, and I’m now using Vegas 6.0. Believe me, I wouldn’t have kept upgrading if I didn’t think it was worth it. The Vegas workflow is amazingly simple, and the program is relatively stable. Also, the Creative Cow team can answer almost any question I have.

Instructional DVDs
I strongly agree that instructional DVDs are very helpful. I bought Gary Kleiner’s DVDs, watched them, and realized how much I didn’t know about Vegas. I watch them again from time to time, and I’m always amazed at what I missed in previous viewings, or what features I forgot about because I didn’t use them. It’s money well spent.

Best wishes.
James (seatlanta)

[Ralph Hajik]

Hi Cosmoman,

Life is a learner process. You have come to the right forum. Just jump right in and ask your questions no matter how simple or hard they are, there’s always some Vegas expert out there in the world that will answer it. I highly recommend Gary’s tutorial and Ed’s Excalibur to simlify your project (not a sales pitch). I’v read a lot of the postings here at the Cow about how editors are switching over to Vegas because of the easy workflow. I have no experience with Ulead,Pinnacle etc. I was introduced to Vegas by my Audio Instructor and friend Jeffrey Fisher. I started with Vegas and will continue and support Vegas.
Welcome to the “Wonderful World of Vegas”.
Good Luck!

Ralph Hajik
Westmont, Il

[Cosmoman]

Thanks guys for your info and help. Much appreciated.
Cosmo Man