Is there any free software that allows editing of miniDVD video?

Question

I've found that the video shot with a Sony miniDVD camera cannot be edited by WMM or similar packages. at least not on XP SP2. Does the WMM enhancement with Vista allow editing of miniDVD video? if not what does?

thanks

Answer 1

I don't know of any free software.  The cheapest I've found is AVS Video Editor - it's not great, but it's better than WMM and seems to be good value.

Answer 2

No... you need to rip the DVD...

If your computer has a drawer loading DVD optical drive, you can rip the DVD... You will need ISOBuster and HandBrake.

If your computer has a slot loading DVD optical drive, DO NOT put a minidisc in there - you will break the drive and scratch the disc. You will need to get an analog/digital bridge (Pinnacle Dazzle if you only have USB; Canopus is you have firewire) and use the AV cable that came with the camcorder.

If you just got the camera, take it back for a refund and replace it with either a miniDV tape based camcorder or hard drive based camcorder.

Even if you get the video off that DVD and into your computer, the quality will be bad. This is the camcorder's fault - not your computer. DVD based camcorders were a good idea - but the implementation was terrible. They should never have been released for sale.

Answer 3

not free, but you can buy Nero 6 on Ebay for $20 including shipping. With that you can capture, edit, and write videos recorded on mini-dv cassettes.