Software

Apple iMovie (Mac)

iMovie is one of the simplest programs for doing basic video editing. It allows you to cut, paste, use transitions, add text, and change timelines. If you plan on only doing those things, then iMovie is the easiest and probably fastest application to use. iMovie is only available on the Macintosh.

Windows MovieMaker 2 (Win)

MovieMaker is also a simplistic programs for doing basic video editing. It allows you to cut, paste, use transitions, add text, and change timelines. MovieMaker is only available on Windows XP.

Adobe Premiere Pro (Win)

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The other professional application for DV editing is Adobe Premier. Because Final Cut Pro is not for Windows machines, this is what most PC users use for their DV needs. As with Final Cut Pro, this application has as much power as one would ever need for editing video.

Apple Final Cut Pro 4 (Mac)

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Final Cut is one of those programs that has a steep learning curve. It is one of the most powerful non-linear editors available to anybody wanting to do video editing. This is the program that many professionals use so you can imagine all the features that it contains. If you can dream it up, chances are you can do it with Final Cut.

Adobe After Effects (Mac) & (Win)

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After Effects is the essential tool for motion graphics and visual effects. After Effects is available on both Macintosh and Windows.

Apple LiveType(Mac)

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LiveType is Apple's titling tool.

Discreet Cleaner 6(Mac) & XL(Win)

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Cleaner is the essential tool for media compression. Cleaner is available on both Macintosh and Windows (supports Real Media, Windows Media, Quicktime and MPEG).

Apple Compressor (Mac)

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Compressor is Apple's video encoding application. Does faster Quicktime and MPEG compression.

Apple iDVD (Mac)

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iDVD is Apple's consumer level DVD Authoring software. It is extremely easy to use and probably one of the simplest steps to producing a video. iDVD is only available on the Macintosh.

Apple DVD Studio Pro 2 (Mac)

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DVD Studio Pro is Apple's professional DVD authoring application.

Adobe Encore (Win)

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Encore is Adobe's professional DVD authoring application.

Adobe Audition (Win)

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Audition is Adobe's music mixer.

Apple Soundtrack (Mac)

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Soundtrack is Apple's music mixer.

For more information about these and other digital video applications check out: Digital Video Editing.