Whitney Jacobson has been a member of the Sony Creative Software team for four years, her current role being Associate Product Marketing Specialist.
Bryan: To get started, maybe you can describe what Sony Vegas is?
Whitney: Vegas is the non-linear video editing line of products from Sony Creative Software. There are consumer-level versions of Vegas (Vegas Movie Studio HD, Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum, and Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum Production Suite), as well as a professional-level version called Vegas Pro. Users can import and edit video in nearly any format, including HDV, AVCHD, and even stereoscopic 3D. They can also apply stunning video effects, add subtitles, and much more, all with the Vegas applications.
Bryan: How much technical knowledge is needed to start using Sony Vegas? How hard is it to simply import a video, make a few adjustments and output it for web?
Whitney: The great thing about the Vegas applications is that users don’t need to be a skilled video editor to get started. Users can simply drag and drop video clips to the Vegas timeline, make a few adjustments (like adding fade-ins and outs) easily with their mouse, and then use the Upload to YouTube button to immediately upload their project to the web. Each Vegas product also contains a built-in Show Me How tutorial that walks new users step-by-step through a variety of tasks. Getting started with Vegas is easy!
Bryan: What features do you feel are of most value to bloggers and online businesses?
Whitney: Editing with Vegas Movie Studio is remarkably easy due to its efficient interface and drag-and-drop functionality. A professional-looking video can be edited and uploaded to the web in minutes. Users also have the ability to add effects, transitions, text animations, and more, to create a stunning video that is perfect for their business website or blog.
Bryan: What are the primary differences between Vegas Movie Studio HD, Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum and Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum (Production Suite)?
Whitney: Vegas Movie Studio HD is a bare bones version of Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum. It is the best solution for those looking to quickly edit and upload video to the web, as it is not bundled with DVD Architect Studio software.
Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum is the full, consumer-level version of Vegas. It supports stereoscopic 3D footage and comes bundled with DVD Architect Studio, which enables users to burn their projects to a DVD and create scene selections and menus.
Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum Production Suite is Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum with a few extra bundled applications. The Production Suite comes with Sound Forge Audio Studio (which is used to record and master single track, multi-channel audio), Jump Start Tutorial videos, NewBlueFX 3D Titling and Effects, and more. It is perfect for budget-minded filmmakers looking for a complete production experience.
Bryan: To create instructional / tutorial styled web video, which of the three versions do you recommend?
Whitney: I would recommend Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum Production Suite. Not only do users have the ability to edit video and add an array of video effects, but users can also master the video’s audio in Sound Forge Audio Studio to make a professional-looking tutorial video.
Bryan: Do you recommend using video syndication services (like TubeMogul or HeySpread)? And do you have plans to integrate with any of these?
Whitney: Video syndication services are great for bringing awareness to your website or business. Currently, we have no plans to integrate with any services.
Bryan: What video capture devices do you recommend for use with Sony Vegas?
Whitney: Each product in the Vegas-family line supports capture via Firewire and USB 2. No other capture devices are necessary.
Whitney Jacobson has been a member of the Sony Creative Software team for four years, her current role being Associate Product Marketing Specialist. Her passion for video and audio production has been life long and she is happy to combine her video editing skills with her English degree to create eye-catching marketing materials. Whitney is also gaining acclaim as an Americana musician, songwriter, and recording artist. Opening Midwest shows for Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, and Ray LaMontagne (among others), she has had first-hand experience with audio engineers and knows pristine audio-quality when she hears it. Whitney is enthusiastic about sharing her working knowledge within the wonderful world of Product Marketing.
