Avid was one of the first companies to make video editing software for digital post-production houses for Hollywood movies. Now, in addition to their professional line of software, they have a division called Pinnacle Systems that sells a consumer level editing software product called Pinnacle Studio HD. Home video makers love this software because it is easy to use but still feels like a professional level product.

Besides editing digital video from DV camcorders, Pinnacle Studio HD can edit almost any video once it is first converted into a file format with which it is compatible. In particular, many home video makers want to preserve their old analog videotapes such as VHS and Beta. These were recorded on magnetic tape, which, unfortunately, has a limited lifespan. To convert these analog tapes to digital is easy.

To convert VHS to DVD, just purchase an analog video converter from Pinnacle Systems. It will convert almost any magnetic tape to a digital format. There are others that may work with the software but I would recommend the one designed by Pinnacle Systems since it works so well with Pinnacle Studio HD. Make sure that you understand that these devices will transfer videotape such as 8mm video. They will not transfer film – such as 8mm film to DVD. That is completely different I’m afraid.

To transfer film to a digital format takes a lot more effort than video in my opinion. However, once it is converted, Pinnacle Studio HD provides the same easy to use interface, automated tools, and professional authoring of DVD discs and Blu-ray discs.

And when it comes time to burn the edited video to disc, Pinnacle Studio HD performs that flawlessly as well. It can export a number of file formats that will work well with a variety of DVD and Blu-ray disc formats. Digital video can even be exported to a file format that works well with streaming video on the internet. What more could you ask for in an editing software?