Saving taped video with Picture Package

Hi Guys,

I just bought a Sony DCR-HC 85E. My first Digital Video camera. I am no expert, ok. But I just find it really difficult to save the content of a tape on my computer for editing. PicturePackage, the software provided by Sony, is a piece of junk. I takes hours to save the video on the hard drive and at a disgusting quality. I want to edit the video (like adding chapters, subtitles, sound and effects) and burn in on a DVD.

Like I said, I don't know how to copy the tape on my computer. Actually I don't have a clue bout what program (other than Picturepackage) can extract the video. Then I don't which is better for editing. Adobe Systems surely has something of that kind available :confused:

I hope to get a bit of advice as to what I should do.

Thanx,

If you look through some of the old threads, you'll see plenty of suggestions for software. Pinnacle, Ulead, Adobe and Avid are just some of the ones available. Are you running Windows XP? You might want to try out the Movie Maker that MS puts out. I dont't know what format you use in Australia, but try the following link. I have my students use this if they aren't able to afford the regular software.

Good Luck.

http://www.avid.com/freedv/