Q I had the Canon HF10 last year and thought it was the best camcorder ever, but I ended up returning it. Because it did not work with Windows Movie Maker, I thought it was not possible to edit the HF10's AVCHD video files. I have seen the HF10 selling at closeout prices lately and might get another one. What software can I use to edit the video?
MICHELLE CHEADLE, HILTON HEAD, S.C.
A If you want to edit high-definition AVCHD video files, you need more than software. Even if the software runs on your computer and easily edits DV video from a MiniDV or Digital 8 camcorder, editing AVCHD files is completely different. You need a powerful computer to work smoothly with AVCHD files. If you can put up with some lag time and jerkiness, you can pull it off with a more modest machine, but proceed with caution and be sure your computer meets or preferably exceeds the software's system requirements for AVCHD editing.
Assuming you have a Windows computer that is up to the task of AVCHD, check out Corel VideoStudio Pro X2. I've been using it since last summer and find that it is user-friendly and fun. Best of all, it produces top-quality results that are easy to share on a wide variety of devices from mobile phones to YouTube and high-definition TVs. Although it has pro editing power, VideoStudio Pro X2's intuitive design makes it easy for anyone to get the most out of the software.
You can edit high-definition video and burn AVCHD discs on ordinary DVDs. These discs include custom menus and will play high-definition video on PlayStation 3 game consoles and most Blu-ray players. You can also create Blu-ray discs but, given the cost of Blu-ray burners and blanks, it's better to go with AVCHD on DVD at the moment.
Even if you do not use the AVCHD format, VideoStudio Pro X2 ($100; trial version at www.corel.com) is a great program for general-purpose video editing.
Mac computers with Intel chips come with iMovie, whose latest version can edit AVCHD. Roxio's Toast 10 can burn Blu-ray or AVCHD discs, so with these two pieces of software, Mac owners can get into the fun of making high-def movie discs, too.
Blu-ray needs high-def Q I am replacing a broken DVD player. Would I be better off getting a Blu-ray player since Blu-ray is the way things are going? My TV is not high-def, and I won't be getting high-def anytime soon.
