Will Pinnacle video editing software have compatibility problems with the Sony format?

I have Pinnacle video editing software (version 9.0). I have read Sony has it's own format and that may cause compatibility problems. Is this correct? If so, what are my options?

I think that the compatibility issues are more towards MAC than PC.

However, here's what the knowledge base has to say, and although this pertains to dvd cameras, be advised, however, that this hard drive based camera also records in MPEG2.

"Studio cannot capture video from the USB port on either a digital camera, a video camcorder or a DVD camcorder. These devices look like storage devices, not capture devices, so Studio 9 cannot capture directly from them. You can typically transfer the still images or video files from these devices onto your computer's hard drive and import the video into Studio. Many of these cameras/camcorders create low quality video due to the small storage space on the device. For DVD camcorders, an analog capture card or device like the MovieBOX USB, DVC 150, or Studio Deluxe would work as well."

Pinnacle Studio can import MPEG2, but I'd make sure you have the latest updates for Pinnacle downloaded and installed. I believe there is a new one 9.4.3 or there abouts.

Just purchased a Sony DCR SR 190E and tried out editing the footage on Pinnacle 9.4.3. I am unable to get any sound from footage and when I play it, up pops a screen inviting me to purchase a Dolby 5.1 surround sound codec. Pinnacle also seems unable to handle playing the file format as approximately every 20-30 seconds the picture suffers from some sort of distortion. Overall not to impressed with the quality of MPEG2 recording on the hard disc camcorder and I am wondering if I should of stuck with Mini DV. Not sure if upgrading to Studio 10.7 will solve compatibility problems. I am aware I will still have to purchase an additional 5.1 surround sound codec with 10.7 but do not know if it will play/edit the footage any better without picture interference. Any thoughts anyone???

Well, welcome to the every widening proprietary world of Sony. Once the standard, it has abandoned all reason and common sense in an effort to force their customers to only buy their products.

Were it me, I'd return the camera in favor of a more open and flexible camera, like a Canon. As for MPEG2. The quality isn't great because it's compressed. Good for an end-use format like DVD, but to edit from it as natural source footage? Definitely not.

you're much better off going miniDV in my opinion.

Hi. I noticed that you haven't marked any replies as the "best answer." Are you still looking for an answer? If so, I recommend you re-submit it on http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com so it will have a better chance of being noticed. These days it looks like most questions are being answered within a few days. Good luck!

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