[Techtalk] video editing on Linux

[Michelle Murrain]

Hi Folks,

I'm starting a new creative project, which is looking like it's 
evolving into a video project. I'm a complete video newbie, but it 
seemed to me like a good way to learn more about using Linux in new 
situations and for new things (I've been using Linux server-side for 
web and mail for years, and a little on the desktop, but not much.)

Here are some details, and questions. I'd really appreciate feedback 
from folks who've done a fair bit of video editing, on any platform.

1) Basic project: converting an old VHS tape to digital, converting 
8mm film to digital, some general videomaking, and video editing. 
This does not have to be hollywood, or even professional quality (I 
can't imagine I could pull that off anyway) but it does have to at 
least look halfway decent. Basic specs of the box: Mobo with 8x AGP, 
AMD XP2200, new high speed bus, 512 M RAM, 120 G ATA 133 HD with 8M 
cache, IEEE 1394, WinTV card from Happauge, nvidia m440 with TV out. 
Good specs?

2) Camera: Any suggestions? I'm also assuming (incorrectly???) that I 
will be able to get any digital camcorder with an IEEE 1394 
(firewire) connection to work.

3) Video editing software. I've found (thanks to helpful chix) 
Cinelerra. It seems pretty darned good. Any other suggestions? I'm 
more interested in power than in ease of use.

4) Conversion from film to video: I understand that you have to 
interleave new frames into a video that comes from a film because of 
the different frequency of the film. I couldn't find on the Cinelerra 
site whether or not it could do that. Does anyone know of Linux 
software that can do that?

5) The complete idiot question: I have a Mac, and possibly access to 
some very good software (Final Cut Pro, Cleaner, Adobe After 
Affects). I do want to try my hand at doing this on Linux, but I also 
do want the project to work. Am I being a total idiot for trying to 
do this on Linux?
-- 
.Michelle

--------------------------
Michelle Murrain, Technology Consulting
tech at murrain.net     http://www.murrain.net
413-253-2874 ph
413-222-6350 cell
413-825-0288 fax
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"A vocation is where the world's hunger & your great gladness meet." 
Frederick Buechner