[horizon]

Hi there,
I have a friend who is starting up in business consulting on software useability, his requirements are as follows. He needs to produce a DVD or Videotape that has footage of 2 in sync video streams, one of which should be inset in a window at say the top left corner of the screen. The idea is to video a persons facial expressions as they work with the software while also capturing the screen, then compile the results as described above. How is this done and what is the best way to do it on a Mac.

The reason I ask is that while I use Macs myself, I'm ignorant when it comes to Video production and the like. It seems a great opportunity to get some machines sold!
I tried doing it in iMovie (the picture in picture bit) but I think it's beyond the capabilities of that package.

What approach would you recommend (Mac) and how does it compare with a PC solution, as he's bound to need convincining before he switches from the Dark Side. Many thanks in advance

Stephen
sfox@mac.com

[Chuck_star]

The best way is to use Final Cut Pro, DVD studio pro and a superdrive. You could also go for the Adobe Premiere option. Either way, you can easily do the picture in picture. If you have access to a firewire DVcam. You can easily print to tape then to VHS. If you have access to FCP. I can easily tell you how to do this.
What are your assets?

[Chuck_star]

Or are you trying to convince him to buy Mac to do this project.
For DV Macs are the only way to go. On the PC side you have Premiere. On the Mac side you have FCP and Premiere. Being a Multimedia student who has learned both. I definately prefer FCP. Its a much better, more powerful video editing package.

[Cipher13]

FCP is vastly superior, I agree.

What needs to be done should actually be quite simple...

You want FCP and a fast G4 (maybe wait for Jan? G5 perhaps...), a SuperDrive, and DVD Studio Pro - exactly what Chuck said!

But... I'd say don't even bother with checking out Premier.

Oh, After Effects might be worth your while.