Why I like Windows Movie Maker
 

Ok, really lame title for a thread, but there were some questions in the forums about how to split files etc so rather than letting those vid threads go off topic I thought I'd post my 2 cents ($5.00 Canadian) here.

I've recommended Windows Movie Maker in the past (free with XP or from the microsoft web-site) and here's why:

I'm pretty new to working with vids, but this program is great and very intuitive. It is easy to split files as when you import a movie the program automatically breaks it into sections; you then just select the sections you want to join and save the movie. Once that is done, remove the first batch of clips from the timeline, add the next batch, and save them. Also, the program gives you the option to save the file to a specific file size. I've been able to use it to reduce a 35 meg avi file to a 10 meg wmv file with no noticible loss of quality (at least on a 17"monitor - you might be able to notice it. If you want a good resource on other programs that are useful for splitting files check this out: http://www.xxxmoviemart.com/faq/

:cool:

Windows Movie Maker is also a good, easy to use program for making vidcaps.

Thanks

How do you take vidcaps with windows movie maker?? i cant find an option to do that. all it lets one do is take snaps from a capturing device.. not from a video ur playing?

Start Windows Movie Maker and choose "Import video" from the menu on the left. Click on the thumbnail for the video you imported. Now you can play it using the controls on the right. Pause playback on the frame you want to capture then click the icon that looks like a camera that says "Take picture" when the mouse is over it. That opens the standard Windows "Save As" dialog box where you can name the vidcap and choose where to save it on your hard drive.

Good luck.

Hmmm, my Movie Maker doesn't have that handy little camera (probably need to do a little tweaking on my part to get it) but if you don't have the camera either, just follow Alex's instructions re: getting the frame that you want to use as a picture and then go to "Tools" and use then use the "Take picture from preview option." That worked for me and was really easy.
:D

Does anyone have the link for the free version of Movie Maker that runs on non-XP machines (ie. I think this includes the versions below 1.2). I know the program exists because I have it on my Me desktop but unfortunately I didn't save the installation program or where I got it from.

I have the version that came with XP on my XP desktop, so I'm not asking for me, but those running Me or 98 might appreciate a link to this program. :)