Windows Movie Maker and Movie Maker HD
This feature is included in the following editions of Windows Vista:
Windows Vista delivers a suite of tools to import, edit, manage, and share your digital home videos—including movies captured in the high-definition video (HDV) format.
The interface in Windows Movie Maker helps you turn your video memories into compelling videos. The effects and multiple transition options in Windows Movie Maker, together with the high-end graphics power of today's PCs, can help turn just about anyone into a movie director.
Loaded with tools, geared for fun.
Importing and organizing
When you connect a digital video or still camera, AutoPlay will detect the device and display the import wizard for digital video or digital still cameras. With digital video cameras, you have the option to automatically import from tape and burn directly to DVD.
Windows Movie Maker is closely integrated with Windows Photo Gallery. Imported videos are added to the Videos folder and can be managed right from Photo Gallery. Videos can be previewed, rated, and tagged with labels and comments. You can find memories by selecting the appropriate tag in the navigation page or using integrated Instant Search to filter and display photos and videos.
Creating
To make a home video from the photos and videos you have on your PC, access Windows Movie Maker directly from All Programs. Or, if you're in Windows Photo Gallery, select your pictures and video and then choose Make a Movie. This launches Windows Movie Maker, imports your content, and generates an AutoMovie, complete with titles, credits, and transitions. Of course, you also have the option to manually import and manipulate your content to create a totally unique production with custom effects and transitions.
High definition
Using the Home Premium and Ultimate Windows Vista editions, you can edit content from high-definition cameras that support the HDV format. You can also edit native MPEG-2 content, the format used in commercial-release DVDs. HD content can be published to Windows Media HD for playback on PCs and on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system. Windows Media HD can preserve high-definition quality while reducing overall file size, conserving hard-disk space.
With video rendering technology, you can also preview HD content in full-screen view and at full HD resolution, if your hardware supports it. Using the power of your PC's graphics processing unit (GPU) enables Windows Movie Maker to render HD quality for smooth overall performance, adjusting the size and resolution for your hardware.
Sharing
Publish to your PC in Windows Media (with a choice of 720p and 1080p high-definition formats), scale it for sending via e-mail, or burn it to DVD using Windows DVD Maker.