Q:I found your recommendations of the Canon HF10 camcorder through a Web search and read your comments about editing the camera's AVCHD video files.

I had this camcorder last year and thought it was the best camcorder ever, but ended up returning it. Because it did not work with Windows Movie Maker, I thought it was not possible to edit the HF10's video. I have seen the HF10 selling at closeout prices lately and may get another one. What software can I use to edit the video?

A: If you want to edit high-definition AVCHD video files, you need more than software. Even if the software runs on your computer and easily edits DV video from a MiniDV or Digital 8 camcorder, editing AVCHD files is a completely different matter. You need a very powerful computer to work smoothly with AVCHD files. If you can put up with some lag time and jerkiness you can pull it off with a more modest machine, but proceed with caution and be sure your computer meets or preferably exceeds the software's system requirements for AVCHD editing.

Assuming you have a Windows computer that is up to the task of AVCHD, I recommend you check out Corel VideoStudio Pro X2. I've been using it since last summer and find it to be very user-friendly, fun to work with, and best of all, it produces top-quality results that are easy to share on a wide variety of devices from mobile phones to YouTube and high definition TVs.

Though it has professional editing power, VideoStudio Pro X2's intuitive design makes it easy for anyone to get the most out of the software. With VideoStudio ProX2 you can edit high-definition video and burn AVCHD discs on ordinary DVDs. These AVCHD discs include custom menus and will play high-definition video on PlayStation 3 game consoles and most Blu-ray players.

You also can create Blu-ray discs, but given the cost of Blu-ray burners and blanks, it's better to go with AVCHD on DVD at the moment.

I have to tell you, watching homemade high-def home movies from a disc is a trip. Even if you do not use the AVCHD format, VideoStudio Pro X2 is a great program for general purpose video editing.

You can learn more at www.corel.com. It retails for $99.99, and a trial version is available for download at Corel's Web site.

Mac computers with Intel chips come with iMovie, that latest version of which can edit AVCHD. Roxio's Toast 10 can burn Blu-ray or AVCHD discs, so with these two pieces of software Mac owners can get into the fun of making their own high-def movie discs as well.

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Q:I am replacing a broken DVD player. Would I be better off getting a Blu-ray player since Blu-ray is the way things are going? My TV is not high-def, and I won't be getting high-def anytime soon.

A: If you had a high-definition TV or one was in your near future I would say definitely go for the Blu-ray. If you are a year or more away, get a cheap DVD player to get you by and get Blu-ray when you get your HDTV.

First Published: April 5, 2009, 4:00 a.m.