The 9th version of sony's multi-track Vegas video editing programs includes Vegas Movie Studio 9 ($69.95), Platinum Edition ($99.95) and the Platinum Pro Pack ($129.95) which also includes Sound Forge Audio Studio (Sony's waveform editor), extra soundtrack and visual effects and a bonus 2 gb Sony USB flash drive to boot! The Platinum Edition can even burn Blu-ray discs from your HD videocam source. Vegas is the video end of the Sony Creative Software suite (which also includes Sound Forge and Acid).

If you're only using Windows Movie Maker or Apple iMovie to put together your soccer team video (or perhaps that footage from your later evening adventures), you'll likely be impressed by the features included in the Sony software which also includes built in video-making tutorials. With the Cinescore royalty-free soundtrack application and the DVD Architect disc burning utilities, the package covers soup to nuts.

In general, Sony's software isn't always the most loved -- take for example its awful Soundstage application or the rootkit scandal back in 2005 -- but these apps, acquired by Sony in the purchase of Sonic Foundry in 2003 -- are rock solid and nicely priced.