I am new to video editing.
We have SOny Vegas 9.0 B Platinum pro pack, and it does not work. We run a computer with Windows Vista.

here is the deal. We have tried futily to use Vegas 9.0B for 8 months now, no results yet. We need something easier to use. And something that works. We have hours and hours of video footage on the computer, shot with a Sony Handycam and also a point and shoot digital (no name) compact video camera; some avi footage over from a instant digital cam.
We want to put these together onto DVDs
I need something that will allow me to do the following:
Make titles
Splice the Clips together.
Allow the Clips to be trimmed or edited down.
Add Soundtracks (Music special effects etc)
Make Slide Shows with music background
Burn it on a DVD

Sony Vegas apparently does not do these things. Someone suggested I look into Pinnacle, so does anyone have an idea where I should begin?
Thanks

You have 3 versions:

Pinnacle Studio 12 (I guess I'd call this "basic". Only 1 video track, will not edit AVCHD in case you may need that later on). Although the price will look attractive I would step up from this version.

Pinnacle Studio 12 Plus. Will edit AVCHD if your computer is up to it, has a second video track (which I find extremely useful for "cutaways", simply place the cutaway view you want on the second track, trim it, and mute it's audio. This "cutaway" clip will show in place of the primary track video but without disturbing audio, as soon as it has played the primary track is back). Also very useful for limited "compositing".

Pinnacle Studio 12 Ultimate. Has some extra stuff which I never got around to installing so essentially I am running 12 Plus.

Check amazon.com Right now one vendor has 12 Plus for $39.95 and 12 Ultimate for $79.95. I would "leap" on 12 Plus FAST! If you do, as soon as you register it online, be sure to download and install the patch to version 12.1 as that version enables several file formats. For instance Studio never did handle MOV files, and my newest DSLR purchase (Canon T1i) records video HD in MOV format so I am real glad to see that.

Good luck