Editing Vegas Pro

{{Short description|Video editing software}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2024}}
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{{Multiple issues|{{more footnotes|date=September 2016}}
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{{Infobox software
| name = Vegas Pro
| logo = Vegas Pro 21 logo.svg
| logo size = 128px
| screenshot = File:Vegas Pro Screenshot.png
| caption = Vegas Pro 15.0 running on [[Windows 10]]
| author = [[Sonic Foundry]]
| developer = {{ubl
| [[Sonic Foundry]] (1999–2003)
| [[Sony Pictures Digital]] (2003–2006)
| [[Sony Creative Software]] (2006–2016)
| [[Magix|MAGIX Software]] (2016–present)
}}
| latest_release_version = 22 Build 93
| latest_release_date = {{Start date|df=yes|2024|07|29}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vegascreativesoftware.info/us/forum/vegas-pro-22-build-93--146670/ |title=VEGAS Pro 22 Build 93 |website=VEGAS Community}}</ref>
| latest_preview_version = 
| latest_preview_date = 
| operating system = [[Microsoft Windows]]<ref name="techspec1">{{cite web |title=Vegas Pro Technical Specifications |url=http://www.vegascreativesoftware.com/us/vegas-pro/specifications/ |website=vegascreativesoftware.com |publisher=Vegas Creative Software |access-date=28 August 2017}}</ref>
| platform = [[x86-64]];<ref name="techspec1" /> [[.NET Framework 4.0]]<ref name="techspec1" />
| programming language = [[C Sharp (programming language)|C#]], [[JScript]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vegascreativesoftware.com/us/downloads/ |title=www.vegascreativesoftware.com/us/downloads |publisher=Listed in Script FAQ's.}}</ref>
| genre = [[Video editing software]]
| license = [[Proprietary software|Proprietary]]
| website = {{url|https://www.vegascreativesoftware.com/us/vegas-pro/}}
}}
'''Vegas Pro''' (stylized as '''VEGAS Pro''', formerly known as '''[[Sony]] Vegas''') is a professional [[video editing software]] package for [[non-linear editing system|non-linear editing]] (NLE), designed to run on the [[Microsoft Windows]] operating system.

The first release of Vegas Beta was on 11 June 1999.<ref name=":0" /> Vegas was originally developed as a non-linear [[audio editing software|audio editing application]]. Version 2.0 would split the program into audio and video editing variants, with the former being dropped by version 4.0, making the video offering the only variant available to consumers. Vegas Pro features [[Real-time computing|real-time]] multi-track video and audio editing on unlimited tracks, resolution-independent video sequencing, complex effects, compositing tools, 24-bit/192 kHz audio support, [[Virtual Studio Technology|VST]] and [[DirectX]] plug-in effect support, and [[Dolby Digital]] surround sound mixing.

The software was originally published by [[Sonic Foundry]] until May 2003, when [[Sony]] purchased Sonic Foundry and formed [[Sony Creative Software]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ferranti |first=Marc |date=2003-05-02 |title=Sony Buys Sonic Foundry Products - PC World |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/110570/sony_buys_sonic_foundry_products.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090126055646/http://www.pcworld.com/article/110570/sony_buys_sonic_foundry_products.html |archive-date=2009-01-26 |access-date=2022-09-26 }}</ref> On 24 May 2016, Sony announced that Vegas was sold to [[Magix|MAGIX]], which formed VEGAS Creative Software, to continue support and development of the software.<ref>{{cite press release |last1=Schmidt |first1=Klaus |title=MAGIX Acquires Sony Creative Software Products |date=30 May 2016 |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160530005217/en/MAGIX-Acquires-Sony-Creative-Software-Products |via=Business Wire |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/05/24/sony-sells-media-software-to-magix/ |title=Sony sells most of its media editing tools |website=Engadget|date=24 May 2016 }}</ref> Each release of Vegas is sold standalone; however, upgrade discounts are sometimes provided.<ref>{{cite web |title=Save 62% on Upgrade to VEGAS Pro 18 Edit on Steam |url=https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/16761/Upgrade_to_VEGAS_Pro_18_Edit/ |access-date=7 May 2021 |website=store.steampowered.com |language=en |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215223035/https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/16761/Upgrade_to_VEGAS_Pro_18_Edit/ |archive-date=15 February 2021 }}</ref>

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== Features ==
Vegas does not require any specialized hardware to run properly, allowing it to operate on any [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] computer that meets the [[system requirements]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=VEGAS Creative Software system requirements |url=https://www.vegascreativesoftware.com/us/specifications/ |access-date=2022-09-10 |website=www.vegascreativesoftware.com}}</ref>

In the areas of [[compositing]] and [[motion graphics]], Vegas provides a [[Three-dimensional space|3D]] track motion with control over [[Z-buffering|z-depth]] and spatial arrangement of visual planes, including plane intersection.

Many of the [[visual effects]] processing in Vegas follow an audio-like paradigm. Effects can be applied at any stage of the visual signal flow or event level. Moreover, track levels and output level effects, such as reverb, delay, and flange, are applied in a digital audio system, like [[Pro Tools]], [[Cubase]], or [[Cakewalk Sonar|Sonar]]. Master output effects can also be controlled and manipulated over time by the use of Master Bus track automation envelopes.

Although Vegas started as a non-linear multimedia audio editor, it has no MIDI capability at all (except control-desk and synchronization). For this reason, the use of Vegas is restricted only for post-production audio or for the non-linear video editing market.

Vegas features integration with 24p DV. It is also one of the few non-linear video editors that can convert other formats to 24p (or any other format) without any kind of a [[Plug-in (computing)|plug-in]] or third-party application support. It is the only non-linear video editor that allows multiple instances of the application to be opened simultaneously. Clips and sequences can be copied and pasted between instances of Vegas. One example of this can be rendering a sequence in the background, while the user continues to edit in a different instance of Vegas in the foreground. Vegas provides compositing, including green screen, masking, and key-frame animation.

Nesting allows a prior project to be included in another project, modulating the editing process so that an array of tracks and edits become one track for further editing. Any changes to the previous project become reflected in the later project. Nesting is helpful in large, complex, or special effects projects, as the final rendering suffers no generation loss.

== History ==
[[File:Vegas Pro 1.0b running on Windows NT 4.0.png|thumb|alt=Vegas Pro 1.0b running on Windows NT 4.0|Vegas Pro 1.0b running on [[Windows NT 4.0]]]]
Vegas 1.0 was released after a brief public beta<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=Sonic Foundry Announces Sneak-Preview Version of Vegas™ Pro |url=http://sonicfoundry.com/news/ShowRelease.asp?ReleaseID=107 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000107060847/http://sonicfoundry.com/news/ShowRelease.asp?ReleaseID=107 |archive-date=7 January 2000 |publisher=Sonic Foundry |date=14 June 1999 |access-date=20 June 2021 }}</ref> by Sonic Foundry on 23 July 1999 at the [[NAMM Show]] in [[Nashville, Tennessee]] as an audio-only tool with a particular focus on re-scaling and resampling audio. It supported formats like DivX and Real Networks RealSystem G2 file formats.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sonicfoundry.com/news/ShowRelease.asp?ReleaseID=115&CatID= |title=Sonic Foundry Launches Vegas™ Pro |access-date=20 June 2020 |publisher=Sonic Foundry |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000107141426/http://sonicfoundry.com/news/ShowRelease.asp?ReleaseID=115&CatID= |archive-date=7 January 2000 }}</ref> Martin Walker from [[Sound on Sound]] described working in Vegas 1.0 as a "very pleasurable experience, especially since so many functions are highly intuitive" though also criticizing some features as hard to figure out due to the lack of a central help file.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/sonic-foundry-vegas-pro |last=Walker |first=Martin |publisher=[[Sound on Sound]] |date=November 1999 |title=Sonic Foundry Vegas Pro |access-date=5 May 2024}}</ref>

Later, on 12 June 2000, Vegas Video and Audio 2.0 (also referred to as just Vegas 2.0) was released,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sonicfoundry.com/news/ShowRelease.asp?ReleaseID=256&CatID= |title=Sonic Foundry's Vegas Video Available for Sale at sonicfoundry.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001215180300/http://www.sonicfoundry.com/news/ShowRelease.asp?ReleaseID=256&CatID= |archive-date=15 December 2000 }}</ref> with its beta releasing earlier that year on 10 April.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sonicfoundry.com/News/ShowRelease.asp?ReleaseID=230&CatID= |title=Sonic Foundry Announces Launch of Vegas Video |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000619010851/http://www.sonicfoundry.com/News/ShowRelease.asp?ReleaseID=230&CatID= |archive-date=19 June 2000 }}</ref> This was the first version of Vegas to include video-editing tools and was also the first to have a low-cost "LE" version alongside the regular release. The LE releases would continue through version 3.0 of Vegas but would be discontinued by the release of Vegas 4.0. Vegas 3.0 was released the next year on 3 December,<ref>{{cite web |title=Sonic Foundry Launches Vegas Video 3.0 |url=http://www.streamingmedia.com/PressRelease/Sonic-Foundry-Launches-Vegas-Video-3.0-_6558.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426012157/http://www.streamingmedia.com/PressRelease/Sonic-Foundry-Launches-Vegas-Video-3.0-_6558.aspx |archive-date=26 April 2018 |access-date=25 April 2018 |website=Streaming Media Magazine}}</ref> and added new video effects, features for ease-of-use with DV, and support for editing [[Windows Media]] files. Vegas 4.0 was released on 6 February 2003 and added application scripting, advanced color correction, [[5.1 surround sound]] mixing, and [[Audio Stream Input/Output|Steinberg ASIO]] support. This was the last release under the Sonic Foundry name after it sold much of its software suite, including [[Sound Forge]] and [[Acid Pro]], to [[Sony Pictures Digital]] for $18 million later in 2003.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sony Buys Sonic Foundry Products |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/110570/sony_buys_sonic_foundry_products.html |access-date=8 December 2008 |magazine=[[PCWorld (magazine)|PCWorld]] |language=en |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090126055646/http://www.pcworld.com/article/110570/sony_buys_sonic_foundry_products.html |archive-date=26 January 2009 }}</ref>

Under Sony's ownership, Vegas 5.0 was released on 19 April 2004, bringing 3D track motion, compositing, reversing, envelope automation, etc. 7.0 also added an improved video preview, enhanced layout management, improved snapping, and more customization. With the release of 8.0, Sony opted to go back to the original "Vegas Pro" branding that the first version released with. It added the ability to burn [[Blu-ray]] and [[DVD]] optical media, support for 32-bit floating point audio, support for tempo-based audio effects, and more. It also moved the timeline to the bottom of the window by default with the option of moving it back to the top if the user wished to. Sony was also experimenting with 64-bit at this time and ported Vegas Pro 8.0 to 64-bit systems under the name "Vegas Pro 8.1".<ref>{{cite web |title=Sony Creative Software News :: October 2008 |url=https://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/email/smsnews/website/2008-10.htm |access-date=5 May 2024 |website=Sony Creative Software}}</ref> Vegas Pro 9.0 added support for [[4K resolution]] and pro camcorder formats like Red and [[XDCAM]] EX. In 2009, Sony Creative Software purchased the Velvetmatter Radiance suite of [[Visual effects|video FX]] plug-ins which were included in Sony Vegas Pro 9.0. As a result, they were no longer available as a separate product from Velvetmatter.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.velvetmatter.com/old_index.html |title=Old Velvetmatter Radiance page |year=2009 |publisher=Velvetmatter, LLC |access-date=11 May 2012}}</ref>

Vegas Pro 10 was released in 2010 with [[stereoscopic 3D]] editing, image stabilization, OpenFX plugin support, real-time audio event effects, and a few UI changes. This was the last release to include support for Windows XP.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vegas Pro 11 Overview |url=http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/vegaspro |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211160843/http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/vegaspro |archive-date=11 February 2012 |access-date=5 May 2024}}</ref> Vegas Pro 11 was released the next year on 17 October, with [[GPGPU]] video acceleration, enhanced text tools, enhanced stereoscopic/3D features, RAW photo support, and new event synchronization mechanisms.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vegas Pro 11 Coming Soon |url=http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/vegaspro11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110923155547/http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/vegaspro11 |archive-date=23 September 2011 |access-date=12 September 2011}}</ref> In addition, Vegas Pro 11 comes pre-loaded with "[[NewBlue]]" Titler Pro, a 2D and 3D titling plug-in. Vegas Pro 12 would add two new configurations: Vegas Pro 12 Edit, for "Professional Video and Audio Production"; and Vegas Pro 12 Suite, for "Professional Editing, Disc Authoring, and Visual Effects Design". Vegas Pro 13 would be the last version released with Sony branding after the acquisition of much of Sony Creative Software's library by [[Magix Software GmbH|Magix]].

After they acquired Vegas, Magix released version 14 on 20 September 2016. It featured advanced 4K upscaling as well as many bug fixes, a higher video velocity limit, RED camera support, and a variety of other features. This was also the last version to have the light theme enabled by default.

Released on 28 August 2017, Vegas Pro 15 features major UI changes that claim to bring usability improvements and customization. It was the first version of VEGAS Pro to have a dark theme; it also allows more efficient editing speeds, including adding new shortcuts to speed the video editing process. Vegas Pro 15 includes support for Intel Quick Sync Video (QSV) and other technologies, as well as various other features. It introduced a new VEGAS Pro icon as a V.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vegas Pro 15 Release Date |url=https://forums.creativecow.net/docs/forums/post.php?forumid=24&postid=1018479&univpostid=1018479&pview=t |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814174555/https://forums.creativecow.net/docs/forums/post.php?forumid=24&postid=1018479&univpostid=1018479&pview=t |archive-date=14 August 2017 |website=forums.creativecow.net |language=en}}</ref> Vegas Pro 16 has some new features including file backup, motion tracking, improved video stabilization, 360° editing and HDR support.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vegascreativesoftware.com/us/vegas-pro/new-features/#productMenu |title=New features & highlights in VEGAS Pro 16 |website=www.vegascreativesoftware.com |language=en-US |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905141042/https://www.vegascreativesoftware.com/us/vegas-pro/new-features/ |archive-date=5 September 2018 |access-date=5 September 2018}}</ref> Magix has continued to improve Vegas through version 21 with support for reading [[Matroska]] files, a more detailed render dialogue, [[livestreaming|live streaming]], VST3 support, a VST 32-bit bridge, and a selective Paste Event Attributes menu.

Magix would later release a subscription model for using Vegas named "Vegas Pro 365" on 17 January 2018,<ref>{{Cite web |title=[Release] VEGAS Pro 365 – Creative freedom |url=https://www.vegascreativesoftware.info/us/forum/release-vegas-pro-365-creative-freedom--110085/ |access-date=2024-06-14 |website=The Vegas Creative Software Support Community – Find help here |language=en-US}}</ref> although the perpetual license is still an option for customers. This version includes cloud-based [[speech synthesis]] among other features not included in the mainline Vegas release.

== Reception ==
Major broadcasters have utilized the software, such as ''[[Nightline]]'' with [[Ted Koppel]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.videoguys.com/Blog/2005/4/8/NIGHTLINE+is+the+Right+Line+for+Sony+Vegas/0x7636ac5e74c3f9c3b69f7d5a7948a07a.aspx |title=NIGHTLINE is the Right Line for Sony Vegas |author=Douglas Spotted Eagle |date=8 April 2005 |work=VideoGuys Blog |access-date=11 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130205173058/http://www.videoguys.com/Blog/2005/4/8/NIGHTLINE+is+the+Right+Line+for+Sony+Vegas/0x7636ac5e74c3f9c3b69f7d5a7948a07a.aspx |archive-date=5 February 2013 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |date=18 April 2005 |title=Dag-NAB-it! ABC Cancels 'Nightline' Director's Sony Spiel. |journal=Broadcasting & Cable |page=8 |publisher=NewBay Media, LLC |issn=1068-6827 |access-date=11 May 2012 |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/99113-Flash_.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728122142/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/99113-Flash_.php |archive-date=28 July 2013 |quote=With industry veterans like George Murphy and his [Nightline] team using Sony Vegas 5 for international broadcasting, there is a change in the winds of the editing world.}}</ref> Several films{{which|date=June 2024}} have used Vegas to cut their features.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalvideoediting.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=34085 |title=First Place, First Time! |publisher=Digital Media Online |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105161041/http://videoediting.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=34085 |archive-date=5 November 2016}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Further reading ==
{{refbegin}}
;Book
* {{cite book |title=Vegas Pro 8 Editing Workshop |publisher=[[Focal Press]] |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-240-81046-1 |author=Douglas Spotted Eagle}}

;News release
* {{cite news |url=http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/news/showrelease.asp?releaseid=596&catid= |title=Sony Launches New Version of Its Vegas+DVD Production Suite at NAB 2005 |date=18 April 2005 |work=News & Event |publisher=Sony Creative Software |location=Las Vegas |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602170622/http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/news/pressreleases/2005/sony-launches-new-version-of-its-vegasdvd-production-suite-at-nab-2005 |archive-date=2 June 2016}}

;Review
* {{cite journal |last=Pitt |first=Ben |date=21 June 2010 |title=Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 review |url=http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/software/358843/sony-vegas-movie-studio-hd-platinum-10 |journal=[[PC Pro]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140211193951/http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/software/358843/sony-vegas-movie-studio-hd-platinum-10 |archive-date=11 February 2014}}
* {{cite magazine |last=Stafford |first=Alan |date=2 December 2010 |title=Sony Vegas Pro 10: Advanced Video Editor Adds 3D |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/212312/sony_vegas_pro_10_advanced_video_editor_adds_3d.html |magazine=PCWorld |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001161116/http://www.pcworld.com/article/212312/sony_vegas_pro_10.html |archive-date=1 October 2016}}
* {{cite magazine |last=Holland |first=Brent |date=February 2011 |title=Advanced Editing Software Review |url=http://www.videomaker.com/article/15120 |magazine=[[Videomaker Magazine]]}}
* {{cite journal |last=Pitt |first=Ben |date=10 December 2011 |title=Sony Vegas Pro 11 review |url=http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/software/371086/sony-vegas-pro-11 |publisher=Dennis Publishing |journal=[[PC Pro]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127024525/https://www.alphr.com/sony/sony-vegas-pro-11/31601/sony-vegas-pro-11-review |archive-date=27 November 2020}}
* {{cite journal |title=Vegas Pro 11: Cruising Under The Hood |url=http://soundwrx.net/digitalmusicreviewsblog/?page_id=1764 |journal=Digital Music Reviews Blog |access-date=16 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515074212/http://soundwrx.net/digitalmusicreviewsblog/?page_id=1764 |archive-date=15 May 2012 }}
* {{cite web |url=http://videoediting.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=833750 |title=Sony Vegas Pro 9 |last=Fisher |first=Jeffrey P. |date=1 September 2009 |publisher=Digital Media Online |work=Digital Video Editing |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304033425/http://videoediting.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=833750 |archive-date=4 March 2016}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.aquul.com/tutorials/sony-vegas-pro-11-released-new-features-basics-comparison-and-review/ |title=Sony Vegas Pro 11 released: New Features, Basics, Comparison, and Review |last=Harris |first=Corey |date=18 October 2011 |work=AquuL |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318165057/http://www.aquul.com/tutorials/sony-vegas-pro-11-released-new-features-basics-comparison-and-review/ |archive-date=18 March 2015}}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.softwarehow.com/sony-vegas-review/ |title=VEGAS Pro 14 Review |last=Pors |first=Aleco |date=29 July 2017 |publisher=SoftwareHow |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809091534/https://www.softwarehow.com/sony-vegas-review/ |archive-date=9 August 2017}}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website}}

{{MAGIX}}
{{Video editors}}
{{Audio editors}}

[[Category:Video editing software]]
[[Category:Magix software]]
[[Category:Video editing software for Windows]]
[[Category:Windows-only proprietary software]]