Quicktime Pro is a good cross-platform alternative. It's cheap and easy to use. If you want to add sound, you just drag the selection triangles around the music you want to use, copy it, and then make a similarily sized selection in QTPro, and say 'Add'. You can also copy and paste video clips of different formats into your Quicktime movie. Also, Quicktime MOVs are about the best compression you can get, and you can edit the compression style to suit your needs. You can order the serial number for $20 at www.apple.com and then donwload either QT4 or QT Preview 5, and enter in teh serial number Apple sends you. Its the best way, or so I've found, to add animations and sound together. However, if youre looking for something more complex, like transitions and complex filtering, and youre experienced with digital video editing, Premiere 6 or AfterEffects may be better. Hope that helps! Nebula Supernova Studios