What software do you recommend to easily import and edit tapes?
I used to translate videos from tape to digital with a capture device. 
The program i used was Ulead Video Studio which is really easy to set up and use. Right now it is called Corel VideoStudio.

It has a bunch of transitions and media generators to add titles and credits.

http://www.corel.com/corel/product/index.jsp?pid=prod4900075

Oh the other hand, going to a much cheaper option, you could try  Lightworks, it is a lightweight program that has a lot of functionallity suitable for what you are asking.

Hope it helps