Edit Suite: Using Your Computer for Linear Editing (page 2)

Inexpensive Improvements

For those videomakers who have a computer, but don't have a big budget, there are some great options for getting into a computer-based edit controller.

On the PC and Mac platforms, Pinnacle offers the Video Director ($99), the cheapest way to get into VCR edit control. To run the program, all you need is a 386 or better PC, (I'd recommend a 486 at least), 4 MB of RAM, an available serial port and a 256-color display. The software comes with a "Smart Cable" that plugs into the serial port and provides Control-L and infrared links to your decks. Just tell the program what kinds of decks you're using, and it does the work for you. It has an easy-to-use interface and features to simplify editing. It can even print tape labels for you!

Mac users can also check out Videonics' Video Toolkit 2.2,($99), a similar product that controls any VCR and outputs an edit decision list (EDL), so you can save your edits and use them in the future if needed.

Aver offers the Video Editor ($499), a Windows-based edit controller/SEG combo that works with any Control-L or Infrared-capable VCR or camcorder. Features include a storyboarding view of your video using small still images, called "picons," captured directly from your raw footage. It comes with Curtain Call software to generate wipes, dissolves and special video effects. You can watch your video on the computer monitor, and make edits by dragging and dropping picons from one place to another. The Video Editor uses an external box that connects to the computer through an available serial port.

Aver's Video Suite, ($700), a more advanced controller/SEG combination, also works with Windows-based PCs, and offers composite or S-VHS/Hi8 video signal support. The Video Suite includes customized versions of the Video Director and Curtain Call software from Aver's Video Editor, and adds 2D and 3D titling software as well.

If you have an edit controller, but want a special effects generator, check out Fast's Movie Machine Pro ($449) for Windows. It offers 18 A/B roll effects including chroma and luminance keying. (Luminance keys lets you overlay clip art or logos over a video image. Chroma key lets you shoot someone against a solid green or blue background, and then replace that color with a video image in editing.) The Movie Machine Pro can also import titles from any Windows graphics application.

More-advanced Models

If you already have an SEG, but need an edit controller, FutureVideo's V-Station ($699) might make a great fit. A full-featured controller that works with any industrial, professional or consumer deck, the V- Station controls a number of external SEGs like Panasonic's WJMX-30/50 and new WJ-AVE55, and Videonics' MX-1 AV Mixer. For the WJ-AVE55, the V-Station offers an on-screen control panel so you can program the SEG with mouse clicks from your computer. It also supports unlimited EDLs and auto assembly of programs in any format.

Another high-end edit controller package is TAO Systems' Editizer for Mac or Windows ($2,495). The Editizer supports three VTRs on-screen, and supports every control protocol available. Its unique feature is dynamic tracking or slow-motion video on decks that support it.

If you want a desktop linear system with more editing features and a pro-quality SEG, check out the Fast Video Machine Lite ($2195) for the PC platform. An almost complete TV studio in one package, the Video Machine Lite is a popular product among videographers. It offers a 6-input video switcher, A/B- roll video mixer, edit controller, programmable 2-channel SEG, titler, 4-channel audio mixer, standards converter and two frame synchronizers to stabilize incoming video signals. A feature-packed product, indeed. The Video Machine Lite's edit controller can read or write all forms of time code including Industrial 8 and RC, and also works with Control-L and IR decks. One big bonus: should you decide to move into nonlinear in the future, you won't need to abandon the Video Machine Lite. Fast has a video capture card you can use for digitizing video onto your hard drive. The Video Machine Lite works with either composite or S-VHS/Hi8 component video signals.

Mac users can check out Silicon Valley Bus Company's VideoEdge ($995) a hybrid linear/nonlinear editor and SEG. It offers 3D animation and titling in addition to A/B-roll linear editing and digital nonlinear. It doesn't, however, have frame synchronizers built-in.

TV One's Control X ($795) and Video X ($1,295) are solid one-two punch linear editing systems for the PC platform. The Video X is a single-card dual-channel video mixer with SEG. It's S-Video and composite video compatible. You can pair it with the Control X edit controller card for a complete editing/control system. The Control X supports VITC and RC time code and Control-L/IR decks, and automatically triggers transitions and effects programmed in the Video X card.

The oldest and perhaps the best known computer-based SEG product is NewTek's Video Toaster, now available for both Windows ($7995) and the Amiga ($2495). It features a switcher, titler and SEG, but doesn't offer any edit control options. It also doesn't have frame synchronizers, so you'll need to add your own.

A Great Way to Upgrade

All of these computer-based linear editing products can make the editing gear you already have, and your computer, more useful. Even the inexpensive products can boost your creativity, or improve your editing efficiency. The more advanced, and hence more expensive, systems can take your videos one major notch higher in quality.

Some of these products also work in both linear and nonlinear modes. You can use them in a linear setup now, and continue to use them in the future when nonlinear becomes more affordable. Other linear editing products offer upgrades to make them work in nonlinear configurations.

Whatever you decide, be sure to verify the product's compatibility with your system before you buy or order anything. Also, especially if you order through the mail, ask about warranties, service or repair procedures, and return policies. While these products most often work magic in a computer, they can occasionally cause problems. Protect yourself by asking plenty of questions about the product before you spend any money.

Even if you don't have any problems installing or operating the system, it's good to have this kind of information handy if you need it down the road. If you're one of the unlucky ones who finds a glitch or two, you're covered.