Edit Suite: The Ins and Outs of Edit Controllers (page 2)

If you are taking your first steps into the world of edit controllers, there are a number of things you must consider. How familiar are you with the editing process? How much editing will you be doing? And how comfortable are you with technology?

It's important that you don't overwhelm yourself by buying the most complex system on the market. Ease into the process by choosing a system that will assist you in learning the aesthetics of editing as well as the basics of the editing process.

You could look at JVC's JX-ED11 ($50). This edit controller works with any camcorder or VCR that uses an infrared (IR) remote control. As with any IR-based system, accuracy is poor, usually ranging within a second or two of the planned in and out points. Still, if you use it properly, the JX-ED11 will teach you the basics of editing.

Sima offers the SFX-L Automatic Editor with special effects ($99). This editor works with camcorders or VCRs that have the Sony or equivalent Control-L protocol. It will also wipe or fade to eight different colors (not live video) and has an audio mixer built in.

Another stand-alone editor that might fit your budget is Videonics' Thumbs Up 2000 edit controller ($199). This system easily allows you to mark those sections on your tapes you want to keep, and those you want to get rid of. The TU-2000 hooks up to any Panasonic 5-pin remote jack or Sony Control-L jack (record side), and controls your VCR through infrared commands. The TU-2000 is also available as part of Videonics' Home Video Producer ($329), which includes a simple sound-effects generator/mixer, microphone, a pair of speakers and a beginner's booklet and videotape on the subject of video editing.

For those of you who have a 486 PC, 4MB of RAM, an empty serial port and a 256-color display, Pinnacle Systems offers VideoDirector Studio 200 ($299). This video editing hardware/software package allows users to overlay graphics and text onto their videos, as well as control a camera and a VCR using the supplied SmartCable. The SmartCable controls a Control-L or Panasonic 5-pin source VCR or camcorder and an infrared record VCR through the computer's serial port. The included external genlock device handles title overlay, and even provides still-image capture and transitions from a still frame.

If you feel you are ready to put some real pop and sizzle into your video productions and have a good feel for the editing process, there are a number of options to choose from.

Panasonic's AG-A96 Multi-event Editing Controller ($525) will control any Panasonic deck or camcorder with a 5-pin connector. This editor has an eight-scene memory and will do both video and audio inserts. It will also control more sophisticated equipment as your budget increases. Add a titler, a pair of VCRs and monitor, and you have a complete editing system.

For those of you with a few dollars saved for a rainy day, Videonics offers a stand-alone edit controller that will enhance your system without breaking the bank. The AB-1 Edit Suite A/B roll edit controller ($699) is compatible with all major edit protocols and has a 250-scene memory. When combined with Videonic's MX-1 Digital Video Mixer ($1199) it will mix and control up to four play VCRs and one record deck. This system has built-in time-base correctors (TBCs) for synchronizing two sources. It also enables you to see all source decks as well as a variety of effects on the same monitor. Add the Video Titlemaker TM-3000 ($799), source and record monitors and an S-VHS record deck and you have a complete home editing system (if you use your camcorder as the source deck).

If you already own a 386 PC or better, the FutureVideo V-Station 3300 ($695+) will give you full control over VCRs and camcorders for tape-based editing. With this Windows-based system, you can edit your video, control titlers and SEGs and perform A/B-roll edits to your heart's content, then save the whole edit decision list on a single 3.5-inch floppy disk for easy archiving.

When you decide what you need to complete your editing projects, make a list of your hardware and software needs. Think about your editing demands as well as your finances. Expanding and upgrading should always be a part of your decision. It costs less in the long run to buy a more expensive system that you can upgrade than to buy a cheaper system that won't grow with you.

If you're doing projects that require a great deal of sophistication and quality, don't struggle with a system that won't support those needs. However, if you're just doing videos for your own fulfillment, it doesn't pay to buy a monster editing system that will do everything but your dishes.

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