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 …