DTV: Imagination Engines

Arguably, the shortest path from the videos you compose in your imagination to the finished tapes you distribute to your audience is through the use of desktop video equipment (DTV for short). DTV is the melding of two formerly separate worlds: the world of video production and computer-based imaging. From the creation of impressive-looking titles with exactly the fonts and animation you want, to creating and editing your video directly off the hard drive, to making your own purely imaginary 3D worlds from scratch, desktop video is truly the cutting edge when it comes to realizing your dreams on videotape.

What follows is a survey of eleven different product types, all of which involve the use of a computer in video production in one way or another. From simple titling and storyboarding programs to full-blown nonlinear editing workstations, the products in the pages ahead range widely in price and performance. All have one thing in common: they harness the power of the computer for video, which can be a great thing, even if you only have $200 to spend and a simple home camcorder. To help you make a purchase decision we've also included a buyer's guide to eleven DTV product types.

Before Production
The category of pre-production software covers a wide range of product types, including tools to help with scriptwriting, storyboarding, scheduling and logging your pro…