Desktop Video: If it's Out There It's In Here

In the past year, computer prices plummeted, opening up the world of desktop video to nearly every videographer. From scriptwriting and storyboarding to titling and editing, there are computer products for every stage of video production. If you want to know what desktop video computer products are available, check out our Desktop Video Buyer's Guide. We've managed to squeeze in over 200 products in 12 categories, so you can bet that if it's out there, it's in here.

Preproduction and Logging Software
Perhaps the easiest way to incorporate a computer into your video productions is by using it in preproduction. Scripting, storyboarding and scheduling your video on your computer is simple, inexpensive and will save shooting time (when time is most important because your equipment, talent and crew are all waiting on you). There is a variety of different types of software available to help your video productions before the first second of tape rolls.

The first type of preproduction software is scriptwriting software like Parnassus Software's ScriptWerx ($129). Scriptwriting software correctly formats your script. Even though your productions might not need a two-column script, its nice to have one, and if you ever have a script that you feel is good enough to sell to Hollywood, you'll already have it properly f…