Letters to the Editor

Joe McCleskey
July 1999

One year ago, I dove head-first into a desktop video system, which I configured myself. I selected my hardware and software based in part on the reviews and advertisements I saw in Videomaker. It's been a rocky year. Here's what I learned:

1. Buy a turnkey system. Otherwise, you'll spend as much time (if not more) keeping the system running than you will actually editing on it.
2. Tech support is sometimes helpful, but other times useless. Tech support personnel read from scripts; if your problem isn't in the script, they'll get back to you (which usually means you're out of luck).
3. Calling the manufacturer will only get you caught in a vicious circle, with everyone blaming everyone else for problems. Also, waiting for new drivers can be a waste of time. I've been waiting for 11 months now, with no end in sight.
4. Render time is a drag. It's totally changed the way I approach a project.
5. Upgrades are not always a good idea. I upgraded my nonlinear editing software, and nothing worked right from then on. I finally ended up downgrading to the previous version of the software, and everything worked right again.
6. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Hold on to your linear editing system. I find that I'm more efficient using the old-fashioned, tape-to-tape method of video editing.

A. Richards
Detroit, Michigan

I just wanted Videomaker to know that as a videographer and linear editor (soon to be nonlinear), your March 1999 issue was extremely helpful to me. Usually the video magazines I receive are either over my head or too basic. The tips were creative, the Desktop Video Buyer's Guide will help with future purchases and What's Under the Hood: Inside your VCR or Camcorder helped answer several questions. Keep up the good work! As a graduate with a degree in Television Production, my school lacked in video engineering classes. Please consider more articles that would include this. Thanks!

Anne M. Press
Fairfax, Virginia

In response to a letter written in the April 1999 issue of Videomaker, your publication directed readers toward the National Legal Video Association for information and advice regarding the legal videography profession.

Also active in the field is the American Guild of Court Videographers. The AGCV has been instructing professional videographers around the nation and even has international members in England and Canada. We certify professional videographers in the legal field by teaching them how to do depositions, day-in-the-life documentaries, settlement documentaries, mock trials, wills, scenes of accidents, proof of damages, etc. Our toll-free number is (800) 678-1990.

Gayle Marquette
Casper, Wyoming

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