Edit Controller Buyer's Guide (page 2)

Let's turn our attention to a higher level of video gear. As you begin matching your video production needs with a heftier dollar investment, you can expect a durable and reliable return on your investment. Initially the price may sting a little, but in the long run, the investment will pay off: you will have less repairs, glitches and frustration at key moments in your production.

Panasonic offers a wide range of edit controller choices. For serious hobbyists and semi-pros, the Panasonic AG-A350 edit controller ($1050) is a popular model that features time code support, player and recorder counter displays, a jog/shuttle dial, 9-pin RS-422 control and assemble, video and two audio insert modes. It also supports control of variable-speed VCRs, such as those with digital slow motion features.

On the computer-based edit control front, there's TAO's Editizer ($2495). This popular A/B-roll edit controller has been around for a number of years. The Editizer consists of a software editing interface and a small hardware device that controls all of your editing equipment. Support for RS-232, RS-422, JVC 12-pin, Control-L and Panasonic 5-pin is available, as well as GPI triggering and direct serial control of some SEGs. The Editizer is available for both PC and Mac platforms.

Remember when I said we weren't going to talk about nonlinear editing in this article? Well, I lied just a little. There is a certain type of sophisticated computer-based edit controller that incorporates both linear and nonlinear editing capabilities, offering the most powerful features of both types of equipment. This kind of editor is usually referred to as a hybrid.

One of the most popular of these is the Fast Video Machine ($3995). In the simplest of terms, it's a powerful computer-based edit controller that incorporates its own SEG on a computer card. With over 300 real-time effects, a powerful edit controller interface, a title/graphic generator and time code reader/generator, it's easy to see why it's been so popular in the high-end consumer editing arena. When combined with the Digital Player/Recorder option ($5995), the Video Machine becomes a true hybrid solution with both linear and nonlinear capabilities.

Though putting together an editing system can be quite a chore; it's not too difficult if you know what your needs are. Make sure you buy equipment that will support your existing gear. By the same token, it's a good idea to purchase camcorders, VCRs, SEGs and titlers with a mind to the future. In other words, purchase equipment that supports the editing protocols and other interfaces that you can put to work in the coming years.

Whatever type of system you put together, remember that the skills of the person running the machine are far more important than the sophistication of the machine itself. A more expensive system will not necessarily give you a better final product, while a simple, cuts-only edit controller will provide all you need to learn the basics of the craft.

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