Short Video Editing Encyclopedia (page 3)

If you have ever hooked up an older computer system, you have used RS-232 connectors. The editing protocol, named after its cable connector, is an updated version of an old computer protocol that now enables you to hook your editing decks to a computer or compatible edit controller and use the computer to control all of your editing. The cables for this system are standard computer cables with 9-pin or 25-pin connectors at both ends. When you connect your computer to an editing deck with internal time code, you create a very accurate editor.
The RS-232 editing protocol is used by a number of prosumer editing decks. However, it is only supported by the more expensive edit controllers. If accuracy is important and you have the prosumer gear to support it, this is a very rigorous, function-filled editing protocol.

The big brother to RS-232, the RS-422 editing protocol is the protocol of choice for most professional gear. This protocol also uses a standard 9-pin connector and is capable of sending and receiving just about any information your decks and controllers need to do the job. With time-code support, this protocol allows frame-accurate editing and precise machine control.
Whatever your equipment's capability, the RS-422 connector can use it to create a versatile environment to work in. Unfortunately, this protocol is only used by expensive gear and is only supported by the more expensive professional stand-alone and computer-based edit controllers.

One of the most explosive advances in the video field today is the rise of the Mini DV format. Finally, the industry developed an affordable format with the capabilities of its more expensive big brothers. By using the IEEE 1394 protocol, more affectionately known as "FireWire" (Apple) or "i.LINK" (Sony), the average videographer can now take advantage of a protocol that allows for total machine control and that supports time code. Most consumer, prosumer and professional DV equipment now use a single FireWire cable (4-pin or 6-pin connectors) to connect computers to the edit decks or camcorders (see Figure 4). With FireWire, it is now possible to control your consumer gear while dumping your footage onto your computer's editing system.

You probably now have a better sense of the complexity of the edit protocol world. When building a system, keep in mind your specific editing needs. Ask yourself these questions: Is extreme accuracy important? Will your budget support only those protocols used by expensive prosumer gear? Do you already have an edit controller that supports only certain protocols? What protocol does your current camcorder or editing deck use? Will you be editing with a nonlinear system where accurate deck or camcorder control is not vital?
These questions should help you recognize those pieces of gear that are compatible and help you put together a system that best meets all of your editing needs.

• Digg This!
• del.icio.us
• Technorati
• StumbleUpon
• Reddit