Computer Video Products

Don Collins
March 2001

Each year computer video products get faster and sleeker. Fortunately, many of them also get less expensive. The year 2000 ushered in some exciting new computer video products - from editing software to turnkey editing systems to software for authoring DVDs. So whether you're looking for a loaded, broadcast-quality turnkey editing suite or simple software to put home video on the Web, you've come to the right place. These eight computer video buyer's guides should help you with your next purchases.

Integrating video editing hardware and software in a computer is not an easy task. That's why we recommend investing in a pre-configured editing system. We call this a "turnkey" system because it's ready to go right out of the box - just plug it in and turn it on (turn the key). There are two basic categories of turnkey editors: computer-based systems and editing appliances.
A computer-based system combines a PC (or Mac), a digitizer or capture card so that you can capture video and audio to a hard drive and editing software so you can edit your project and output it for viewing.
Computers-based systems offer flexibility and customization. If you outgrow your basic editing software, for instance, you can simply load another one. You can also take advantage of third party products to add more tools to your editing software. On the downside, computer systems that are used for various applications (Internet, spreadsheets, word processing, etc.) need to allocate resources to those programs. Video editing is a resource-intensive application. Whenever possible, dedicate a computer for video editing and use another for other applications.
Editing appliances have gained popularity in recent years. An editing appliance is a closed system, which means you can't run Windows or access the Internet; you can only edit video using the installed software. Appliances are simple to use, easy to set up and are very reliable. It's important to do your homework before you buy, however, since you'll be locked into that system and only that system. You cannot install third party plug-ins or change editing software.
Each year there are more editing appliances from which to choose. MacroSystem-US (formerly Draco) introduced the Avio, its successor to the Casablanca, and soon its high-end system, Kron, will be available. Applied Magic offers the Screenplay and the Sequel.

If you already have a computer, installing a digitizing/capture card might be an option to consider. Many people have had success going this route and there are many products that do a great job. Installing computer cards is not always an easy task, however. We recommend enlisting the help of a geeky friend or a trained professional.
If you're shooting video with a non-digital camcorder, like 8mm, Hi8, VHS, S-VHS or VHS-C, you'll need a digitizer card to convert your analog video to a digital signal that can be stored on your computer's hard drive. If you have a digital camcorder then what you're after is a capture card, which doesn't digitize, but merely captures video.
The next thing you must decide when considering a digitizer or capture card is your final output media. If you're going back out to tape, you will need a full-screen, full-motion card so that your video plays at the full NTSC size. If you're looking to distribute your video via the Internet or CD-ROM drive, then you might want to consider a less expensive external capture device that offers less than full-screen, full-motion video.
There are a number of digitizer and capture cards available and many come with included software bundles as complete editing solutions. Make sure that the card you select is compatible with your computer and supports your camcorder. Many manufacturers list camcorder models known to work with a particular board on their Web sites.

Videographers who distribute their videos primarily over the Web, on CD-ROM or through e-mail, might want to consider external capture devices. Installation is a piece of cake - just plug the unit into a parallel or USB port that comes standard on most computers and launch the software. There's no need to open the case at all.
Video on the Internet or CD-ROM is much smaller than full-screen video. Most external devices digitize less than full-screen, full-motion video and are an affordable and simple way to get video onto the Web or a disc. If you'll want to record your production out to tape, you'll need a device that does at least 640x480. All external digitizers take analog video inputs only. Many are able to digitize audio, but not all of them.

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