Computer Video Products (page 3)

Titling can be one of the most fun and creative aspects of making video. Most video editing software includes at least a basic titling application. Some function like plug-ins within your editing software while others work independently. Some key features to consider include the ability to create crawling or scrolling text, shadows, images, motion paths and fades. If you want something specialized, like 3D titles, you may have to purchase a more expensive program. Check out the Titling Software grid to compare all the features offered by the various programs.

If you plan to sell, broadcast or show your video publicly you might want to consider royalty-free music and sound effects to enhance your productions and keep you out of litigation.
Here's how it works: you pay a one-time or an annual fee, depending on the company, for the rights to use the music or sound effects in a library. Both fee methods have their advantages and disadvantages. For example, if you pay the one-time fee, the disks you purchase are yours. You don't have to renew your rights annually. But, if you choose the annual renewal method, you have access to new music each year. You're not stuck with overused or out of date music.
The music and sound effects libraries in our grid span a multitude of styles and genres. With them, you'll be able to add high-quality sound and raise the level of excellence of your final product.

Whether you're just beginning or you're a veteran, it's a great time to be a video producer. The products for creating digital video are more sophisticated and less expensive than ever before.
These buyer's guides will lead you to the products that best suit your needs. The key is to assess your goals, then your budget and then compare the features in the grids. Once you narrow the selection down to several choice products, check online at www.videomaker.com or in back issues to see if we've reviewed them. After you've done the research, purchased the products and completed your video system you're ready to produce video - and that's what it's all about.

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