1. Linear vs Non Linear Editing<br />In the early days of electronic video production, linear (tape-to-tape) editing was the only way to edit video tapes. Then, in the 1990s, non-linear editing computers became available and opened a whole new world of editing power and flexibility.<br />Non-linear editing was not welcomed by everyone and many editors resisted the new wave. In addition, early digital video was plagued with performance issues and uncertainty. However, the advantages of non-linear video eventually became so overwhelming that they could not be ignored.<br />In the 21st Century non-linear editing is king and linear editing is widely considered to be obsolete, or at least primitive. This is an understandable attitude considering the advantages of non-linear editing, but we urge you not to be too judgemental. Linear editing still has some advantages:<br />It is simple and inexpensive. There are very few complications with formats, hardware conflicts, etc.<br />For some jobs linear editing is better. For example, if all you want to do is add two sections of video together, it is a lot quicker and easier to edit tape-to-tape than to capture and edit on a hard drive.<br />Learning linear editing skills increases your knowledge base and versatility. According to many professional editors, those who learn linear editing first tend to become better all-round editors.<br />Although the quot;
linear vs non-linearquot;
argument is often subjective and some editors will disagree with the statements above, there can be little doubt that increasing your skill base is a good thing. There is nothing to be gained by completely rejecting linear editing, and much to be gained by adding it to your repertoire<br />Linear and Non-Linear Editing Systems<br /> Working on a nonlinear editing system is like working with a sophisticated word processor. Using a computer screen and a mouse you can randomly cut and past segments and move them around until you are satisfied with the result.Working on a linear editing system is a bit like using a typewriter to type a term paper; you need to assemble everything in the proper sequence as you go along. After it's all on paper (or in this case recorded), adding, deleting or rearranging things can be a major problem. <br />With nonlinear editing the video and audio segments are not permanently recorded as you go along as they are in linear editing. The edit decisions exist in computer memory as a series of internal digital markers that tell the computer where to look for segments on the hard disk.<br />This means that at any point you can instantly check your work and make adjustments. It also means that you can easily (and seemingly endlessly!) experiment with audio and video possibilities.<br />Sony's complete high-definition NLE (nonlinear editing, or random access editing) system is shown below. This editing system compliments Sony's line of XDCAM cameras.<br />Although a sophisticated nonlinear (random access) editing system such as the one above may take a while to learn, once you figure one out, you can transfer the basic skills to other editing programs.<br />After you finalize your edit decisions most editing systems allow you to save your EDL (edit decision list) — preferably on some removable media that you can take with you in case you need it again. This will save you from having to start from scratch if you later want to come back to the original footage to make revisions.<br />The final edited video and audio output can be handled in two ways.<br />It can be quot;
printedquot;
(transferred) in final, linear form to videotape or DVD or it can remain on a computer drive to be recalled and modified as needed. The latter approach, which is often used for segments in newscasts, requires high-capacity storage devices such as... <br /> <br />Non Linear (Digital) Editing<br />right0This tutorial provides an introdution to the world of computer-based digital video editing, known as non-linear editing. You will learn how to set up a computer editing system, record footage from a camera or VCR onto your hard drive, edit the footage and record it back to tape or disk.<br />Editing with a computer can be a complex process. This tutorial provides an overview and general instructions — you may need to consult your manuals or support forums for some specific tasks related to your software and hardware.<br />Note: Before attempting this type of editing, it pays to have an understanding of how linear editing works.<br />Linear Video Editing (Tape to Tape)<br />This tutorial will show you how to edit from one video tape to another. You will need:<br />Two VCRs (video tape machines), preferably with AV (audio and video) outputs. If you don't have AV outputs, you can use the RF (aerial) outputs instead.Note: If you only have one VCR, you can use a camcorder as the second VCR.<br />At least one video monitor, but preferably two. Professional monitors are best but you can use televisions if necessary.<br />Connecting cables.<br />The tapes(s) you wish to edit and a blank tape to edit onto (this will become the master tape).<br />About Linear Editing<br />Linear editing was the original video tape editing method, before non-linear editing computers became available in the 1990s. These days, many people consider linear editing to be obsolete. This is not actually true. Although non-linear editing is the preferred method for most projects, linear editing still has a place. See Linear vs Non Linear Editing for more information.<br />
