Desktop Video: A Starter's Guide to Video Editing

You've got your software, you've get your hardware, you've got your very messy and unwieldy video footage of your trip to Rome, and at last now you're ready to become the next George Lucas.

This article is not going to get into the installation process because installing a capture device is just like installing any other PCI device; you just plug and pray.

When you're working with your desktop video make sure that you have disabled any terminate-and-stay-resident programs that aren't absolutely essential to the operation to your computer. Video editing is a major resource hog, so running as clean as possible is essential to smooth operation.

In your own best interest you should get used to saving your work as often as possible; PCs in general are not the most stable, and with video editing you have to be extra careful.

Simplify your video editing by naming your un-edited captured files something meaningful, easily associated with the images. There's nothing worse than not remembering that snzldunjim.avi is a clip of a very load sneezing fit by your large nosed Uncle Jim.

When you are actually editing you'll likely be working with a time-line based piece of software. The beauty of the time-line is that you can more easily get a feel for the completed video, and a good sense of timing of transitions and effects.

The time-line method of video editing is used by the high-end professional systems like AVID. In fact many professionals consider these consumer level products to be excellent training devices for professional style work.

Don't overuse digital effects and 3D transitions; they label your work as amateur. Simple cuts have always worked best, as is proven by over 100 years of movie history.

Sound is important; many amateur producers tend to forget how much emotional impact sound and music can have. Use music when you need to heighten response, when the video images alone just aren't achieving the desired effect...

Keep it short and simple; the best home videos show highlights of an event, not every mind-numbing moment.

Have fun with your video production; if you're not enjoying it, then why do it?

Skip To Page 1 Introduction 2 How Does it Work? 3 What Do You Need? 4 Capture Cards and Software • 5 Getting Started 6 Professional vs. Consumer 7 Conclusion

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