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There are basically two ways
to edit video 1) with or 2) without a computer (ok, three, but one
involves scotch tape and scissors and it's a mess. Trust me on
this, you want to use a computer. Yes, there are crashes (but not
often if you have the right set up) and yes, you'll go bankrupt buying
upgrades and cool gadgets you can't live without but the marriage of
video and computers was definitely made in heaven (or Silicon Valley, I
forget which one).
Here's the short answers on
some of the most common questions.
Should I use a MAC
or a PC for editing video?
Both provide good desktop editing solutions. I
use Edius Pro 3 ($600), a PC-based editing solution by Canopus
(www.canopus.com).
Very stable and VERY fast. On the MAC side there is iMovie
(bundled free with some MAC's) and Final Cut Pro 3, a $999 killer
editing package with a rich feature set (but not as fast as Edius Pro 3). Side note: You
can also use Edius Pro 3 or Final Cut Pro on a laptop.
How fast do the computer
hard drives need to be?
Make sure the hard
drives that will be digitizing your video clips are rated at least 5400
rpms, 7200 is better. It is also best to use hard
drives dedicated just for video editing and not put video clips on the
hard drives that have your software applications and internet connection.
Where's the best place to
buy editing software and hardware?
Here's my big, fat Greek tip on
this one-unless you know exactly what you are looking for (and why) take
advice on buying computer-based software and hardware from someone who
knows VIDEO EDITING ON COMPUTERS and not just someone who knows
computers. Nothing personal but this pretty well rules out 99% of
the Best Buy, Circuit City and Comp USA employees. I use Encompass
Media (www.encompassmedia.net)
in Reading, PA because they know video production on computers and they
are a Canopus dealer.
Ask for Stan. Tell him you heard about him through me and I'll get
a free doughnut or something.
How much RAM should I get?
When editing/processing/digitizing or doing
any thing else with video, computers eat RAM for breakfast, lunch,
dinner, break time and midnight snacks. 512 minimum. More is
never enough.
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Portable
Canopus Editing system configured in a "lunch box" PC case.
I carry it on the plane and edit anywhere in the world. |
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How much hard
drive space does video take?
For every 5 minutes of video (.avi format) you need 1
gig. That's 12 gigs for 1 hour, 96 gigs for 8 hours. The best thing to do is
walk up to the hard drive section at Comp USA and say these 4 simple
words to the clerk calmly and confidently, "One of each, please."
Why won't Jay give me one of his
computer-editing systems?
Go click on something else and
get out of here.
More coming.
Stay tuned. |
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