Video Editing

What is NLE?

Analogue video and computers live in two different worlds. To bring these two worlds together, we provide hardware that can capture your video and convert it to a format that can be edited on a computer. This process is called NLE (Non Linear Editing). Instead of using jog shuttles and special video decks, you simply capture the video to the computers hard drive. You can then edit and rearrange the scenes. This guide is prepared to expose you to certain realities involved in working with NLE systems in the Multimedia Studio.

What NLE software is available for use?

Windows Movie Maker for the PC

Windows Movie Maker is a very basic program with the ability to capture and render short video clips for use in PowerPoint presentations. (Clips for PowerPoint are best saved in the native Windows format or .wmv). It is very easy to use Movie Maker and step by step help is provided. (NOTE: These applications are currently being run on PC’s with only the minimum processing and memory requirements so they do not perform as quickly as the newer and much more powerful Macintosh computers.)

iMovie and Final Cut Pro for the Macintiosh

iMovie has many basic functions and is very easy to learn, even for users who are not familiar with Macintosh computers. The main purpose of this program is to create short video projects with basic effects, transitions, and titles. Projects are typically less than 30 minutes in length and are output to VHS, MiniDV, Quicktime, or DVD-R. (iDVD is a companion application to iMovie which is used to easily author your own DVD for use in most DVD players.) Final Cut Pro is professional video editing software that can handle just about any advanced video project. Final Cut has many advanced features which means it will take a lot of time to learn how to do everything you need to make the program work for you. Unless you are in need of professional editing tools, and are willing to dedicate your time to several studio appointments, it is recommended that you use iMovie for most projects.

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What to expect

If you are unfamiliar with NLE video editing systems and computers you need to make sure you schedule enough time to familiarize yourself with the systems and teach yourself the programs. The studio is provided as a learning space where you are free to create your project. Our staff will help you get started on your project and answer technical questions, but we will not provide you with content or aesthetic feedback on your project.

What you should know

Plan ahead! Studio appointments need to be scheduled 12 hours in advance. Video editing takes a lot of time so organize your time accordingly. A typical video with a final (finished) length of 15 minutes is going to require at least 3 hours or more even for the experienced user.

Video is captured to the computer in real time and exported to the VCR, MiniDV, and DVD-R in real time. This means if you bring 35 minutes worth of footage to work with it will take you 35 minutes to capture that into the computer, whereas the total length of your finished project determines how much time it will require to export. You can also use iDVD* to Create Menus and export to DVD-R . iDVD uses a data compression method, so rendering time will vary based on the complexity of the menus and the length of your project.

*iDVD is the preferred method of exporting to DVD-R