Video
PCs are great for word processing and spreadsheets.
Apple computers are the best for editing video and creating video graphics. They also make essential software like iMovie and Final Cut Pro, that won't
run on a PC.
Even in a world of digital video and HDTV, it's important to
know something about NTSC video standards. Scroll to the bottom of the page to find more valuable links.
Confused about HDTV and DTV? Even those of us who know something about it are. Only the biggest fish are buying HDTV production gear. Because of the
expense of purchasing broadcast-quality video equipment, the rest of us are waiting to see what shakes out. So far only DVD and digital video have
made a tremendous impact on most of our day-to-day activities.
Digital Video
If you don't absolutely have to have an Avid (or can't afford it),
Media 100 is a great system for capturing and editing analog video. It's what I use to edit Beta SP footage.
Final Cut Pro is great for working with DV footage. It probably has driven the stake into the heart of conventional flatbed
film editing as well. It's widely used in Hollywood.
Confused about DV camcorders?
DV is an excellent resource, dedicated to all things to do with digital video.
dvformat.com has a good website as well.
rec.video.desktop and
rec.video.production are useful Usenet forums for asking questions and learning about others' experiences with various
video hardware and software products, tape formats, etc. Be prepared for the occasional flame from snotty individuals who think
they were born knowing everything and won't hesitate to put you down for not being similarly blessed. Also, don't post with an email
address that's important to you - spammers regularly comb through Usenet for fresh meat.
Motion Graphics & more
Adobe makes After Effects, an essential motion graphics application. This is the first software you should buy
if you want to go beyond just editing your videos.
Trish
and Chris Meyer have written two (and counting) essential books on After
Effects. They are masters at motion graphics. I am not worthy even to utter
their names <g>.
Sorenson
Media makes excellent software tools for compressing video for CD-ROM
and the web.
Cleaner is an essential tool and a companion to Sorenson Video 3.1, for compressing video.
