The software encodes dvd video using the FFmpeg standard with features such as direct streaming copy for MPEG-2 video streams making them DVD compliant. The last stable release was around a year or two ago but it does work and it allows easy dvd creation with minimal fuss.

It also has the ability to import video from older camcorders using the IEEE1394 or other video in the same format. There is however a nasty side to open source software as we know it for being free and developed by folks form the open source community, it may have bugs that will need time to address through patches that the developers release.

More accurate editing can be accomplished using the Synchro-Edit feature found on a number of Hi8 and VHS recording decks. The details of the operation vary from VCR to VCR, but in principle they do the same thing. Study the instructions in the manual for the unit with which you are working, for the exact procedure. The player is controlled by Control L or Control S from the recorder. Use the jog-shuttle dial on the recorder to choose the point at which the recording is to begin on the product tape in the recorder; then choose the exact starting and ending points of a desired segment of the original tape in the player. Then activate the Synchro-edit procedure. The recorder starts and stops both machines (with appropriate pre-rolls) to perform the edit with an accuracy of 3 to 5 frames

Audio refers to all the sound utilized in your video. It is important to check the synchronization of the audio to the video to create a coherent and well-produced film. Because digital audio consumes a lot of space, it would be helpful to look into audio data compressors.

There are two types of audio compression processes. There is the audio data compression which reduces the size of audio files for transmission. The other is audio level compression which reduces the dynamic range of the audio file to level the difference between loud and quiet sounds.

Know which type of audio compression you need in order to maximize the potential of your video.

photo credit: Duke University mclibrary

The Videonics-TU (Thumbs-Up) editor allows multiple edits (up to 40) in one pass as long as the segments are used in the order in which they occur in the original tape. it controls both player and recorder through Control L to put in the desired segments and omit the unwanted.
The procedure when you wish to edit segments out of original order is:
1. Choose the initial desired segments from the original tape, using the Thumbs-up and Thumbs-down buttons to mark the start of the wanted and unwanted material.
2. Activate the edit to put them on the product tape.
3. Go back to the original tape on the player and repeat the selection with the next desired batch.
4. Edit that.
Accuracy of the edits depends on whether or not you have frame coding; with Sony’s RC code you get about 1 to 2 frames.

Basically, the art and creativity of video production lies in editing. You can have interesting action, well exposed and skillfully framed with well handled ambient sound, legible titles, maps and other graphics, and all sorts of fancy equipment; but, a successful presentation lies in how it is put together. That is editing. Editing is merely copying material from one tape to another. You need two VCR’s; the VCR section of the camcorder can be the “player” and the “recorder” can be another camcorder or VCR deck of either the same or another format. That is, your original tape can be 8mm, Hi8 or VHS played back on the camcorder with which it was taken and recorded on an 8mm, Hi8, VHS or S-VHS deck.

A proper film has a certain shape, making it easier for viewing. This is where video editing comes in. A video of a 3-hour long lecture on astrophysics need not be shown in its entirety if the point you want to drive across is when the lecturer falls from his seat at the very end of the video. Video editing allows the filmmaker to make do with unnecessary scenes or to adjust the sound so the essential audio is not drowned by outside noise.

Video editing also allows the filmmaker to create narrative. By artistically cutting and splicing images together, one can create a coherent story medium. Add to this the ability to insert filters and creative transitions, any film footage can have a smooth quality.

photo credit: thedirectory.org.uk

We have different types of video editing software that are based on what type of user are you: Are you a beginner, intermediate or a professional?

For the beginners, it is suggested that you use Roxio Video Wave. Based on reviews by various video editing websites and magazines, Roxie Video Wave is an outstanding package that is built in an automated approach to video movie creation. It is user-friendly and is easy to navigate. If you want to save hours of video editing time and transform home videos into movies on DVD or CD, you better choose this Roxie Video Wave software.