Importing Video
When working with video editing software it's important to understand the file formats you will be working with.
The most common formats will be files that end with the extensions AVI, MPG (or MPEG), MOV and WMV.
AVI
AVI means Audio Video Interleave, originally developed by Microsoft in 1992 as part of Video for Windows technology. Traditionally, AVI files are very large and do not have the same quality as newer formats, although many digital cameras will output AVI video files even to this day.
MPEG
MPEG is Motion Picture Experts Group. At the time of this writing there are four major “flavors” of this format, MPEG-1, 2, 3 and 4.
The MPEG format typically compresses far better than AVI while still retaining good quality.
MOV
MOV is an extension for Apple QuickTime movie files. Typically in order to work with MOV files you will need to have the Apple QuickTime player installed so the appropriate video decoders are installed.
This format can either be large or small depending on how it was originally compressed.
WMV
This an abbreviation for the Windows Media Video format. It is proprietary to the Microsoft Windows operating system. WMV is typically the smallest file size.
When using the Microsoft Windows operating system...
Typically the easiest files to work with in Windows are WMVs and AVIs as both formats were originally developed by Microsoft. Whether using a free video editor such as Windows Movie Maker or professional software like Adobe Premiere, Windows “likes” WMV and AVI best and you will be able to edit and render files quickly using those two formats.
This is not to say you cannot work with MOV or MPEG files in Windows, but you must install specific CODECs (COde/DECoder) in order for video editing software to “understand” what it's working with.
With MPEG files, it is typical that the proper CODECs are most likely already installed in your computer. This is usually done on installation of any professional video editing suite as a background task.
With MOV files, the best way to get your CODECs is to purchase Apple QuickTime Pro from the QuickTime.com web site.
With specific mention to the Windows Movie Maker software: You will be able to work with AVIs, MPEGs and WMVs but not MOVs. If you run into the situation where you must use MOV files in Windows Movie Maker, it is required to bring the MOV file into QuickTime Pro and export it as another format Windows Movie Maker can understand (AVI or MPEG).
When using the Apple Mac OS X operating system...
Mac OS X “likes” Apple-specific formats best, and in this case that is the MOV format video file. It also works well with MPEG-1 (MPG) MPEG-4 (MP4) files.
OS X will work with AVI files easily, however you may notice that the importing process into certain video editing applications may take a long period of time. If at all possible, work with MOV, MPEG and MP4 files only.
The file format which OS X “doesn't like” is WMV, but like with Windows and MOVs, it is not impossible to work with them.
If you use a camcorder that uses DVD to store video data...
The file format that it will use will be the MPEG format.
Something important to note is that some manufacturers force you to use the provided software that came with the camcorder originally to get the data off the DVD for use in video editing software later. If you encounter the situation where your video editing software will not accept the data from the camcorder's DVD, use the software provided with the camcorder originally.
If you use a camcorder that is miniDV based...
All video must be imported in real time (meaning you must play back the video to the computer) via a FireWire cable. Both Windows Movie Maker and iMovie have the ability to import video via this method.
The vast majority of miniDV camcorders have FireWire ports on them. To get the video imported to the computer, the computer must have a FireWire port, and you must have a FireWire cable. To note: FireWire cables are typically expensive and will usually cost $30 to $40 for a six-foot length.
The two types of ports for FireWire are 4-pin and 6-pin. The 4-pin port is very small and similar in size to mini-USB. The six-pin is similar in size to a standard USB port but slightly thicker.
It is most likely true your camcorder has a 4-pin port.
If you have a laptop with a FireWire port, that port will also be 4-pin, so you will need to acquire a “4-pin to 4-pin” cable.
If you have a standard desktop computer, the port will be 6-pin, so you will need to acquire a “4-pin to 6-pin” or “6-pin to 4-pin” cable.
If your computer does not have a FireWire port.
FireWire cards are very inexpensive (about $20.00). You will need to purchase a card and install it in your computer.
Note to those with iMac or Mac Pro computers and most Macbooks: If the processor is G5 or later, you already have a FireWire port.
What will be the format when importing from a miniDV based camcorder?
Typically, the video format that will be used by your video editing software will be DV-AVI (Digital Video, Audio Video Interleave).
To note: DV-AVI files are rather large. They are of high quality and will consume much hard disk space. Be sure to have at least 50GB available on your hard drive before capturing video to your computer.
How do you import video from a miniDV camcorder into the computer?
The process of importing video involves three steps:
- Installing the software that came bundled with your camcorder originally to your computer.
- Connecting the camcorder via FireWire to the computer.
- Using software to “capture” the video from the camcorder to the computer.
Why install the software that came with the camcorder?
This will install the necessary device drivers the operating system needs in order for it to “understand” your camcorder when you connect it.
Why connect the camcorder via FireWire?
In order to transfer the video/audio to the computer it must be connected via a cable that can send a large amount of data. FireWire is the best (and usually the only) method.
What's “capturing” video mean?
Capturing video (and audio) is what you're doing when you instruct your video editing software to “listen” to the incoming video signal from the FireWire cable connected to your camcorder.
Typical example of what happens when you connect your camcorder via FireWire..
First, you connect your camcorder via FireWire cable. If your camcorder software is installed properly, your computer will recognize the camcorder is connected and waiting to be used.
Second, you launch your video editing software. For sake of example, let's say you're using Windows Movie Maker or iMovie.
Once in the software you instruct it to capture video from an external device (the camcorder).
The software will take control of the camcorder. You can playback, pause, rewind and stop the camcorder directly from the software itself.
Once ready, instruct the software to capture the video from the camcorder. When done it will automatically process the DV-AVI file as a background task.
From there you can edit your video.
Use Of The Timeline
The timeline is a horizontal bar typically located at the bottom for any video editing software you may use. You use this bar to “jump” to specific points in your video to make edits, such as adding video, removing video, transitions and so on.
Using the timeline in modern-day software is very easy because all you have to do is literally drag and drop what's known as “clips” into the timeline to begin editing.
Using Windows Movie Maker as an example:
The two viewing modes available in Windows Movie Maker are “Storyboard” and “Timeline”. To switch between one and the other, press CTRL+T on your keyboard. If the horizontal bar at the bottom looks like a series of squares, this is storyboard mode. If it looks like a film strip, this is Timeline mode.
Windows Movie Maker in Timeline Mode
After you have imported/captured video into Windows Movie Maker, your clips will appear above the time as squares. To place them in the timeline, all you have to do is drag and drop. When you do, this will be the result:
Above: Windows Movie Maker with clip inside the timeline.
Once clips are inside the timeline, this is where you begin editing.
Important note: You cannot edit video unless it is present in the timeline first.
The Difference Between Video and Audio Tracks
In simple terms, the difference between video and audio is that video is for motion imagery and audio is for sound.
However the way in which video and audio are edited are distinctively different.
How Video Editing Works
When using simple video editing software like Windows Movie Maker or iMovie you only have one primary video track at your disposal. What this means is that whenever an edit is made it directly affects the video that is played back afterwards.
However, there is the option of adding simple effects like on-screen text that will appear to be “on top” of the video track. Technically speaking, adding on-screen text is a separate video track although it does not replace the primary video track unless you specifically instruct the software to treat text as such (such as introductory credits to a presentation).
With only a single primary video track, anything you place on that track will usually replace whatever video is already there.
How Audio Editing Works
While you will only be provided with a single video track with simple video editing software, you are provided with two audio tracks.
The first audio track is usually already used by the existing audio that is “carried over” from the video clip.
The second audio track is blank; it is provided this way purposely so you can add a secondary audio track, such as background music or sound effects.
It is usually possible to “break” the audio from the video track if you choose. This is normally called splitting the audio from the video. However bear in mind that is almost never required to split the audio from the video.
What edits are possible with video tracks?
With video the only edit you can perform on the track itself is a cut. This is where you literally cut the video at a certain edit point and replace it with another clip of your choice.
Anything else to do with video is either an effect or a transition. This will be covered in the next chapter.
What edits are possible with audio tracks?
With audio your options are usually limited to volume, fading in, fading out, and muting. In addition (depending on software) you can also make audio cut edits like you can with video cut edits.
Most software will also allow you to add audio, such as a soundtrack. This is technically not an edit; rather an addition.
Transitions
A transition from one video clip to another means under most circumstances that an effect is being applied. For example, dissolving (sometimes known as fading) from one clip to another is a digital effect.
Why Use Transitions?
Transitions can be used to make a presentation seem less “harsh”. For example, when starting a presentation it may be appropriate to fade in from black. This will give the presentation a “smoother” feel instead of just having the video suddenly appear.
Transitions can also be used to make your presentation more interesting looking. Even the simplest free video editors (such as Windows Movie Maker or iMovie) have built-in transition effects you can use to add some “flare” to your presentation.
How to Use Transitions?
In most instances you must have two video clips in the timeline next to each other in your video editor. From there you should be able to drag and drop the effect of your choice and apply it.
Remember,Ttransitions Should Always be Applied Last
It is important to remember not to apply transition effects during your video editing process. You should finish your presentation first using cuts-only before applying any digital effect. You will find that transitions, while easy to use and readily available, will sometimes get in your way when the goal is to finish the video first.
Beware of Going “Tacky”
It is typical for beginners in video editing to overuse transition effects. If you do this it will make your video look very amateur; this is why it's suggested you finish you video using cuts-only before applying any transition effects. By doing this you will notice that there are times when you only need very simple effects (such as fading in/out from black) and nothing else. Other times you may not need any transitions at all.
Title Slates
A title slate is simply text on-screen and nothing else. Slates are using to introduce scenes into your video should they be necessary.
Sometimes the only slates you need is at the beginning (such as stating the title of the video) and at the end (for credits). At other times you may need slates during the video to separate different chapters. For example, if you were producing an instructional video that showed a 5-step process on how to do something, each one of those 5 steps would most likely need a title slate to introduce each step.
Proper Look Of Title Slates
The proper look for a title slate is (and always has been/will be) white text on a black background. This is the easiest to read and does not annoy the viewer. Were you to put black text on a white background you run the risk of the text “fuzzing” and the screen has the effect of a bright light bulb (and that's bad).
White text on a black background also gives the appearance of looking cinematic, and that's a good thing.
The font you choose for your title slate text should be easily readable. If you're stuck for ideas on what to use, sans-serif fonts are usually easier to read on-screen compared to serif fonts. A sans-serif font is more “round” and non-decorative. Examples of sans-serif are Arial and Helvetica. Serif fonts are sometimes called “roman” fonts, such as Times New Roman, Georgia and Garamond. The reason sans-serif non-decorative fonts look better on screen is because the decorations on serif fonts tend to “fuzz” at times, even as white text on a black background.
The size of your font is also important. You want your text to be readable but at the same time not too large. The way to tell if your font is too large is if it “touches” any edge of the frame while editing. If that's the case, you need to size the font down. As a general rule of thumb, you should keep the font about 5% to 15% away from any edge of the frame.
On-screen Time for Title Slates
Beginning video editors always make the classic mistake of having their title slates stay on screen for far too long. For example, most title slates only require a maximum on-screen time of five seconds. Anything longer will appear to “drag” for too long on-screen.
Background Music and Sound Effects
As stated earlier, most simple video editors allow for adding additional audio such as background music and sound effects.
Important things to remember:
With free video editing software such as Windows Movie Maker, you only have one additional audio track. If you choose to have music played throughout the entire presentation, that audio track is being used and you cannot add any additional sound at that point.
With sound effects you can add as many as you wish due to the fact they're short (once a sound effect has finished playing, you can add another, and another after that, and so on).
Common Mistakes Made by Beginners
Too LOUD
When adjusting your volume for background music/effects, it is typical that beginners will have the volume much too high. The important thing to remember is that background music and effects are supposed to be IN THE BACKGROUND and not be “front and center”.
Some sound effects are louder/quieter than the others
People will usually find whatever sound effect they can find on the internet, then drop it into their presentation. At times this may present a problem because some some effects are louder/quieter than others. Being that you only have one audio track to work with, you may have to individually adjust volume for each sound effect if your video editing software allows it.
Remember: It is worth it to spend time making sure the audio is of proper volume to avoid annoying your audience with sound that is too loud/quiet.
Over-use of music/effects
Beginners will think “I have to make this interesting! I have to add more sound! More effects!” No, you don't. The presentation overall is what counts and not the add-ons. Granted, sometimes effects can be entertaining/interesting/funny, but most of the time they're not.
If you're spending more time worrying about music/effects than you are the presentation itself, this is bad. The presentation counts first.
