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Find out All about Linear Video Editing

By: Ream Abas Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Most of today’s rising videographers are more accustomed with non-linear video editing. But did you know that there is also the so called ‘linear video editing’? Prior to the launch of computer-based editing programs in the nineties, video editing was mostly linear.

The process involves selecting and arranging sounds and images on a cassette. Such sounds and images are also modified whether they are generated from computer graphics or video camera.

The medium used was first and foremost the television. Shot edits were completed typically in live TV productions. More than two cameras are used and the shot edits were executed by switching from one camera to another. Video switchers allowed the usage of several synchronized inputs and at the same time, mixing them into one harvest. With the use of the switcher, cuts are easily done in various video sources and in wipes, dissolves, and fades.

Current live TV productions follow the same linear editing system but due to hi-tech innovation, the productions are much more useful and professional. The airing of shows over and over again was only possible with kinescope but that was before the videotape was invented. With kinescopes, picture mortification was a major dilemma as well as manifest scan lines and image alteration. Delay on broadcasts was also another problem since the kinescopes were processed in film labs.

Because of the exhausting procedure with kinescopes, the videotape was developed. After some time, videotape editing became practical just like film editing.

The first established videotape was the quadruples recording, about two inches in distance across. The tape was cut and spliced to hold out editing tasks. The process was tough and not many videographers performed it. It involved many disadvantages such as - you can’t use edited tapes for a second time, you need to be accomplished enough to carry out the process, lose sync, and each editing task requires quite a few minutes (too time consuming).

Are you familiar with the TV event - ‘Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In’? This show utilized the tough linear editing process. The hand editing was first developed in the 1960s. But since it involved problems like short buzzing (audio), it was not used all the time. This method was impractical for most producers. Producers are not familiar with the process and they can’t give their personal opinions. Documentary television productions hardly used video because of these troubles.

Edit suites were developed by 1970s. It already involved the use of computers. Time codes were used to synchronize secondary devices and tape machines. CMX, Ampex, and Sony created the edit systems. Only high-end productions were able to access the edit suites because most of them are very expensive.

Today, linear video editing is still being used in newsrooms and some production facilities where newer technologies are not available. Because of the improvement in today’s expertise, linear editing is less complex. As compared to non-linear editing, linear editing will entail you to carefully learn the skills of a good videographer. However, if video editing is just your pastime, you can opt for non-linear editing.

Video editing has a very fascinating history. Just picture the videographers cutting tapes and putting the together again to create a final creation; it was really expensive, time consuming, and difficult. Thanks to the advanced expertise, video editing is already possible even in the soothe of your home.

Still, if you want to try linear editing, start gathering experience right away.