Digital Video
Video signal shot on DV or digitized for use on a computer with a program such as Final Cut Pro
.
Analog Video
Video signal recorded on analog videotapes. Formats include VHS, SVHS, 3/4” Umatic, Betacam SP, Video 8, Hi-8.
 
DIFFERENT TYPES OF EDITING
Digital (AKA Non-Linear) Editing
Digital video editing on a computer system, using programs such as Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or AVID. Non-linear editing usually utilize a timeline interface. Also called nondestructive editing.

Analog Video Editing
Essentially the controlled recording of video and audio signal from one tape (source) to another (record/master). Think of it as a refined version of dubbing from one VCR to another, with a lot more control!

On-Line Editing
Analog video editing using a time code-based system. Also involves computers (what doesn’t these days?!) but video signal is source from and recorded onto videotapes (Betacam SP, D2, etc.)

Off-Line Editing
Analog video editing using control track, often used for rough-cuts.
 
COMMON TECHNICAL TERMS
 Source Tape
The videotape you are editing from. The tape on which you have shot or recorded original footage.

Record Tape
The videotape you are editing on to. Also known as your MASTER TAPE if that is your final cut. In digital video, your completed video can outputted more than one masters, but in analog editing there is only one master tape.

Master Tape
The tape on which you have edited or outputted the final version of your video.

Sub-Master
A dub (or recording) of your master tape. Usually the masters are put away to prevent degeneration from frequent playing.

Rough Cut
A preliminary version of your video, like a draft of an essay or story.

Final Cut
The final completed version of your video.

Video Degeneration
Every time you edit or record your footage, it goes down one generation – losing resolution, color, etc. Frequently playing a tape will also cause it to degenerate.

Time Code and Control Track
Both are parts of video signal that can be read by decks and computers. TC/CT are represented as numbers that increase or decrease when you forward or rewind a tape or clip. If you play a blank tape, notice that the number will not move at all. TC/CT allow specific video and/or audio segments on the tape to be identified.

Logging Your Tape
Creating a time code and reel number-based record of your source footage in FCP to facilitate accurate and effective in/output.
You need a CONTINUOUS time code to log your tape in FCP
The easiest way to obtain continuous TC is by recording a BLACK SIGNAL on to your blank tape. The black signal can be recorded off the dubbing bay in Room 3, or just record a tape from start to finish in a camera. Remember to record TC onto blank tape before you shoot to facilitate logging.

Video Signal
The signal containing the video image (picture). Separate video tracks can be worked on independently, or composited to create effects such as mats and superimposed images. FCP supports up to 99 video tracks.

Audio Signal
The signal that contains the audio (sound). FCP supports up to 99 audio tracks.
 
COMMON TECHNICAL TERMS—EDITING
 Assemble Edit
A mode of editing that does not differentiate between video, audio, and control track signals. It is basically like recording over your tape.

Insert Edit
A mode of editing where you can separate the video and audio signals.

Straight Cuts
Cutting one at a time from a source tape to the record tape, without using transitional effects. Our analog systems are straight cuts only.

Transitional Effects
Effects that are used to transition between edits, such as dissolves, wipes, split screens, etc. An analog A/B roll system involves two source decks (A/B) and a video-mixer that can combine the signals. In digital video, source clips can be composited directly by the computer program.

1 min. Color Bars & 1 min. Of Black
It is a standard in videomaking to put 1 min. of color bars and 1 min. of black before the beginning of each video. The color bars allow calibration of the video to the decks – i.e. make sure the decks are set correctly for color and contrast. The black allows for cueing of the tape. Some systems allow a numerical countdown 10 seconds before the tape (or program) begins.

In/Out Points
When editing, an IN point is the designated beginning of the edit, and an OUT point marks the finish of the edit.

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