CompuServe Messages

Hi Kurt! There are a number of ways you can go to begin producing video with your IBM Compatible. You could add an "overlay genlock" device, which will allow you to add any title or graphic that you create on your IBM to a incoming video source, and then you record the combined output. Or you could add a digital video recorder/editor/player device that will record a stream of video to your hard drive, allow you to edit it, digitally on a frame by frames basis, and then output the result to video tape. The advantage of the overlay genlock is that you will typically maintain a higher quality through the system when compared to today's consumer level digital video editing products. The advantage of the digital editing products is that you have complete control of your output including special effects, switching between multiple clips, editing audio with the video, etc. It sounds to me like you are favoring the digital route, and if so, you might take a look at the November issue of New Media magazine where they reviewed some 20 odd devices that do this function. The FAST Movie Machine with MJPEG option came out quite highly rated, and you might call around and see if you can find a local dealer with one of these on display. Regarding the Camera as it is your input and "garbage in = garbage out" you probably want to buy all you can afford here. Hi-8 or SVHS recording formats are considered to be a minimum in semi-professional video editing applications. I prefer SVHS in most environments because I think it stands up to editing better. However, in the coming non-linear age, Hi-8 will provide an excellent source as there will be less tape based editing, it will all be done on the hard drive. -John