Preparing for Post

AUDIO FOR VIDEO

After a video production finishes, the editing begins. The first stage of editing involves the "off-line" editing. In video terms, the off-line edit consists of using large format (3/4-inch, Betacam, etc.) duplicates and preparing a ‘rough cut’ using a video editing system. While some off-line systems only allow for basic edits in the rough-cut stage, some, more sophisticated edit systems, allow for dissolves and other effects in the off-line version itself.

OFF- LINE VIDEO EDITING

Off-line linear video editing suites, such as shown below, are considered pretty antique today, but you'll probably still find them in use in small town TV studios, or in-house corporate educational environments, etc.

Using the controller, the editor locates segment 1 on deck 1. (using SMPTE timecode, the controller can fast forward/backward to that segment). The editor then locates segment 2 on deck 2. After previewing, tightening the edit, adding effects etc., they tap the 'auto edit' button (red, below) to automate the edit.

The completed edit - both the video and audio - is recorded onto the third 'dub' deck.

On it goes, segment by segment. When the off line process is finished, an EDL or Edit Decision List is made. The EDL records all the edits, transitions, or effects used during the off-line edit. This EDL will later assist in the on-line editing process.

WORK TAPES

At the finish of the off-line process, 3/4" or 1/2" VHS worktapes are made for the audio post. These copies will typically have original audio on one audio channel and LTC SMPTE timecode on the other. The tapes are usually made with a SMPTE window burn which may or may not reference the LTC SMPTE. You can also ask for edgecode numbers burned in as well.

POST PRODUCTION AUDIO

Enter Protools. As we begin working on the audio there may be picture updates; the result of evaluating, improving and second guessing from the picture department.

As result we will be constantly auto-conforming to picture. We will rely on the EDL to assist.

Once the picture is 'locked', no more picture edits may be made. We create our final edits to picture and head for the mixing theatre.

ON-LINE VIDEO EDITING

The primary difference between the off and on- line process is quality. During off-line, you use dubs and less expensive video equipment, while in the on-line process you use original tapes. During on-line, the off line EDL is used to conform the edits; forcing the same edits made in the off line onto the original tapes. The completed post production audio is also mixed in the on-line suite.

LINEAR

The ‘linear’ tape process closely resembles assembling a cassette tape of songs, one song at a time. Record, pause; cue up the next song; Record, pause; cue up the next song; etc.

To begin, you need dubs of the original tapes, two playback tape machines, one controller and one recording 'dub' deck.

The two videotape machines are loaded with the dubbed videotape footage.

Controller

A video controller synchronises and operates the decks. The left side and wheel control deck number one, the right, deck two.