SAU 16

Video Workshop

Video File Types:

avi - older form of dv on PC platform - usually will play in Windows Media Player (unless an unusual codec was used) - lossless form of compression

wmv - Microsoft's MovieMaker format - highly compressed and buffered in playback.

mpeg - older compressed format with wide compatibility

rm - RealVideo - requires RealOne media player - outdated

mov - QuickTime - Apple's iMovie format - requires QuickTime player which is widely used

Digital vs. Analog Video

Computer Requirements/Setup for video work

Firewire connection - type of cable from video camera - laptops can use a PCMCIA card with firewire connection - desktops can use a card with a firewire connection

Disk space - 1 hour of captured video = 13 GB - minimum disk drive recommended is 40 GB

CD writer - if you plan to store your final video file on a CD to play on other computers

CPU processor speed - minimum 1 GHz

System RAM - 512 MB recommended but 256 MB will work for MovieMaker

Defragment your hard drive

Prepare your system before capture!

Turn off screen savers
close all other programs - IM, antivirus, newsreader, etc.

Provide power to computer (especially laptop) and camera - do not use battery power

Creating your Video

Plan - may want to use a storyboard, outline or concept map to layout plans for video if complicated

Record event on camera

lighting
minimize zoom and pan
use a video tripod for smooth panning
don't worry about editing and special effects - add later
audio - may need microphone and beware of background noise - fans, air conditioners, etc.
set camera to record in SP not EP

Capturing video

Capturing is moving the recording from camera to computer
creates a wmv file that MovieMaker calls a "collection"
capture at the highest quality you'll eventually need - consider size, fps, storage size - see chart
decide if you want MovieMaker to "create clips" or not during capture
turn preview off
organize captured videos into folders
play tape in camera using computer screen controls - then start & stop capture

Create project

MovieMaker creates a .MSWMM file that holds the program information of what video clips were used, transitions, titles, etc.
the project file is a small file compared to video file sizes
Save the project often and forever in case you ever want to change anything
Editing - move clips to timeline and create cuts - zoom - can stretch & squeeze
Add titles and credits
Transitions - diagonal down right works well
Video Effects - test carefully

Create Movie Files

select to save Movie file on "my computer"
creates new wmv files as final output (with edits, transitions, titles, etc.)
decide which formats you desire using - can create multiple outputs from one project - see chart

Share Movie Files

write files to CD - must be played on a computer
post files to web - see sample web page for coding