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Simply put, the process of digital editing transfers the information on video tape into a digital format -- literally a string of numbers -- which is then displayed on a computer screen as a moving picture. As we edit digitally, markers (pointers) indicate which numbers we're working with.
Think of it this way:
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What this means to you is that editing a poor quality video
tape will not result in further degradation of the image: there is virtually no generational loss in the edit.
The decision to edit from tape to tape -- linear editing -- or to edit digitally -- non-linear editing -- should be based on the quality of the source tapes, and the use to which you are going to put the finished work, rather than on the cost of editing. If you're working with poor quality source materials, very old or badly deteriorated 8mm or 16mm film to video, for example, or second generation VHS tapes, digital editing will provide a decidedly better image than can be achieved editing tape to tape. This is why we recommend that film transfers to DVD always use miniDV (digital) tape for the intermediary step in the transfer. Please discuss this with us when you call to make your editing appointment so that we can help you decide on the appropriate editing technology. |