In this blog, I’m going to concentrate mainly on the creative and performing arts, but that encompasses many things. And the things it doesn’t encompass are open for discussion, too.

I’d like to start this off with some very basic info for any of you who are learning about video – whether you’re an actor needing your scenes from TV shows for your demo reel, or someone who wants to transfer their home movies from tape to a DVD. (All you computer geeks and video wizards can skip this part.)

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HOME MOVIE PEOPLE, ACTORS, EVERYONE: DO NOT record on slow speed, even though you can get more recorded on a tape (miniDV, VHS-C, etc.) A slower speed means lower picture quality, and transferring that to a DVD will just get you garbage. Record on standard speed. Then when you transfer to DVD, your picture quality will be good. DVD is great quality, but bear in mind that your transfer is only as good as your source material (what you recorded on). If your source material is poor quality, the DVD will be, too. Editors can only help it a little bit, not a lot.

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High definition is great, but keep in mind that if you record something on high definition, you will need a high definition deck to play it on, and if you ever want to edit it, you’ll need high definition editing equipment. If you take it to an editing house, they will need high definition editing equipment. High definition equipment prices haven’t come down yet, so unless you don’t mind investing some serious money, stick to regular stuff.

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ACTORS: You were in a TV show and recorded it on your TIVO. Now you want to transfer it to DVD, so you can take your scene(s) from it for your demo reel. What do you do?

Your TIVO is connected to your phone line. Once it’s disconnected, it won’t play. You need to connect a DVD recorder to it. Then you can lay the show off (transfer it) to a DVD.

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An editor friend tells me that he found a Magnavox MWR 10D6 DVD recorder at WalMart for $49.00. (This is NOT an endorsement. You’re on your own buying a DVD recorder. Ask the salespeople a lot of questions before you buy.) Always record at “HQ” mode (highest quality). Use good quality DVDs, such as Verbatim.

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As you are probably well aware, the subject of video is vast. If you read my “About” page, you know I work part-time at a video editing studio, handling customers and admin. I am not a technician by any stretch, but I’ve picked up some basics, which you may find helpful. If you’re beyond the ABC’s, or are an actor needing excellent yet reasonable editing for your reel, look at the Related Sites section.

Some interesting services are being offered for Breakdown Services clients, also.
Until next time,
Tria

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