COMPARATIVE COMPUTER EDITING

This advanced class is intended for people who are thoroughly familiar with basic videotape editing and who desire to expand their skills to computerized off-line and on-line operations. The program concentrates on features common to all computerized off-line and on-line operations. The program concentrates on features common to all computer driven systems regarding VTR/Switcher control and pays special attention to management of digitally stored and Time Code cues in the Edit Decision List.

120 Hour Curriculum:

1. Begins with a comprehensive discussion of Time Code and its role in computer editing.
2. Analyzes the standard for digitally processing and executing videotape edit commands.
3. Guarantees extensive hands-on instruction and exercise on the Ampex ACE, Sony BVE-800, Convergence 204.

The aim is for each student to understand how to structure editorial decisions according to correct computer protocol and to master the command sequences common to all computerized edit systems regardless of manufacturer. Comparative Computer Editing Systems is available on weekends or weeknights . For further information and schedules please contact our Registrar.

CMX: PRINCIPALS and PRACTICES

This class is intended for people who are thoroughly familiar with videotape editing and have experience with signal, system flow and tape handling. It will concentrate on the ability of the computer to generate and manipulate an Edit Decision List from which various versions of edited sequences can be "Auto Assembled" under the complete command of the computer.

Cinematically speaking, CMX places at the editors fingertips a robot negative matcher/optical lab. Approaching the computer from that historical perspective, we will conduct the seminar to elicit practical problems and evolve workable solutions.

All aspects of CMX operational design and procedures will be covered in lecture and thoroughly practiced with an individual tutor. Particular attention will be paid to CMX's inherent capacity to "crunch numbers", keeping track of scenes and sync relationships, liberating the editor to concentrate on pacing picture and sound. The aim is to have our graduates do as little number typing as possible and utilize digital memory to catch and manipulate the SMPTE Time Code cues.

We will cover the 4 types of Time Code and the special demands CMX places on TC accuracy. The sync relationship between original playback nuymbers versus final edit numbers will be drilled repeatedly. We will also cover how the computer controls machines through "distributive processing", as well as the types of machines and controls available for "Interface" with the system.

Everyone will master initializing the system and responding to error messages. We will discuss system phasing and switcher interface [GPI and E-MEM].

Each student will edit several pieces producing several Edit Decision Lists. They will then modify those EDL's and test the new programs through Auto Assembly. Homework problems and self-evaluation tests will be included, which students are expected to work on during their hands-on tutorials.

Finally, our goal is for graduates to feel completely at home with the expanded keyboard and the 217 program including the advanced features: Reel Summary, Master/Slave, Sync Roll, Multiple Record, Second Audio, Frame Bump and the Gismo Search Control.

ADVANCED EDITING

AMPEX ACE EDITING COMPUTER WITH VPR80'S AND A VPR3

This is an extensive program in video editing using our Ampex ACE System. It creates an CMX Edit Decision List. The course will deal specifically with operating the ACE controller with VPR 80's and a VPR3 for slo-mo and freeze frame effects.

Discussions will include editing in both "Control Track" and SMPTE time code modes. Problems which can arise with both types of editing will be analized and resolved. Students will learn how to make the ACE perform dissolves, fades, and wipes as well as A/B Sync Roll functions. Also included will be the set up and operation of the individual TBC's to match the video characteristics of both play-back machines to broadcast specifications.

The course will consist of both lecture and group hands-on sessions. In addition, private hands-on time is included for each student to work with the instructor. Due to the fact that the ACE is used extensively for professional editing, unsupervised hands-on time cannot be made available as is the practice with our basic editing system. Additional supervised hands-on time can be scheduled for a fee when both the instructor and system are available.

Ampex ACE Machine Editing Schedule

Hands-On

Total Hands-On Time per person = 12 hours

Ampex ACE Machine Editing - Course Description

Day 1

SYSTEM FLOW

Why 3 machines + switcher?

A/B + Record

Why 2 TBC's to switcher?

Why house sync?

V Phase----------|
H Phase          | -- VTR & Switcher
SC Phase         |
Burst Phase------|

                                          [System Phase]
Switcher discussion - Preview vs. Program [Hands-On]
Introduction - Wiring Diagrams

1. Sync

2. TBC

3. CNTRL

4. Video & Time Code

5. Monitors/Scopes

6. Audio

Power Up Sequence
Ram & Rom Sequence
Switch flipping & practice system phasing

Day 2

Time Code discussion

Types i.e. location & Run

Drop frame vs. Non Drop frame

Mixing Time Codes

CMX specs Re: lock & phase vs. Sony

Time Code flow again

Setting Time Code Genset

Black Basic & B roll dubs

Jam sync

Tape Sychronize on VTR's

Time Code vs. Revert to CTL

Servo Lock Lights

Send Status

On List Drop

Frame vs. Non-Drop Frame - Black Basic

Time Code Gen Set

Make Black Basic's -----> check Time Code

Day 3

COLOR BARS & TONES

Audio Referencing

Video to House Bars of TBC, not if not (Dub Mode)

MANUAL EDIT CB AT RECORD

System Flow

CONTROL CONSOLE OVERVIEW

Master Stop/Preview/Record

In & Out Counters/Tape Timers

From ----> To/Source ----> Sync

Mark-Enable

Motion CNTRL's

Agenda Select/Mode Select

Splits Timers

Display Out & Preview Out

Transition Control

Straight Cut/A vs B

DO COUNT DOWN EDITS

DAY 4

Scratch PAD

Error Messages

Transition Control of EFF

Split Edits

EFF Controls

Terminal & Printer Discussion

In Frame Edits