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Preparations Before Start Video Editing

As a beginner, there is a lot to learn before you actually start video editing. First you need to know: What is Digital or Desktop Video Editing? What is Non Linear Editing? What is Linear Editing? What is a video capture card? What are "hard" and "soft" codecs? etc. After all this, there is still more to prepare as what we are offering to list below:

Video Capture Card
You need a video capture card or device installed in your computer to get started. The capture card is to bring video from your camera or VHS player and store it in the hard disk. The type of card you need will depend on whether you're capturing  analog or digital video. If you're transferring video from a VHS player then it's analog video. If you're transferring from video from a mini-DV or Digital 8 camera, then you're capturing digital video in which case you'll only need a firewire capture device.

Video Editing Computer
Video editing doesn't require an expensive computer, especially if you're a beginner. You'll need a decent monitor and video card, which come installed on most new computers. If you have an older computer, check it against your video editing software specifications to make sure it will work for video editing. Unfortunately, many older computers simply aren't fast enough for video editing, and you'll need to upgrade your whole system.

Video Editing Accessories
Before beginning a video project, make sure there is enough space on your computer to save all of the files. One hour of full-quality DV footage, like you get from a mini-DV camcorder, takes up nearly 13 GB of hard drive space. If your computer's internal hard drive can't store all of the footage, buying an external drive is an easy solution. You'll also need several cords, generally Firewire or USB, to make sure that your computer, hard drive and camera can all communicate. Different computers and cameras accepts different connectors, so check your manuals before buying anything.


Choosing your Editing Software
After investing in all the necessary hardware and equipment, you need to determine the software you would wish to base your work on, they come in several versions from dedicated ones or so-called proprietary formats and general or free ones that are free for all to use. The best software might be to expensive for the home video buff so invest in a manageable piece of software that is easy to use and easy on the wallet, like Movavi Video Editor. Decent free ones are found from the internet that even have free updates available for download on regular intervals. There might be a bit of trial and error when you begin which is okay for it familiarizes you with the capabilities of your system.

Prepare Footage for Video Editing
Before you can begin editing, you'll need some video footage to work with. Most programs accept a variety of formats for video editing, as long as they are digital. If you shot your video with a modern camcorder, using the mini-DV format, it should be easy to import the footage. If you want to edit analog video, such as something on a VHS tape, you'll need to convert it to a digital format before you can import for video editing.

Video Editing Tips
No matter what video editing program you use, there are some tips and tricks that will improve your video editing. Having the right computer, software and accessories is essential, but in the end great video editing will come from practice and patience. Have fun!

Disc Authoring Software
After you have done the necessary editing, you'll want to ouput your video to disc and make a VCD or DVD. For this you would need a dvd creator software. Before you run out and buy one, check out your editing software - most come with a disc-authoring feature.

Well, that's what you basically need to start video editing. If you get the idea, move on to Optimizing Your Computer For Video Editing.