Is there amateur video editing equipment that is separate from PC software?I want to edit video and make DVDs?

Question

I want to edit video but not use my PC's hard drive, etc. I would like equipment that is easy to use that can burn DVD's and create titles, effects, etc.

Answer 1

The short answer is yes. There are appliances out there that will allow you to edit video without a pc. You probably could find some equipment on E-bay if you type in Linear editing equipment, Lanc edit controlers, etc.

The problem is you will need a controller two monitors and two decks. (One being a player and one being the record deck.) In addition you will probably need a stand alone DVD burner.

I have not done a price check on that recently, but I know at one point you were looking at around two grand for that type of equipment used. (That was amatuer equipment, for professional equipment you were looking at a lot more money.)

For about the same amount of money you can purchase a nonlinear system like a casablanca. My only issue with an appliance like that is they are difficult to upgrade and don't play well with other things like photo editing software.

I think you would be better off buying a MAc Mini for $600 with extra memory, and a Super Drive DVD burner. It comes with I-movie and I-DVD which are great stand alone editing and authoring programs for beginers. The CPU is small and with a KVM Swicth you can use the same Keyboard mouse and monitor as your PC. Less money than a linear system, More controlable than a linear system, Less space than an editing appliance like a casablanca, and upgradeable. Whats to loose?

Tony

PS. Linear systems are faster than non-linear systems for event style videography like weddings or church services. especially if you only want to add titles.

Answer 2

Some DVD recorders let you create chapters and/or add text messages, but that's probably all you can do. IF there's a machine that you can do what the computer can do, it probably would cost a lot more than a computer.