User`s guide

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Chapter 6
6. Virtual Clips
A virtual clip (vclip) directly links clip content segments through the use of metadata. A
clip content segment defines a frame-continuous portion of a larger clip, characterized
by in and out points. A virtual clip consists of metadata describing the referenced content
using a series of clip name references and in and out points. A virtual clip is similar to an
edit decision list or a play list. When a virtual clip plays, the segments referenced by the
virtual clip are seamlessly combined into a unified, continuous clip. Figure 6-1 illustrates
a vclip comprised of three segments.
Figure 6-1 Virtual Clips
A virtual clip structure is not limited to a single level of links. Further clip virtualization
can be accomplished, where one virtual clip references yet another, which in turn points
to physical clip content files. The format for vclip segments is unique to the
SGI Media Server and is the only segment format supported by the product.
Virtual clip
Three “real” clips
In point
Out point
In point
Out point
In point
Out point
Representation
of virtual clip