Instruction manual

multi-track audio recording tape is sold. Broadcast tapes will have the word Broadcast on

the packaging and labels. Some broadcast video cassettes come in two sizes, small and

large. The small cassettes are designed for use in portable VCRs (for shooting), and can

also be used in studio model VCRs for editing. The large cassettes are designed for use in

studio model VCRs. Some portable VCRs can use large cassettes.

In addition to a Cut, another common transition is a Dissolve. This is when one

shot gradually disappears, and the next shot gradually appears. The speed of a Dissolve

can range from very slowly, to very fast (which would simulate a Cut). This requires an

electronic device called a Switcher, and 2 Playback Source VCRs in the editing system. It

is commonly referred to as A/B Roll editing. “A” stands for Playback Source VCR

number 1, and “B” stands for Playback Source VCR number 2. The Switcher allows you

to Dissolve between the Source tape in “A” and the Source tape in “B”. Dissolves are

often used between scene changes, such as going from a concept scene (shot), to a

performance scene (shot), and vice-versa. Dissolves are also good for slow songs.

Another A/B Roll effect is a Mix, which combines the video signal (Source

footage) from both Source VCRs. (Example: A Close-Up shot of a performer Mixed with

a Wide shot of a cloud.) While watching TV, look for Cuts, Dissolves, and Mixes.

Some studios offer editing with Time Code, which is a timing and frame

numbering system, in which each video frame is given an 8-digit number. Using a Time

Code Generator, the Time Code is recorded on a videotape in Hours, Minutes, Seconds,

and Frames.

Example: 00:01:02:27

Time Code should be added to the Master videotape while it’s being Blacked.

If you’ll be editing with a Time Code system and transferring Source footage to

broadcast tape, ask the Editor to add Time Code to the broadcast tape(s) during the

transfer. Then, ask for a VHS copy (or whatever type of VCR format you have access to)

with Time Code Burned-In. As you review the Source footage at home, the Time Code

numbers will appear on your TV screen. While searching for shots, Pause the tape at the

beginning of each shot. Write down the Time Code Numbers at the corresponding places

on the Beat Sheet.

Time Code allows precision editing with single-frame accuracy. (No slipping!)

During editing, each VCR will have a Time Code Reader, and will display the Time Code

numbers along with the video footage on a video monitor screen. For each edit, the Editor

will program the Time Code numbers for each VCR into the Edit Controller.

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