Computers and Video Editing

Computers and Video Editing

Many years ago, it would have been impossible to edit videos at home because it can only be done in exclusive editor suites. But now, things are quite different. If you have a desktop computer with enough disk space, CPU power, and FireWire or USB port, you can now edit cherished videos to create good quality videos with all the effects you see in modern professional movies.

When you’re editing videos, huge CPU power is being used as you move lots of data to and from the disk. Having a fast machine allows you to write and render in a few minutes but if you’re using a slow computer, the task will take several hours.

If you’re doing a lot of writing and rendering files, Pentium Quad Core computers are great or even a Mac model with a minimum 2GB of RAM (Random Access Memory). Pentium 3 machines can handle data stream but when you’re using other applications, the video editing software will not function.

In order to edit videos, you must also choose good quality software. If you have Windows XP, there is already built-in software that lets you edit raw footages. The same thing is true with Apple computers.

Why is it that many video editors use Adobe Premier? The reason why many people use Adobe is because it provides free demo versions and it can be used on Macs and PCs. Adobe’s software is also well respected and full featured so you can do various editing tasks. If you don’t want to spend money on new editing software, you can always use the WMM (Windows Movie Maker) and IMovie.

Aside from the CPU, RAM is another crucial element in video editing with computers. Even if the CPU is fast, the machine will still remain sluggish without enough RAM. The recommended minimum RAM is 2GB although most new computers come with only 1GB. So if you’re using 2GB of RAM, you can browse and use more than two files with ease. Here’s a good example. When the CPU needs a file, the file will be delivered to the RAM from the hard disk for greater speed manipulation. If another file is requested, you can get both files successively. Now this is possible only if you’re using enough RAM but if you’re using less than 2GB, the computer will work slower.

If you currently have 1GB, add more especially if you plan to do a lot of video editing tasks. You must be aware that Windows XP requires 1GB (RAM) and when you load other applications, it will need additional RAM to remain fast and responsive. For starters, you can settle with 1GB or if you want to invest more on video editing, you can increase the RAM to 2GB or even 4GB providing your computer will allow the 4GB upgrade. Check the specifications to see if it will. Make sure that you get the appropriate RAM for your computer’s motherboard. Check with the manufacturer or a certified technician.

Happy editing and good luck