PM> Hello everybody!
  PM> 
  PM> I have been instructed to set up my computer to allow us to perform
  PM> inhouse video editing.  We manufacturer several small products, and we
  PM> need short instructional videos (10 to 15 minutes) containing video
  PM> footage, pictures, graphics, and sound.  We use to source out the
  PM> editing (we provided all the footage and artwork) but with us needing
  PM> several now, it should be more cost advantageous to perform these
  PM> editing servies inhouse.
  PM> 
  PM> I need to know:
  PM> 	1:  What equipment is needed? (video capture card, which one do you
  PM> recommend? - I have been looking at the cards which include software
  PM> also, i.e. Intel smart video recorder Pro, Aitech, Orchid Vidiola
  PM> Pro,...). 	2:  What type of sound input system is required - just a
  PM> basic CD-ROM with speakers and microphone? 	 Any input would be
  PM> appreciated.  Our needs are rather basic, so we are looking to keep
  PM> our expenditures under $1000.00
 PM> Thanks in advance!
  PM> Peter Mocca peter.mocca@travel.com
 
I am not sure I understand your question.
Do you want to:
 a. - Smart computer control a VCR to edit multiple video tapes to produce 
one.
 b. - Produce/Generate short digital clips to insert into above.
 c. - Produce a 15 minute product in computer and then dump it to video.
For a and or b. Abbate Video at (800) 283-5553. Offers s/w and cables to 
control one or two VCR/Camcord (cable equiped and some IR remotes). It cost 
about $250.It will run on any Mac. It makes it easy to collect a list of 
video clips and then control your VCR to paste them into one video. It will 
work with one unit or two (much easier). If your video camera can be remotly 
controlled then it can be used as a unit. If you have a QT capable Mac with 
video-in it can make Quicktime clip of your video clips. Which is really 
great to help remember what is what.
If you are just doing 'a' and you don't have a Mac an old toaster style b&w 
SE will work. They can be had for less than $300.
To do 'b' you will need a  computer with video out. Any Mac with an NUBUS 
slot and one of many video in/out cards will work. Low end video in/out cards 
can be had for $200 something. A used Mac from $300. Macs with built in video 
can be had for ~1000 used and new for  ~$1500 (used Macs hold their value). 
To do 'c' you need the above computer- the faster the better, with lots of 
RAM and gigs of fast hard drives. 
I am sorry that I only know Mac solutions. They may seem a bit more expensive 
but they are much easier to learn to use and add to. If you are going to do 
multimedia video in your computer you will need GIGs of fast hard drive 
space. NO matter what you start with you will need to add more at sometime. 
With a Mac all that takes is pluging the drive into the back of the Mac or 
the last External hard drive (you can have up to 7) and restarting. Adding a 
CDROM and Scanner is just as easy. Also Av version Mac's come with video s/w. 
For all Macs Apple has freeware tools to edit and optimize quicktime 
documents (movies). You don't have to buy a $500+ program to get started. 
And I suspect you will not need to buy all new hw when wondows 95 comes out 
(to remain current).
--- MacWoof 1.5.3
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