Sams Teach Yourself Digital Video and DVDs All in One by Jeff Sengstack

Sams Teach Yourself Series: All in One

by Jeff Sengstack

Introduction.

I. PRODUCTION PREPARATION: VIDEOS, IMAGES, SOUND, AND STORY.

1. Digital Video and DVDs-Getting Acquainted.

Converging Technologies

Digital Video Camcorders

DV Camcorders-Higher Quality and Lower Prices

IEEE 1394-"FireWire"-Connectivity

High-Speed PC Processors

DVD Format Adoption

MPEG-2 Video Compression

DVD Recorders

DVD-Authoring Software

Introducing Nonlinear Video Editing

Multiple Methods to View Your Videos

What's DVD Authoring?

Making Sure Your PC Hardware Makes the Grade

Enough Processor Power

Windows XP-Home or Professional Edition

Sufficient RAM

Large and Fast Hard Drive(s)

FireWire Connection

DVD Recorder

3D Video Card

Summary

2. Shooting Great Videos.

Choosing a Digital Video Camcorder

One or Three Chips-CCDs

Features Worth Strong Consideration

Two Features of Interest: Progressive Scan and True Widescreen

Features Not Worth Considering

Camcorders to Avoid Entirely

Doing Some Homework

Legacy Analog Camcorders

Sixteen Tips on Shooting Great Video

Plan Your Shoot

Adhere to the Rule of Thirds

Use Additional Still-Camera Composition Techniques

Get a Closing Shot

Get an Establishing Shot

Get a Good Mix of Shots

Lean Into or Away from Subjects

Keep Your Shots Steady-Use a Tripod

Let Your Camera Follow the Action

Use Trucking Shots to Move with the Action

Avoid Fast Pans and Snap Zooms

Shoot Cutaways to Avoid Jump Cuts

Don't Break the Plane

Get Plenty of Natural Sound

Shoot Enough Continuous Audio

Use Lights to Make Your Project Brilliant

Expert Advice from Karl Petersen

Summary<...

Paperback

First published February 17, 2005