Online editing is an older
post-productionPost-production is part of filmmaking and the video production process. It occurs in the making of motion pictures, television programs, radio programs, advertising, audio recordings, photography, and digital art...
linear video editingLinear video editing is a video editing post-production process of selecting, arranging and modifying images and sound in a predetermined, ordered sequence. Regardless whether captured by a video camera, tapeless camcorder, recorded in a television studio on a video tape recorder the content must...
process that is performed in the final stage of a
video productionVideo production is videography, the process of capturing moving images on electronic media even streaming media. The term includes methods of production and post-production...
. It occurs after
offline editingOffline editing is part of the post-production process of filmmaking and television production in which raw footage is copied and edited, without affecting the camera original film stock or video tape...
. For the most part online editing has been replaced by
video editing softwareVideo editing software, is application software which handles the post-production video editing of digital video sequences on a computer non-linear editing systems...
that operate on
non-linear editing systemIn video, a non-linear editing system is a video editing or audio editing digital audio workstation system which can perform random access non-destructive editing on the source material...
s (NLE).
The term
onlineONLINE is a magazine for information systems first published in 1977. The publisher Online, Inc. was founded the year before. In May 2002, Information Today, Inc. acquired the assets of Online Inc....
originated in the telecommunication industry, meaning "
Under the direct control of another device" (
automationAutomation is the use of control systems and information technologies to reduce the need for human work in the production of goods and services. In the scope of industrialization, automation is a step beyond mechanization...
). Online editors such as the
Sony BVE-9000 edit control unit used the RS-422 remote control
9-Pin ProtocolThe 9-Pin Protocol is a two-way communications protocol for the RS-422 D-sub electrical connector interface, in which a bi-direction signal is transmitted over a single, four wire, serial cable to allow the remote control of a wide variety of devices including, reel-to-reel type C videotape video...
to allow the computer-interface of edit controllers to control
video tape recorderA video tape recorder is a tape recorder that can record video material, usually on a magnetic tape. VTRs originated as individual tape reels, serving as a replacement for motion picture film stock and making recording for television applications cheaper and quicker. An improved form included the...
s (VTR) via a series of commands. The protocol supports a variety of devices including one-inch reel-to-reel type C videotape as well as
videocassette recorderThe videocassette recorder , is a type of electro-mechanical device that uses removable videocassettes that contain magnetic tape for recording analog audio and analog video from broadcast television so that the images and sound can be played back at a more convenient time...
s (VCR) to Fast-Forward, Rewind and Play and Record based on SMPTE timecode. The controllers have the ability to interface with
professional audioProfessional audio, also 'pro audio', refers to both an activity and a type of audio equipment. Typically it encompasses the production or reproduction of sound for an audience, by individuals who do such work as an occupation like live event support, using sound reinforcement systems designed for...
equipment like audio mixers with
console automationModern digital audio consoles or mixers use automation. Automation allows the console to remember the audio engineer's adjustment of faders during the post-production editing process. A timecode is necessary for synchronization of automation.- Types of Automation :...
.
The video quality first introduced with
AvidAVID stands for:* Advancement Via Individual Determination, a college-readiness system designed to increase the number of students who enroll in four-year colleges in the U.S....
's
Media ComposerMedia Composer, frequently referred to as "Avid", is a type of computer software application known as a Non-linear editing system . It is the flagship product of Avid Technology. It was released in 1989 on the Macintosh II as an offline editing system...
in 1989 was incapable of producing
broadcast qualityBroadcast Quality is an term stemming from quad videotape to denote the quality achieved by professional video cameras and time base correctors used for broadcast television, usually in standard definition...
images due to computer processing limitations. The term 'Online' changed from its original meaning to where the pictures are re-assembled at full or 'online'
resolutionOptical resolution describes the ability of an imaging system to resolve detail in the object that is being imaged.An imaging system may have many individual components including a lens and recording and display components...
. An
edit decision listAn edit decision list or EDL used in the post-production process of film editing and video editing. The list contains an ordered list of reel and timecode data representing where each video clip can be obtained in order to conform the final cut....
(EDL) or equivalent created during the offline edit is used to carry over the cuts and dissolves from the. This
conform is checked against a video copy of the offline edit to verify that the edits are correct and frame-accurate. This
workprintA workprint is a rough version of a motion picture, used by the film editor during the editing process. Such copies generally contain original recorded sound that will later be re-dubbed, stock footage as placeholders for missing shots or special effects, and animation tests for in-production...
(cutting copy in the UK) also provides a reference for any
digital video effectsDigital Video Effects, commonly called DVEs, are visual effects that provide comprehensive video image manipulation, in the same form as optical printer effects in film...
that need to be added.
After conforming the project, the online editor will add
visual effectsVisual effects are the various processes by which imagery is created and/or manipulated outside the context of a live action shoot. Visual effects involve the integration of live-action footage and generated imagery to create environments which look realistic, but would be dangerous, costly, or...
, lower third titles, and apply
color correctionColor correction by using color gels, or filters, is a process used in stage lighting, photography, television, cinematography and other disciplines, the intention of which is to alter the overall color of the light; typically the light color is measured on a scale known as color temperature, as...
. This process is typically supervised by the client(s). The editor will also ensure that the program meets the technical delivery broadcast safe specs of the broadcaster, ensuring proper video levels, aspect ratio, and blanking width.
Sometimes the online editor will package the show, putting together each version. Each version may have different requirements for the formatting (i.e. closed blacks),
bumper musicBumper music, or a bump, is a term used in the radio broadcasting industry to refer to short clips of signature or theme music used to buffer transitions between programming elements. Bumper music is commonly employed when a syndicated program takes a break for local station identification or...
use of a
commercial bumperIn broadcasting, a commercial bumper, ident bumper or break-bumper is a brief announcement, usually two to 15 seconds that can contain a voice over, placed between a pause in the program and its commercial break, and vice versa...
, different
closing creditsClosing credits or end credits are added at the end of a motion picture, television program, or video game to list the cast and crew involved in the production. They usually appear as a list of names in small type, which either flip very quickly from page to page, or move smoothly across the...
, etc.
Projects may be re-captured at the lowest level of Video compression possible - ideally with no compression at all.