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Tech Guide

All about digital video

Jan Ozer ZDNet US

Published: 10 Jan 2003

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Originally introduced in the mid-1990s, digital video (DV) cameras now dominate camcorder sales. Why? Two simple reasons.

First, digital video delivers quality that's superior to that of analogue formats such as VHS, 8mm or even Hi8 and S-VHS. Second, since both camera and computer manufacturers have adopted the FireWire (IEEE 1394) serial port specification, it's now much faster and easier to transfer video to your computer than it was with analogue cameras, and the equipment to do so is much more affordable.


At the same time, broadband Internet connections and inexpensive DVD writers make high-quality video much easier to distribute. So what does that mean for you? You'll spend less for higher-quality video that you can share easily with your family and business associates. If you're considering joining the DV revolution, now is definitely the time.

Of course, you'll need to learn the DV basics before you dive into this tricky new technology. We'll walk you through the tools you'll need, the steps you'll take (shooting footage, transferring it to your computer, then editing and distributing video), and the basics of digital video technology and production. You'll be impressing the family in no time.

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Tech Guide Pick the right hardware for your burgeoning digital video career. [10 Jan 2003]

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Tech Guide Here's how to get your footage from camera to computer, with all the steps in between. [10 Jan 2003]

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Tech Guide So you've shot, transferred, and edited your video. Now what? [10 Jan 2003]

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Tech Guide What’s up with DVD-burning formats and compatibility? Let’s unravel the mystery. [10 Jan 2003]

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Tech Guide Definitions for the most common DV terms, as well as a few uncommon ones. [10 Jan 2003]

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