DV family

MPEG-2, DivX, AVCHD: These are just a few of the confusing acronyms of digital video. Let's clear the air a bit

I was in my early teens in the late 1970s when the VHS/Betamax wars were raging. My best friend Robbie took the plunge and bought a Betamax. Indecisive, I waited.

Explanations of all those non-standard modes that today's camcorders are capable of shooting.

A comparison of DV camera formats.

Hi-Def has become the big catch phrase of the year, but many people don't understand just what the format is and why it will be so important to our TV viewing future.

Sony HDR-FX1 HDV Camcorder

Digital Video Discs

To begin nonlinear editing, you'll need some way to digitize your video and audio clips.On the PC, locate an Intel Smart Video Recorder Pro (or the Creative Labs Video Blaster RT300).

Videomaker helps you separate the facts from the hype in the exciting new world of consumer digital video.

Linear vs. nonlinear Video

When digital video (DV) is combined with FireWire, you have everything you need to edit great quality videos. Dr. Cathode answers your questions about this new technology that's creating an exciting upheaval in the video world.

At every Videomaker Expo, representatives from the leading equipment convene on stage to face several hundred Expo attendees. Their purpose: to hash out some of the issues that have faced the consumer video market in the past 12 months. Here are the highlights of the last Nonlinear Editing Panel discussion.

Formats, which one is the best? Have you ever asked yourself that question? We compare them all, VHS, S-VHS, 8mm, Hi8, and DV.

The way DV camcorders capture broadcast-quality video and audio in a barely pint-sized package it's no wonder they're the latest rage. But when will you really need one? What exactly is it about this format that makes it so great? What models are out there? Our feature story and comprehensive buyer's guide will give you these answers plus everything else you need to know about DV.

Ask Videomaker. Questions and comments from our readers and answers from the editor.

If you want to know more about editing your videos, you need to know more about how the various editing protocols work. Take this tour and follow the signs to greater editing proficiency.

Going Digital? Save time and money by exploring the various digital-upgrade paths available to you.

Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions about digital video.

VHS, VHS-C, S-VHS, 8mm, Hi8, Mini DV and Digital8. Confused yet? Find out which videotape format is best for you.

In this Q&A, find out about the technology behind the tiny-but-powerful digital video format.

How to overcome the problems associated with keying digital video

Is Mini DV good enough for the pros?

Take an up-close tour of the digital video system and see first-hand how this technology works.