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OT Video Basics
In a previous thread I asked a question about ProRex HQ, and by the end of thread the discussion also talked about a lack of basic knowledge of video in todays desktop producers and editors. I have seen that first hand working with volunteers in the church arena, but I also see it the kids coming out of today’s colleges and High Schools. Our local High School has awesome equipment, 15 FCP stations Panasonic 450 switchers, HPX-300, AJA KI Pro etc. And the teacher (a friend of mine) does a great job of teaching the kids how to produce and edit. But there still exists a lack of knowledge about the basic video signal and how all these machines tie together. And even I, a 29 year video vet. don’t know how to properly use a histogram, It’s something I never used before in Linear post.
I say all that to suggest it there might be a great Cow training DVD on the basics of video. I l would like to do it but don’t have the time, which I’m sure applies to most of us. I hereby nominate Bob Zelin to produce this for us. I’m sure he would make it informative and funny. I’d buy it.
Don WalkerJohn 3:16
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5 Replies
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I dont’ know how to read a histogram ! I don’t know lots of stuff. But a simple GOOGLE search has lots of FREE information on how to read a histogram. Kids (and adults) who want to learn something – like fix their car, or learn to play guitar, or learn how to use iMovie – will do so becuase they have interest. There are currently great training video’s on Creative Cow. I am not the right person to make such a video, but I am sure there are people out there that are infinately more qualified to do so – and this could be offered by Creative Cow. But ultimately, those that want to learn today, can do so, generally for free, by using Google (or Creative Cow).
Bob Zelin
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I agree with Bob (but then I always do!) I have never attended classroom training, bought any training books or any training DVDs (besides, the info is usually outdated by the time they hit the shelves).
I spend a LOT of time reading informative news feeds (several from the COW) that I subscribe to in Google Reader, watch all the free podcast videos I can and read/watch/listen to ANYTHING Bob, Philip Bloom, Mark Spencer or Andrew Kramer have to say.
I learn most by doing and making mistakes. Instants answers 24/7 are a Google away. If I REALLY get stuck, a quick post to the COW usually gets me an answer within 24 hours.
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Bernard Grob penned an excellent text on the video signal and basic video systems. Charles Poynton has also written excellent texts and papers on the video signal. Very informative and effective treatments for even the most stubborn case of insomnia. However, there is no substitute for employment at a tv station/broadcast facility/post production facility for learning from the ranks for engineers. In this day, as has been repeatedly pointed out across the interweb, any idiot can buy a camera and edit rig for under $10k and have no clue how to set up the rig or how to tell a story. You can’t instill curiosity and this isn’t going to change anytime soon.
No need to learn the histogram for video when you have YRGB available.
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I didn’t learn much about post in college. Most of my formal training came from going to trade school some years after college. Wish everyone could do this as I got a lot out of it. Specialized training comes from specially trained instructors and courseware. I suppose self-study can get you there, but to jump start your video knowledge, 6 months in trade school will provide a great base. With all gray areas and cracks filled in, fewer things go wrong as you work and create.
If you haven’t gone to trade school, don’t knock it.
Kevin Monahan
60 Blu-ray Templates for Final Cut Studio 2009
http://www.fcpworld.com
Author – Motion Graphics and Effects in Final Cut Pro -
If we would ask to the video editors:
“What is video”?
I think we would end up with stuff to make an “Special Humor” issue of the COW Magazine.
When I started in this business, they tough me a definition of VIDEO: An electric signal of 1 volt peak to peak.
Video is not what I see in my TV, but the tiny electrical current that goes from my DVD player to my TV.
Nothing related with art; electricity.
I’ve discussed with Don a couple of days ago when he wrote:”VBS is referring to Video Blanking and Syncs or Composite video. May It Rest In Peace.”
To learn of a technology when you considers it dead, is hard.
But this consideration is the bigger mistake.
People do not want understand that Digital HD is just the logical evolution of NTSC. Bigger, better and digital, but the same components than 70 years ago.
Kevin mention postproduction and specialized training. I talk about basic concepts.
As I see, the main problem is that people have not a clear idea of WHAT is YUV (YCbCr) and WHY and HOW we go from RGB to YUV (YCbCr).
How can anybody understand how video codecs work without having clear these concepts?
How can anybody understand a Broadcast Safe filter without a mental picture of a composite video signal?
How to interpret a Vectorscope?I still have with me the “Theory and Technic of the Color TV” (Tomas Bethencourt, Madrid 1.978).
I’m sure that for a couple of dollars is possible to find something similar anywhere.
Is not necessary to go to formulas, subcarriers or nanoseconds.
Learn a bit about the experiments of Grassmann. Learn what is Luminance. The advantages or working with YUV instead of RGB.
Video-Artist: Learn about the raw material you use to make your ART.
Artists that works with wood LOVE wood and know everything about. Same for the guy who works with metal, stone or whatever.
Video-artists may love their computer, but that is a tool, no the raw material. Don’t need to write a poem to “The Electron” but don’t ignore it.
If somebody want to skip all the technical aspects and concentrate in the pure creation, no problem: Hire a technician.
As have been pointed here, there are many interesting resources in Internet, but no much useful for the one that have no clear these basic concepts. Reading Poynton in those conditions would probably harm more than help.
And careful about technical terms, concepts and definitions. TV used to be regulated by bodies like SMPTE, EBU, etc. Today manufacturers adapts their terms to their marketing needs, confusing users even more.
I think that a guy (with the knowledge), a black-board and few ours to paint some schemes and make questions would be better than any DVD, video book, or whatever.
Sorry for the too long post.
Cheers,
rafael
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