Media Player, Video Editing, and Movie Production Essentials

Media Player Functionality

A media player can play both audio and video, including TV programs. Common widget types include:

• DVD (xine)
• Audio (Winamp)
• Video (Windows Media)
• Multimedia (Movie Player)

FLV Format

FLV is a streaming video format popular on the internet, especially due to platforms like YouTube and Google Video. It requires Adobe Flash Player.

Video Editing Process

Video editing encompasses all operations performed during movie production.

Movie Components

Key components of a movie include:

• Menu
• Movie
• Frame
• Transition
• Clip

Windows Movie Player

Windows Movie Player is a built-in Windows application for simple and comprehensive video editing.

Film Editing

Film editing involves inserting various clips in chronological order for viewing.

Mounting Process

The mounting process includes:

1. Importing Files: Import files to collections (Tasks toolbar > Import video, music, and images > View folders in collections).
2. Storyboard and Timeline: The storyboard visualizes clip order, while the timeline adjusts clip duration.
3. Clip Management: Add clips by dragging from the collection, move clips by dragging, and remove clips by selecting and pressing DELETE.
4. Project Management: Open and save projects.

Sound Mixing

To mix sounds simultaneously, adjust the tone of each track to achieve a balanced mix. Raise the volume of the track with the main sound at each moment.

Removing Original Sound

Do not remove the original sound unless the video is not authentic.

Inserting Sound Files

Inserting sound files can reinforce the video's message.

Recording Narration

You can record narration while previewing the movie using programs like Kino on Linux and Windows Movie Maker on Windows.

Video Effects

Effects are applied within a clip to modify its appearance, such as aging effects, water droplets, color changes, or playback speed adjustments.

Video Transitions

Transitions provide a smooth or emphasized passage from one clip to another without changing the content.

Types of Transitions

Two types of transitions include:

• Classic: Gradual displacement of one image by another.
• Sophisticated: Striking effects like heart-shaped bars, explosions, roll-up effects, or page-turning simulations.

Adding Titles and Credits

To add titles or credits:

1. Click the Tasks icon.
2. Select the option to create titles or credits.
3. Choose where to add the title (beginning, selected clip, etc.).
4. Write the title text and adjust its format, position, and animation.
5. Click to add the title to the movie.

Creating Menus

To create menus using free software tools:

1. Open the program and select the video format.
2. Add the video files (WMV, AVI, JPEG, etc.).
3. Configure menu aspects like buttons, background, and text formatting.
4. Review and continue.
5. Record the menu.

Video Production Options

Video production options depend on the intended use:

• Store on computer
• Share on the internet
• Save on CD or DVD

Distribution Channels

Distribution channels include:

• Computer
• DVD
• Internet
• E-mail
• Mobile devices
• Digital TV and radio

Rendering

Rendering is the process of transforming video effects, transitions, and titles into a frame sequence.