Digital Video Revolutiontiontion
Though it was being experimented with in the 1960’s, digital video made its first appearance as a used medium in the 1970’s. During this time, video production equipment was created that would “operate by taking a standard analog video input and internally digitizing it” (Wikipedia.) This made it easier to either correct or
enhance the video signal, or to manipulate and
add effects to the video. This digitized and
processed video would then be converted back to
standard analog video. So at this point, digital video was used solely as a means to edit more efficiently, and wasn’t kept in its digital state. With the mid 1980’s came the first means of recording digital video commercially. Instead of using analog for the initial recording, television networks started digitally recording. Because of the expense of such new technology, for most of the decade the only groups utilizing digital video were professional companies and television networks. Eventually by the 1990’s digital video recorders for consumers were distributed. These typically made for crude video footage, but over the years it quickly increased in quality. By now, there are digital camcorders that provide better video recording quality than analog formatted camcorders. Digital camcorders have smaller form factors and better video output options as well. Also, because they record
data digitally, there is no loss of quality when video is transferred
to another digital device or stored for long periods.
By now, the true appeal of digital video is its convenience, and this factor is huge when it comes to how this medium is being used today. The whole point is that it is easier, and anyone can do it. Making footage is no longer as time consuming, and it can be produced and seen almost immediately compared to the work that goes into producing, editing and viewing any analog based video. This medium has since appealed to the masses and now every digital camera comes standard with a video recorder, cellular phones as well. Accompanying that standard, is the birth of low cost video editing software, software that is becoming as standard as Microsoft Word and Solitaire. At the forefront of this continuing revolution is the internet and video based web sites like YouTube.com. Youtube.com makes it possible for anyone with a digital camcorder in any form to post their videos. Despite the fact that these videos vary in quality of recording and content, it is available to the masses. This changes the audience of video dramatically. It is accessible to anyone with a computer with internet, or a library card. This fact changes how it is viewed and used. There is little control over what can be seen, used, and released.
This medium is still evolving today, especially in a physical sense. Digital camcorders are getting smaller, easier to carry around, and more easily connect and transport data/footage to your computer or editing system. As a medium in general, digital video appeals mostly as a visual. It is to be viewed, but digital videos can be emphasized with sound as well. Some videos are better with sound, and some are not.
Sources:
Printer, Scanner & Camera Tips
September 2003 • Vol.9 Issue 9
Wikipedia.com
