

This causes incompatibility - you need to generate an EDL of the correct format for whichever machine (editor) or program you are going to use. This illustrates one of the many subtle differences between list types. Note that the spacing between fields is different. They are similar enough, however, so the basic edit information can be converted from one to another.Īs an example, here is a simple video edit in both CMX and Grass Valley:ĬMX: 004 203 V C 03:23:16:20 03:23:21:08 01:00:03:19 01:00:08:07 These variations make each format incompatible - you can't load a Grass Valley format list into a CMX editor. The EDL formats (CMX, GVG, SONY, etc) vary slightly in the exact location of the "fields" of information, and in the exact "encoding" of these fields. However, the data contained therein can be converted to ASCII the EDL can be converted to be similar to the other manufacturers (with some exceptions). You can't see these lists with a word processor. Sony saves the EDL as a "JIS" file, which is a modified ASCII file. ASCII EDLs can be viewed and edited with a word processor if the disk type can be accessed (most word processors can't read a CMX or GVG disk). This is true of the EDL formats of most manufacturers (CMX, GVG), regardless of the disk type they are saved on (CMX, GVG, DOS). Most EDLs are simple ASCII files, that is, files containing alphanumeric characters, or "text-only". This is how the ON-line controller identifies a file as an EDL. An EDL is saved on disc with a file name that must include the ".EDL" extension (MYEDL.EDL). In addition, it includes information about transitions (Cuts, Dissolves, Wipes), transition durations, etc. It is a list of "events" that include the source to be recorded, and where to record it. To make a usable EDL for a particular On-line session you must save the list on the correct type of floppy, in the correct EDL format, and with a legal file name for the disk type.Įdit Decision Lists and Formats General EDL DescriptionĪn Edit Decision List (EDL) is a special kind of database.

This has important implications on how you should name source reels when editing or loading non-linear systems. Keep these ideas in mind:ĮDL formats (CMX, GVG, SONY, etc) are similar, but differ in many small (but important) ways, making them incompatible, but convertible.ĮDL formats differ in their capabilities where REEL NAMES are concerned. Save the EDL to the appropriate floppy disk type: A) Be sure the disk is properly formatted and initialized.

When the edit is finalized Generate a EDL in the appropriate format with appropriate options.

As you edit Use appropriate reel names during editing or digitizing! The importance of this cannot be over-emphasized. The most important steps in the process: Before you begin a job Determine the EDL format you will need for ON-line and review its capabilities. This knowledge is critical both during the edit (especially assigning reel names during editing or digitization) and when creating and saving EDLs at the conclusion of the job. Since an EDL from a non-linear or off-line edit is destined for use in other systems (the ON-line) it is important to understand the capabilities and limitations of those systems so you may create appropriate information for them. Also included are a review of timecode, EDL format cross-reference tables, use of the AVID EDL Tool, and an "EDL Check-list" - a brief synopsis of EDL "gotchas".Įdit Decision Lists provide the means of transferring edit information from one system to another. Sections on cleaning and tracing review these important tools and their use. This paper covers many important aspects of managing EDLs, concentrating first on aspects directly related to EDL exchange - EDL formats, reel names, and disk types. There are many subtleties about EDLs which can foil a successful exchange of information and spoil your day. This is especially important in transferring Off-line decisions to the On-line assembly. Saving EDLs - Floppy Disk Types and File NamesĮdit Decision Lists (EDLs) are the primary method of transferring information about an edit project between editing systems.
AVID TIMECODE CALCULATOR SOFTWARE
Maker of EDLMAX - EDL Management Software Guide to EDL Management Guide to EDL Management
