Even though most of our production is
 now done using digital editing techniques
 and computers, there is still a need to edit
 video using “old school” techniques. This is
 the function of WCTV’s Linear Edit Bay.

   The “Linear” name comes from the fact
 that video scenes are recorded on video tape
 one after the other (in a “linear” fashion),
 whereas scenes on a computer (non-linear)
 editing system can be dragged and dropped
 from any place to any other place at any time.
 Since this bay uses videotape exclusively, it
 is considered a “linear” editing area.
 
     Edit Bay 1 consists of three videotape
 playback units (2 VHS and 1 DV/MiniDV),
 which are connected to switching and
 graphics equipment, which are in turn
 connected to two VHS recording decks.
 Also included is the equipment for making
 audio adjustments such as equalization
 and signal compression.
    
     During our studio tours, we are often
 asked why we still have this “old style” of
 set-up around since we have all the new
 editing technology at our disposal. The
 answer, simply put, is speed. Sometimes
 the deadline for a program can be tight,
 and there isn’t time for the computer to process all the data needed
 to complete a non-linear production project. The editing system in
 this room allows for a quick, yet still polished turn-around of a
 complete program. Though we have upgraded our technology in
 recent years, we won’t be parting ways with linear editing just yet.