Definition of Nonlinear Editor

[SCDVD]

We all use terms that we get used to using but don't have a precise definition in our minds of what the term specifically means. One of those terms is nonlinear editor. Does anyone have a clear definition of what a nonlinear editor is? Also, as compared to what other kind of editor?

[JohnnyMalaria]

A non-linear editing system (NLE) is a video editing (NLVE) or audio editing (NLAE) system that can perform random access on the source material.

That's the key part.

The first video I made was very much linear. No computer A source deck, a record deck, a CD player, a cassette player, an audio mixer, a ratty piece of paper with my audio cues, a fast hand and patience! It was like being a DJ!

[ZippyP.]

NLE's typically have a time line so you can quickly jump to any point in the video without plowing through the whole file.

[thecoalman]

By far the most important aspect:

[edDV]

Linear Video Editing - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linear_video_editing

Non-linear editing system - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-linear_editing_system

In simple terms, linear editing is a sequential process. Think of recording to an audio cassette. You start with song1, then "assemble edit" Song2, Song3, etc.

If you later decide to replace Song1 with a different Song1b of a different length, then you are in trouble. A short song will leave a gap, a longer song will overlap Song2. So, you must start over and record Song1b, Song2 and Song3 from the beginning. This process is known as "assemble editing".

Non-Linear editing allows you to rearrange and trim clips as much as you want because nothing is being permanently recorded. You are previewing from a virtual timeline that in reality is accessing the source files to simulate a linear playback. This can only be done if the source files are on random access media (e.g. hard drive). When you are finished editing, you "export" the virtual timeline to a linear file or other linear media like tape or DVDR.