Open Source Video Software

This is a reflection from a comparison project I conducted for EDLD 5363 - Multimedia Video Technology, Lamar University. In this project, I identified three open source video editing programs and identified their strengths and weaknesses according to:

1. Number of preset images
2. Audio support
3. Color and audio control
4. Types of sequence transition mechanism
5. Customization of special effects.
6. Number of formats to which the software is capable of importing and exporting. For instance, is it capable of exporting to and from VHS tapes, DVD, VCD, or the more recent AVCHD.
7. The software must be compatible to the operating system used by the customer.
8. Ease of use
9. Technical support system by e mail, by telephone, or via Internet chat.
   

To begin this comparison, I simply conducted an Internet search for open search video editing software. Using a list provided from Wikipedia, I sampled each of three software programs. Selecting the programs from the list provided at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_free_and_open_source_software_packages#Video_editing was completely random. I selected Blender, GNU VCDImager and OpenShot Video Editor for no other outwardly distinguishing characteristics than they seemed either like interesting titles, or were the longest titles in the list.

If all of these applications would run on a Windows-based operating system, the three of them could combine to form a very powerful editing suite. In Blender you have what most have said is the best open source digital animations program available; with OpenShot Video Editor, you can edit raw film with all the powerful tools of a mainstream program such as Adobe Premier, and with GNU VCDImager, you can produce video CDs from the mpeg movie files you've just rendered from OpenShot. The only problem is that OPenShot is designed to run on the Linux operating system and is not compatible with Windows or Mac. Furthermore, the user interface on all three of these programs is not intuitive for people with Windows experience. VCDImager and OpenShot use what is known as command line user interface.

In my current position, I could definitely use VCDImager to create video output of the still photographs that I take for district publication. It would be a good way to extend the "mileage" I get from my still shots; instead of only publishing in the district's weekly newsletter, they could be rendered into video and aired on the district television channel and streamed on the website. In my current position, I wouldn't have much use for Blender, however if I was to move into a web design and development role, I could integrate Blender into the graphics and banners that I might create.

VCDImager and OpenShot (with the exception of the Linux problem) could be good for either my role in public information, if I was to migrate to a web management and development role, or expecially if I was to take a future position in teaching in the information field. VCDI can be used to create video CDs, which will operate on stand alone DVD players or on computer CD or DVD-ROM. Plus OpenShot would be good for the editing of district video in a public information role, for streaming on a website, or it would be good in the classroom teaching students non-linear editing of raw digital video.

Though these three programs are very robust in the areas in which they operate, the lack of a dedicated support line would prevent me from using them in a professional capacity. In my current role, and in any future role I can envision having, I would want to be able to pick up the telephone and call tech support if I couldn't find a solution to a problem in a reasonable amount of time. VCDI seems to have the least tech support, however Blender and OpenShot have very robust user forums, email support and additional e-publications that support user questions. For my personal use, these software options would be fine, however if I was working under professional deadline, or it was my decision to provide my staff with these products, I would prefer to have dedicated technical support available.