Book Review: The Computer Videomaker Handbook

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Book Review: The Computer Videomaker Handbook

by Ken Pyle

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January 5th, 2004 Issue

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One of the best things about The Computer Videomaker Handbook is that it is split into 61 short chapters and 350 pages. It has the feel of reading 61 magazine articles, which makes sense, since it was edited by the publishers of the Computer Videomaker magazine. Twenty seven authors contributed to this book. Each author is a subject matter expert in their particular topic

The good thing about this book, from an independent telephone company’s perspective, is that an overview of the entire video production process is covered. The book’s target audience is the serious hobbyist, as well as rookie video professionals. Although an independent telephone company may not perform all of the topics covered in this book, the overview it provides will be useful when dealing with content producers.

The book is split into six parts. The first section provides an overview of the technology, from cameras to video to audio. From there, this book covers how to turn a concept into a script, as well providing guidelines and pointers to ensure that copyrights are protected. All of the tasks associated with capturing video and sound, such as make-up, lighting, sets and the shoot, are discussed. The tricks of post-production, an art unto itself, receives an entire section. Finally, the last two sections cover traditional and alternative methods of distributing content, such as public access, physical media (e.g. DVD, VHS) and streaming video.

Given that this book was published in 2001, some of the bits on technology are bit outdated. Some of the chapters could probably be eliminated as they have become a bit outdated, but they are interesting to read from a historical basis. I would like to see the book place a little more emphasis on non linear editing [NLE] systems and the trade-offs and parameters important when specifying an NLE.

Despite these few shortcomings, this is a very good book to read from cover to cover, but its structure also lends itself as a reference book. Its glossary is especially useful for video neophytes and the web site references that are peppered throughout the book will also be very useful. A feature of the book that is really nice is that there is a companion web site that shows many of the techniques discussed in the book. I definitely will find myself referring to The Computer Videomaker Handbook in 2004.

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