Video Basics

Drawing from his vast expertise as an Emmy award–winning producer, director, and innovator in the field of television and video production, Professor Zettl brings students the most technically accurate, current, and authoritative text for the video or television production course.

Acknowledging that digital video is now an established medium, VIDEO BASICS, 8e, only includes references to analog to help explain the digital process or the analog equipment that is still in use.

To explain some of the often-puzzling terminology of digital television (DTV) and the various scanning systems, chapter 3, Image Formation and Digital Video, explores the major differences between the scanning, sampling, and compression standards of digital television and high-definition television (HDTV).

The text's unique production model helps students clarify early on the nature and basic purpose of their productions.

To provide students with practical information for real-world practice, chapter 12, Postproduction: Digital Editing, explains major digital recording processes and postproduction procedures.

Providing constant visual support to the concepts and applications, the text features more than 250 vibrant photos and diagrams updated to include the latest technology and equipment.

Script samples in a variety of formats, as well as scripts that have been marked up by a director, expose students to this essential production step.

Up-to-date discussions and illustrations of the latest technologies and innovations include digital capture equipment, new field units, and digital audio equipment. Current lighting instruments (such as LED lights) are discussed in chapter 8, Light, Color, and Lighting. Compositional needs for the various aspect ratios are covered in chapter 6, Looking through the Viewfinder, and Chapter 9, Graphics and Effects.

The term video is used throughout the text as a more inclusive term than television to encompass today's productions for nonbroadcast purposes, without distinguishing commercial from noncommercial productions or highly artistic creations from standard programming.

Focusing on the convergence of field and studio production, the text provides a more practical introduction to the video industry by covering such key issues as budgeting and scheduling as well as creativity and storytelling. It also presents the production process within a simplified framework.

The emphasis on aesthetics, extensively featured throughout the text, helps students understand the why and how of achieving high-quality video and audio effects.

The exciting new Eighth Edition of VIDEO BASICS delivers the most current coverage available. Extremely student friendly, all chapters are completely up to date, concepts are fully clarified, and the text is streamlined so that its content can easily be taught in a single semester.

References to high-definition video have been eliminated because HDV has been replaced by true high-definition television (HDTV), even in small consumer camcorders.

Some of the content in chapter 3, Image Formation and Digital Video, has been rearranged or eliminated to make this important, information-packed chapter less challenging for readers to work through.

Super-HDTV scanning modes, normally used for digital cinema, are introduced.

DSLR cameras and some new camera mounts are now discussed, giving students insight into the latest equipment.

3D video is thoroughly explained both in chapter 4, Video Camera, and chapter 6, Looking through the Viewfinder.

New coverage of LED lighting equipment and its studio use have been added.

Tapeless recording media and digital editing are emphasized throughout the text.