UNIT 5 WORKING WITH AVID XPRESS DV 4

AVID XPRESS DV 4
Avid Xpress DV 4 was a video editing software released by Avid
Technology, which was a popular choice for both amateur and
professional video editors in the early 2000s. It provided a range of
features for editing digital video, including timeline-based editing, effects,
transitions, and audio editing capabilities. However, it's worth noting that
Avid Xpress DV 4 is quite dated now, and newer versions of Avid's
editing software, like Avid Media Composer, have replaced it in the market.
Avid Xpress DV 4 was a significant release in the timeline of Avid's video editing software. Here are some
details about its features and capabilities:
DV Editing: As the name suggests, Avid Xpress DV 4 primarily focused on editing digital video (DV)
footage. It allowed users to import, edit, and export DV files, which were common in the early 2000s.
Timeline-based Editing: Like other professional video editing software, Avid Xpress DV 4 offered a
timeline-based editing interface. Users could arrange video clips, audio tracks, and effects on a timeline for
precise editing.
Effects and Transitions: The software provided a variety of built-in effects and transitions to enhance video
projects. These included basic effects like color correction, as well as more creative options like blurs and
distortions. Transitions such as fades, wipes, and dissolves were also available.
Audio Editing: Avid Xpress DV 4 offered tools for editing audio tracks alongside video. Users could adjust
audio levels, apply effects, and synchronize audio with video clips.
Workflow Tools: The software included features to streamline the editing workflow, such as keyboard
shortcuts, customizable interface layouts, and project organization tools.
Output Options: Avid Xpress DV 4 supported various output formats and delivery options, allowing users
to export their projects in formats suitable for different purposes, such as broadcast, web, or DVD.
Overall, Avid Xpress DV 4 was a versatile and capable video editing solution for its time, catering to
both amateur and professional users. However, advancements in technology and changes in the industry
have led to newer software offerings from Avid and other companies.

System Configuration Requirements

Avid Xpress DV systems require the following system configuration:

 Windows® XP Professional with Service Pack 1

 Minimum 512 MB RAM
INTERFACE:

The interface of Avid Xpress DV 4 was designed to provide a professional and efficient environment
for video editing. Here are some key aspects of its interface:
Workspace Customization: Users could customize the layout of the interface to suit their preferences and
workflow. This included rearranging panels, resizing windows, and creating custom layouts for different
editing tasks.
Project Window: The project window allowed users to manage their media assets, including video clips,
audio files, and images. They could organize and preview these assets before adding them to the timeline for
editing.
Timeline: The timeline served as the central workspace for editing video and audio. Users could arrange
clips, add transitions, apply effects, and adjust audio levels directly within the timeline.
Source and Record Monitors: Avid Xpress DV 4 featured separate monitors for viewing source footage
and the edited sequence (record). This allowed users to compare clips, mark in and out points, and perform
other editing tasks efficiently.
Tool Palette: The tool palette provided quick access to editing tools, such as the razor tool for cutting clips,
the selection tool for moving and adjusting elements, and the trim tool for fine-tuning edits.
Effects and Transitions Panel: Users could access a library of built-in effects and transitions from a
dedicated panel. They could preview effects before applying them to clips and customize parameters as
needed.
Audio Mixer: Avid Xpress DV 4 included an audio mixer panel for adjusting audio levels, panning, and
applying effects to individual tracks. This allowed for precise control over the audio mix of the project.
Menu and Toolbar: The interface included menus and a toolbar with access to additional features and
commands, such as importing media, exporting projects, and accessing preferences.
STARTING PROJECTS AND WORKING WITH PROJECT WINDOW:
In Avid Xpress DV 4, starting projects and working with the Project Window involved several steps:
Creating a New Project: To start a new project, users typically launched Avid Xpress DV 4 and selected the
option to create a new project from the main menu or toolbar. They would then provide a name and location
for the project files.
Project Settings: After creating a new project, users could adjust project settings such as frame rate,
resolution, and audio format to match the specifications of their video footage. This was usually done in the
project settings dialog box.
Importing Media: With the project created, users could import media assets into the Project Window. This
included video clips, audio files, and other media elements needed for the project. Import options allowed
users to specify how media should be managed and organized within the project.
Organizing Media: Within the Project Window, users could organize imported media into bins or folders
for easy access. This involved creating new bins, renaming them, and dragging and dropping media items
into the appropriate bins.
Previewing Media: Users could preview media assets within the Project Window to review their content
and make selections for editing. This allowed for quick browsing and selection of clips before adding them
to the timeline.
Metadata Management: Avid Xpress DV 4 allowed users to view and edit metadata associated with media
assets. This included information such as clip names, timecodes, and other descriptive data that helped in
organizing and identifying media items within the project.
Project Navigation: The Project Window provided tools for navigating through large projects, including
search functionality and sorting options. This made it easier for users to locate specific media assets or bins
within the project.
Overall, working with the Project Window in Avid Xpress DV 4 involved tasks such as creating and
managing projects, importing media, organizing assets, and accessing project settings. It served as a central
hub for managing all the elements needed for video editing project

USING BASIC TOOLS AND LOGGING:

Selection Tool: The selection tool allowed users to select, move, and manipulate clips on the timeline. They
could click and drag to select multiple clips, move them to different tracks, or adjust their positions on the
timeline.
Razor Tool: The razor tool was used to cut clips on the timeline. Users could place the razor tool at a
specific point on a clip and click to split it into two separate segments. This was useful for trimming and
editing footage.
Trim Tool: The trim tool enabled users to adjust the in and out points of clips on the timeline without cutting
them. By dragging the edges of a clip, users could trim its duration or adjust its placement relative to other
clips.
Zoom Tool: The zoom tool allowed users to zoom in and out of the timeline for a closer or wider view of
the editing workspace. This was helpful for precise editing tasks, especially when working with detailed
timelines or fine adjustments.
Logging: Logging involved adding metadata or markers to clips on the timeline to help organize and
identify them. Users could add markers to denote important points in the footage, such as scene changes,
dialogue cues, or specific actions.
Timecode Navigation: Avid Xpress DV 4 allowed users to navigate through the timeline using timecode
references. They could enter specific timecode values to jump to a particular point in the footage or use
keyboard shortcuts for frame-by-frame navigation.

LOGGING:
In the context of video editing, logging refers to the process of adding metadata or markers to video
clips to help organize and identify them within a project. Here's a more detailed explanation of logging in
Avid Xpress DV 4:
Adding Markers: Users could add markers to video clips at specific points of interest, such as scene
changes, dialogue cues, or important actions. These markers appeared as visual indicators on the timeline,
making it easier to identify key moments during the editing process.
Metadata Entry: Avid Xpress DV 4 allowed users to enter metadata for each video clip, including
information such as clip name, description, scene number, and any other relevant details. This metadata
could be used for searching, sorting, and filtering clips within the project.
Logging Bin: A logging bin was a special bin within the Project Window where logged clips were stored.
Users could access this bin to view and manage all the clips that had been logged, making it convenient to
review and organize them.
Organization and Filtering: Logged clips could be organized and filtered based on their metadata
attributes. Users could sort clips by name, scene number, or any other metadata field to quickly locate
specific clips within the project.
Search Functionality: Avid Xpress DV 4 provided search functionality within the logging bin, allowing
users to search for clips based on their metadata. This made it easy to find clips with specific attributes or
keywords, streamlining the editing process.
Overall, logging in Avid Xpress DV 4 was a crucial step in the video editing workflow, enabling
users to add metadata and markers to video clips for efficient organization and identification. By logging
clips effectively, users could streamline the editing process and ensure that their projects were well-
organized and easy to navigate.
By using these basic tools and logging features effectively, users could efficiently edit and organize
their video projects in Avid Xpress DV 4, ensuring smooth workflow and accurate project management.

PREPARING TO RECORD AND RECORDING:

Preparing to record and recording in Avid Xpress DV 4 involved several steps to ensure a smooth
and efficient process:
Setting Up the Project: Before recording, users needed to ensure that their project settings were configured
correctly. This included selecting the appropriate frame rate, resolution, and audio settings to match the
specifications of the footage they intended to record.
Preparing the Timeline: Users typically prepared the timeline by creating tracks for video and audio, as
well as any additional tracks for effects or overlays. They arranged the timeline layout according to their
editing needs, ensuring that it was ready to receive recorded footage.
Connecting the Capture Device: If using an external device to capture footage, such as a camcorder or
video camera, users needed to connect it to their computer and ensure that it was properly recognized by
Avid Xpress DV 4. This often involved connecting via FireWire or USB and configuring the capture settings
within the software.
Monitoring Audio and Video Levels: Before recording, users monitored audio and video levels to ensure
that they were set at appropriate levels for the recording environment. This involved checking audio meters
to avoid clipping or distortion and adjusting camera settings for optimal exposure.
Arming Tracks for Recording: In Avid Xpress DV 4, users needed to arm the appropriate tracks on the
timeline for recording. This involved selecting the desired tracks and setting them to record-ready mode,
ready to capture incoming footage.
Starting the Recording Process: Once everything was set up and configured, users could begin the
recording process. This often involved pressing a record button within Avid Xpress DV 4 or on the external
capture device, depending on the setup.
Monitoring the Recording: During the recording process, users monitored the incoming footage to ensure
that it was recording properly. They kept an eye on audio and video levels, as well as any potential issues
with the recording equipment or environment.
Stopping and Reviewing the Recording: After completing the recording, users stopped the recording
process and reviewed the captured footage to ensure that it met their requirements. They could playback the
recorded footage within Avid Xpress DV 4 to check for any issues or discrepancies.
By following these steps, users could effectively prepare for recording and capture footage within
Avid Xpress DV 4, ensuring a smooth and successful recording process for their video projects.

IMPORTING FILES:
Importing files into Avid Xpress DV 4 was a fundamental step in the video editing process. Here's
how it was typically done:
Launching Avid Xpress DV 4: Users would start by launching the Avid Xpress DV 4 software on their
computer.
Opening a Project: If users already had a project they wanted to import files into, they would open it from
the File menu or by selecting it from the recent projects list.
Accessing the Project Window: Once the project was open, users would navigate to the Project Window,
which served as the central hub for managing media assets within the project.
Importing Files: Within the Project Window, users could import files by selecting the Import option from
the File menu or by using a keyboard shortcut. This would open a file browser window where users could
navigate to the location of the files they wanted to import.
Selecting Files: In the file browser window, users would navigate to the folder containing the files they
wanted to import. They could then select one or more files by clicking on them or by using keyboard
shortcuts to select multiple files at once.
Choosing Import Options: After selecting the files to import, users could choose import options such as
how to handle media file types, whether to import entire files or just portions of them, and where to store the
imported files within the project folder structure.
Importing Media: Once import options were configured, users would click the Import button to begin
importing the selected files into the project. A progress indicator would typically show the status of the
import process, with larger files or multiple files taking longer to import.
Managing Imported Files: After the import process was complete, the imported files would appear in the
Project Window, organized into bins or folders based on the import options chosen. Users could then access
these files and begin editing them within the project.
By following these steps, users could efficiently import files into Avid Xpress DV 4, making them
available for use in their video editing projects.

ORGANISING WITH BINS:

BIN:
Bins in Avid Xpress DV 4 served as containers for organizing and managing media assets within a
project.
Organizing with bins in Avid Xpress DV 4 was essential for managing media assets within a project
efficiently. Here's how users typically organized their files using bins:
Creating Bins: Users would start by creating bins within the Project Window to organize their media assets.
They could do this by right-clicking within the Project Window and selecting "New Bin" from the context
menu. Each bin could be given a descriptive name to reflect its contents.
Organizing Media: Once bins were created, users would drag and drop media assets from the Project
Window into the appropriate bins. This could include video clips, audio files, images, and other media
elements. By organizing assets into bins, users could keep their project neatly structured and easy to
navigate.
Nested Bins: Users could also create nested bins within existing bins to further organize their media assets
hierarchically. For example, within a "Footage" bin, users might create separate bins for "Interviews," "B-
Roll," and "Stock Footage," each containing relevant clips.
Renaming and Sorting: Users could rename bins and reorder them within the Project Window to better suit
their workflow. Bins could be sorted alphabetically or manually, depending on user preference. Renaming
bins with descriptive names helped users quickly identify their contents.
Previewing Media: Within bins, users could preview media assets by selecting them and using the built-in
preview window. This allowed users to quickly review their footage without needing to load it into the
timeline.
Metadata Entry: Users could add metadata to media assets within bins to provide additional information
about each clip. This metadata could include details such as clip name, scene number, shot description, and
any other relevant information. Metadata entry helped users search for and locate specific clips within bins.
Searching Bins: Avid Xpress DV 4 provided search functionality within bins, allowing users to search for
clips based on their metadata attributes. This made it easy to find clips with specific attributes or keywords,
even in large projects with numerous bins.
By organizing media assets with bins in Avid Xpress DV 4, users could maintain a tidy project
structure, streamline their workflow, and easily locate the media assets they needed for their video editing
projects.
VIEWING AND MAKING FOOTAGE:
Viewing and working with footage in Avid Xpress DV 4 involved several key steps to ensure smooth
editing and manipulation of video clips:
Importing Footage: Before viewing or editing, users needed to import their footage into the project. This
was typically done by navigating to the Project Window, selecting "Import" from the File menu, and then
choosing the video files they wanted to bring into the project.
Previewing Footage: Once imported, users could preview their footage within the Project Window. They
could select a clip and use the built-in preview window to play back the footage, allowing them to review
the content before adding it to the timeline.
Adding Footage to the Timeline: To begin working with footage in a sequence, users would drag and drop
the desired clips from the Project Window onto the timeline. This allowed them to arrange the clips in the
desired order and start building their edit.
Playback Controls: Avid Xpress DV 4 provided various playback controls to facilitate viewing and editing
footage. Users could play, pause, rewind, and fast forward through the timeline using keyboard shortcuts or
buttons in the user interface.
Marking In and Out Points: Users could mark in and out points on their footage to select specific portions
for editing. This was often done by using keyboard shortcuts to set markers at the desired points in the
timeline.
Trimming Clips: Avid Xpress DV 4 offered tools for trimming clips on the timeline. Users could adjust the
in and out points of clips to shorten or extend their duration, ensuring precise editing of the footage.
Applying Effects and Transitions: Users could enhance their footage by applying effects and transitions.
Avid Xpress DV 4 provided a range of built-in effects and transitions that users could apply to their clips to
achieve the desired look and feel.
Monitoring Audio: Alongside video, users could monitor and edit audio tracks within the timeline. This
involved adjusting audio levels, applying effects, and synchronizing audio with video clips to ensure a
balanced and polished final product.
By following these steps, users could effectively view and manipulate footage within Avid Xpress
DV 4, allowing them to create professional-quality edits for their video projects.

USING TIMELINE AND WORKING IN TRIM MODE:

TIMELINE:
The timeline in video editing refers to a graphical representation of the sequence of video and audio clips
arranged along a horizontal axis, typically in chronological order. It serves as the central workspace where
editors assemble, organize, and manipulate media assets to create a cohesive video project. The timeline
allows users to visually construct the structure of their video by placing clips in sequence, adjusting their
timing, adding transitions, effects, and audio tracks.

CONCEPT:
In Avid Xpress DV 4, the timeline was a central workspace for editing video and audio clips,
arranging them in sequence to create the final project. Here's how users typically worked with the timeline
and utilized Trim Mode:
Navigating the Timeline: Users could navigate the timeline by clicking and dragging the playhead, or by
using keyboard shortcuts to jump to specific points in time. They could also zoom in and out of the timeline
to adjust the level of detail.
Arranging Clips: Users could drag and drop video and audio clips from the Project Window onto the
timeline to arrange them in the desired sequence. Clips could be placed on different tracks to overlay or
juxtapose different elements.
Editing Tools: Avid Xpress DV 4 offered a range of editing tools for manipulating clips on the timeline.
This included the selection tool for moving clips, the razor tool for cutting clips into segments, and the trim
tool for adjusting the in and out points of clips.
Trim Mode: Trim Mode was a specialized editing mode in Avid Xpress DV 4 that allowed for precise
trimming of clips on the timeline. Users could enter Trim Mode by selecting a clip and pressing a designated
keyboard shortcut.
Performing Trims: In Trim Mode, users could perform various trimming operations on clips. This included
trimming the
beginning or end of a
clip to adjust its
duration, as well as
performing ripple
edits to maintain the
overall timing of the
sequence.
Trimming
Techniques: Users
could use different
trimming techniques
to achieve specific
editing effects. This
included rolling edits
to adjust the timing
between two adjacent
clips, slip edits to change the content within a clip without affecting its duration, and slide edits to move a
clip along the timeline while maintaining its duration.
Previewing Trims: Avid Xpress DV 4 provided real-time previewing of trims in Trim Mode, allowing users
to see the effect of their edits before committing to them. This helped ensure that edits were precisely
executed without disrupting the flow of the project.
Exiting Trim Mode: Once edits were complete, users could exit Trim Mode and return to the standard
editing interface. Changes made in Trim Mode would be applied to the timeline, and users could continue
refining their edit as needed.
By using the timeline and Trim Mode effectively in Avid Xpress DV 4, users could perform detailed
and accurate edits to create professional-quality video projects.

WORKING WITH AUDIO:

Working with audio in Avid Xpress DV 4 involved several key tasks to ensure the quality and
synchronization of audio with video. Here's an overview of how users typically managed audio within the
software:
Importing Audio: Users could import audio files into their project by selecting the "Import" option from the
File menu and choosing the desired audio files from their computer. Imported audio files would then appear
in the Project Window, where users could organize them into bins for easy access.
Adding Audio to the Timeline: Once imported, users could drag and drop audio files from the Project
Window onto the timeline to add them to their project. Audio clips could be placed on separate tracks to
layer multiple audio elements, such as dialogue, music, and sound effects.
Adjusting Audio Levels: Avid Xpress DV 4 provided tools for adjusting the volume levels of audio clips
within the timeline. Users could use keyframes to create volume changes over time, or adjust the overall
volume of individual clips using the audio mixer or timeline controls.
Applying Audio Effects: Users could enhance their audio by applying effects and filters to audio clips
within the timeline. Avid Xpress DV 4 offered a range of built-in audio effects, such as equalization, reverb,
and compression, that users could apply to their audio clips to achieve the desired sound.
Synchronizing Audio with Video: A crucial aspect of audio editing in Avid Xpress DV 4 was ensuring that
audio remained synchronized with video clips. Users could align audio and video tracks manually by
adjusting their positions on the timeline, or by using tools like timecode references to ensure precise
synchronization.
Mixing Multiple Audio Tracks: Avid Xpress DV 4 allowed users to mix multiple audio tracks together to
create a balanced audio mix for their project. Users could adjust the volume levels, panning, and effects for
each audio track independently to achieve the desired sound.
Exporting Audio: Once the audio editing process was complete, users could export their project to a final
audio file format suitable for their intended delivery method. Avid Xpress DV 4 provided options for
exporting audio in various formats, including WAV, AIFF, and MP3.
By effectively managing audio within Avid Xpress DV 4, users could ensure that their video projects
had high-quality sound that complemented the visual elements and enhanced the overall viewing experience.

OUTPUT OPTIONS:
In Avid Xpress DV 4, users had several output options to export their completed video projects.
Here's an overview of the typical output options available in the software:
Exporting to Video File Formats: Users could export their edited video projects to various video file
formats, such as QuickTime (.mov), AVI (.avi), or MPEG-2 (.mpg). These formats were suitable for
playback on computers, media players, or for further editing in other video editing software.
Exporting for Broadcast: Avid Xpress DV 4 provided options for exporting video projects in formats
suitable for broadcast transmission. This typically involved exporting to specific broadcast standards, such
as NTSC or PAL, with appropriate resolution and frame rate settings.
Exporting for DVD Authoring: Users could export their video projects in formats optimized for DVD
authoring. Avid Xpress DV 4 allowed users to export their projects as MPEG-2 files with DVD-compliant
specifications, ready for authoring using DVD authoring software.
Exporting for Web: For online distribution, users could export their video projects in web-friendly formats
such as MPEG-4 (.mp4) or Flash Video (.flv). These formats were suitable for uploading to video-sharing
websites or embedding in web pages.
Custom Output Settings: Avid Xpress DV 4 offered customizable output settings, allowing users to adjust
parameters such as resolution, frame rate, bitrate, and codec settings according to their specific
requirements. This flexibility enabled users to tailor their output to match the intended delivery platform or
audience.
Exporting Audio Only: In addition to video exports, users could also export audio-only versions of their
projects. This was useful for creating audio mixes or soundtracks separate from the video content.
Exporting EDLs and AAFs: Avid Xpress DV 4 supported exporting Edit Decision Lists (EDLs) and
Advanced Authoring Format (AAF) files, which contained information about the edit decisions made in the
project. These files could be used for collaboration with other editing systems or for further post-production
work.
By leveraging these output options in Avid Xpress DV 4, users could ensure that their completed
video projects were delivered in the appropriate format for their intended audience, whether for broadcast,
online distribution, DVD authoring, or other purposes.

What is an EDL?
An EDL is a file that contains a list of editing decisions made during the post-production process. It
essentially serves as a blueprint for recreating the edit of a video sequence in another editing system or
software.

What is AAF?
The Advanced Authoring Format (AAF) is a professional file interchange format used in the film, television,
and multimedia industries
AAF is a file format designed to facilitate the exchange of digital media and metadata between different
editing and post-production systems.

FOR MORE CONTENT REFER:

https://resources.avid.com/SupportFiles/attach/XPDV_RN_2_0.pdf
https://resources.avid.com/SupportFiles/attach/XDVReadMeWIN_4_3.html#pgfId-1184559