The focus of this guide is on the software used to record, capture, manipulate, edit, copy, convert, playback, broadcast, or display audio, video, or audio-video.
Audio, of course, refers to sound. Audio editing software focuses on the creation or refinement of digital sound files and may be known as an audio editor. Some audio editing software is capable of handling only one type of audio formats, such as MP3, while others are designed to work with a wide range of audio file types, which may include MP2, MP3, AIFF, AVI, MPEG, OGG, VOX, WAV, WMA, and others. Some types of audio editors are able to extract audio from audio-video files.
Audio editing software might have only editing functions, while others are capable of other tasks, such as recording, converting, and burning audio to a disc. An audio editor might be a standalone program, but audio editing features are often part of a software application that includes video and image editing capabilities, as well.
Video refers to the recording, reproduction, or broadcast of moving visual images. Generally, a video is a series of digital signals used to generate a steady source of still images, which are played back at a rate that simulates movement. Videos may include graphics, photos, text, of a combination of these, and are usually used for entertainment or educational purposes.
Examples of video formats include 3GP, AVI, FLV, MOV, MP4, and WebM.
Videos may be visual only, but they might also include sound. Videos with sound are usually referred to as audio-video, although it is often assumed that video will include sound today.
Video editing is the process of taking a video clip, or multiple clips and modifying the original to create new media. Although there are many reasons to edit a video clip, the most basic reason is to remove unnecessary or unwanted portions of the video in order to produce a final product that fits into a specific time range. For example, hundreds of hours of film might be cut back to fit into a ninety-minute time slot. It is also common to put together multiple clips in order to create one longer video file.
During the post-production period, several effects may also be added to the video, such as title screens, captions, fade effects, color corrections, and background music.
A video presentation might be as simple as a touch of movement on a webpage or as complex as a professional movie production.
Topics relating to the computer software used to produce audio, video, or audio-video is the focus of this category.
Categories
Digital Video & FilmMusic & Voice | Streaming Media SoftwareTranscoding & Audio Conversion |
Recommended Resources
Available through three subscription plans, AudioAcrobat is designed to allow users to record phone calls, create podcasts, video, create an audio landing page or campaign theme, create content for social media, record audio using a microphone, upload video from a computer, design an audio or video player, arrange a streaming audio playlist, or download audio to a computer. Its features are highlighted, along with a tour of the program, and free training. An affiliate program is included.
https://www.audioacrobat.com/
AVSnap is a freeware audio-visual integration and design tool created in 2004. The software includes several modes of operation, including system design, presentation, remote access, and web server modes. It is an affordable, intuitive alternative to AutoCAD and StarDraw. Designed and maintained by Altinex, it can be downloaded from the site, which includes an overview of its training programs, support options, features, documentation, and a support forum.
http://www.avsnap.com/
Based in Canada, the company produces software designed for video scriptwriting, video production, and game production, which may be purchased separately or as a bundle, at monthly rates, billed annually. Celtx Pro features video and game collaboration tools, and Celtx Education is used in teaching scriptwriting and pre-production, with tools for managing the class. Its Game & VR Editor is designed for writing interactive narratives. Demos are available.
https://www.celtx.com/
FreeAudioVideo Software (FAVsoft) was founded in 2005, providing free software products for Windows and Mac users, along with tutorials and documentation. Its products include, but are not limited to, Audio Editor, Audio Recorder, MP3 Cutter, MP3 Joiner, Ringtone Maker, Video Converter, Video Joiner, Slideshow Maker, Video to GIF Converter, YouTube Downloader, YouTube Converter, YouTube to MP3 Converter, as well as CD and DVD burners and rippers. Its products for Windows and Mac are highlighted.
http://www.freeaudiovideosoft.com/
Designed to edit, make, and save subtitles in the SRT subtitle format, KSubtile is an editor for the KDE environment. Written by Tom Deblauwe, it is free and open-source software, licensed under the GNU General Public License. An overview of the editor is posted on the site, along with brief instructions, while full documentation is found in the KSubtile Handbook, accessible through the program’s help menu. Compatible with Debian Linux, it may be downloaded from the site.
http://ksubtile.sourceforge.net/
Originally known as Ahead Software AG, Nero is a German computer software company whose flagship product is Nero Burning ROM, a CD, DVD, and BD burning suite, now available separately or within its Nero Platinum Suite, along with DuplicateManager Photo, Video, MediaHome, BackItUp, Recode, and Music Recorder, available for Windows-based PCs. Nero also offers its own HDMI stick, and Audio AUX-Adapter, and RFID Blocking Card, available from its online store.
https://www.nero.com/
Currently owned by Corel Corporation, Pinnacle Systems' flagship software program, Pinnacle Studio, is a video editing program that allows users to create video content in video CD, DVD, AVCHD, or Blu-ray format, adding complementary menus, and to burn them to disc. Available for purchase in three editions, including Plus and Ultimate editions, a mobile version is also available. The features of each are specified, and compared, along with a tutorial and affiliate program.
https://www.pinnaclesys.com/en/
Developed in the 1990s, Pure Data is an open-source (Modified BSD) project, with a large developer base creating new extensions, to create a visual programming language for interactive computer music and multimedia works. It runs natively on GNU/Linux, Mac OS X, Windows, and Android, with ports for FreeBSD and IRIX. Inspired by the Max language, written by the same developer, it can be used to create and manipulate video, OpenGL graphics, and images. Documentation is included.
http://puredata.info/
Offered by RealNetworks, RealPlayer is a media player for Windows PCs, that can be downloaded to watch videos, while RealTimes allows the user to create video stories from a photo library, and is made for the Apple macOS, iOS, and Android, but is also available through Chromecast and Roku. It is available online or through the Apple App Store. Each of its products is described in detail, including features, requirements, support options, and a blog.
https://www.real.com/
Created through the merger of Digital Audio Corporation and Salient Stills, Salient Sciences offers audio forensic hardware and software, as well as evidence clarification products, training, and support to police, military, intelligence agencies, and private-sector forensic experts throughout the world, its focus on improving the intelligibility of voices and the clarity of video and images to aid investigations. Training programs are included.
https://www.salientsciences.com/
Designed as a small desktop application through which users could download, store, manage, and listen to short sound bits from television movies or news, the company soon added the ability to create and customize their own soundboards. The desktop software is small but allows for the creation of endless playlists, add-free tracks from its library of sounds, uploading of MP3s, drag-and-drop sounds, and the option to purchase restricted sounds. It is compatible with Windows and macOS.
https://www.soundboard.com/
The multi-purpose audio and video recording software program are distributed in Standard, Professional, VideoPro, and Developer editions, the last two being powerful tools for recording, editing, converting, and playing sound and video files, while the Standard and Professional editions are all-in-one solutions for working with audio. A full description of the features in each edition is posted, along with a comparison chart, available add-ons, support options, and documentation.
http://www.totalrecorder.com/
