According to Alex Aleman, Discovery Television Center has always kept up to date with technical advances for audiovisual assembly work. At the moment, he says: "we are at a crucial point of technological evolution for audiovisual production. We are always aware of new products such as High Definition and new developments in non-linear editing systems."
TV&Video: Could you explain how online editing work is currently being carried out ?
Alex Alemán: At the moment the work of on-line editing has changed its objective a bit because of the possibilities offered by non-linear systems. The initial post-production of a program or promo originates from a non-linear system and then moves to an online editing room to be finished. The online system is changing its usefulness day by day, but in my opinion, I do not think it will disappear from the market for now. For example, the special programs of the Discovery Channel series "Shark Week" were edited entirely in a non-linear system and the completion process was done in a linear room.
TV&V: What are the basic differences with off-line work and the new trends that NLE marks?
AA: In my opinion, the previous work of off-line editing will continue to be used to originate the projects, while the Non-Linear Editing systems will be used for the completion of the projects. These NLE systems have managed to be faster every day and provide more options to both the editor and the producer.
TV&V: Are hybrid editing systems the alternative for content editing and assembly operations offered by a channel like Discovery?
AA: Different editing systems are being dedicated to different post-production facets of a project. Depending on the need, variety and number of projects that a facility requires, today we have more options to choose the one that best suits us. The use of off-line systems is intended for some initial purposes, NLE systems for general editing and on-line systems for the completion of post-production work and final assembly.
TV&V: An international network like Discovery requires the permanent implementation of state-of-the-art technologies to make its operations more productive, what work models does this channel adopt for its post-production activities from the technological point of view?
AA: Due to the great variety of projects we do at Discovery, the previous work in which we meet to decide which is the best option to develop each project is fundamental. We always work as a team remembering that communication is vital in this business. Before editing any drawing, the purpose of each project is discussed and then the technical resources for it are determined. Of course, Discovery always seeks to be at the forefront of using equipment and systems for its operations.
TV&V: What kind of technology do you use for these operations?
AA: At Discovery Television Center we have five systems for linear editing and eight non-linear systems for video and audio post-production. In addition to this, we have two complete units for non-linear audio post-production work.
TV&V: What are the advantages of adopting this class of online editing systems?
AA: This system offers the option to edit in an online room with the advantages of a non-linear system.
TV&V: Where are technological developments headed to make assembly work more productive and efficient?
AA: I think non-linear systems are getting better by the day. New systems are emerging that have much faster information processors, with more options and more variety for users.
TV&V: How should the ideal editing room be set up for you? Why?
AA: In my opinion, the ideal editing room should be the complete combination of a linear system with the benefits and tools of a non-linear system. In this way, each project would be executed in less time and with better quality.
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