| Video for Windows: easy access to inexpensive capture, encoding, and editing tools. HW assisted real-time encoders available in <$500 price range (Intel Smart Recorder). Non-linear editors (Adobe's Premiere, ATI's Media Merge, Digital Media's Splice...) and video production tools (Assymetrix, HSC Software, Macromedia...). |
| QuickTime: less abundant but readily available products. Many products available for VfW have a QT version. |
| Motion JPEG: HW encoders mostly available for UNIX workstations (Parallax, SGI). At the high end, AVID products provide superb, professional capture, encoding, and editing tools. System of choice for postproduction houses. Unmatched quality and functionality. |
| MPEG: HW real time encoders pricey (MPEG1) or very pricey (MPEG2). Non-linear editing systems just coming to the marketplace. . HW encoders adequate for educational applications, SW encoders used for broadcast quality digital material. |