What About Linux?
Linux, open source, tools, video, video editing
Someone recently asked me about the tools I use to edit and prepare videos for upload to online video sites. I proceeded to explain about Final Cut Pro, and how I use this software because: 1) I have a Mac and 2) My major is Media Studies/Video Production, and using Final Cut Pro is standard for my production classes. Further explanation included how Final Cut Pro has a sharper learning curve, so for non-professional editing I recommended iMovie on Mac OS X, and Windows Movie Maker for PC’s with the Microsoft Windows operating system. I figured this information would be helpful, at least as a jumping off point. Then the individual reminded me that they use the Linux operating system which completely negated the information/advice I gave. So this post is for those individuals who use Linux and would like more information about video editing software for this open source operating system.
In my search, I came across two primary editing tools for Linux. The first, Cinelerra, is a non-linear video editing system first released in August 2002. Cinelerra allows one to edit both audio and video, and you can do video compositing as well. The interface looks clean and sleek, but for the novices, I cannot say that it looks simple. And because I have never used Cinelerra I am judging based on the screenshot (click below to enlarge).
The good news is that there is a Cinelerra tutorial online that is fairly detailed in its instructions on how to edit, mix, and render audio and video. And for exporting video (necessary for uploading to video sharing sites), take a look at the “Beginner’s Guide To Exporting Video From Cinelerra.” If there are any concerns about the quality of the works edited using Cinelerra, just take a look at the video below. Looks pretty good to me.
Ubuntu Studio is the second editing system I found that works with Linux. It is derived from the operating system aptly named Ubuntu (African concept of “humanity towards others”). Ubuntu Studio, which was released May 2007, is geared toward multimedia production–video, graphics, and audio editing. Visit the site to download the software, as well as to get support for any software problems. Happy editing! Did I mention that both Cinelerra and Ubuntu Studio are free?
dara montaque @ September 5, 2007
Wow thanks for all this info - noone has ever replied to my usual open source questions - like this post - for example I have tried to convince lecturers from one of the local “new media” labs to - please convert all videos of the Creative Commons South Africa launch (all were Windows Media files) - to a more universal format - many videos including an interview with Ndesanjo. He never responded to my request - which I was shocked about - since anyone that is involved with Creative Commons - should see the value in using video formats that can be viewed with any operating system. Thanks for all the info - hoping to experiment with Ubuntu studio as soon as we get ready for the BIG BREAK during December. I see that YouTube is introducing a Remix tool as well. I am looking for something very basic like that as a start. greetings from the OpenCafe
I’ve heard of Ubuntu. I use Mac’s. I used iMovie for a little while but moved on to Final Cut Express HD for my video editing. It offered a lot more features than iMovie. I looked at Final Cut Pro but I didn’t think I needed the extras they included. I’m doing video editing as a hobby.
Opal,
oh yeah, i should have mentioned Final Cut Express. i’ve never used it myself but i know that it’s less overwhelming than Final Cut Pro.
Anna,
happy you’re finding the info useful. i would love to do something here that mirrors what you guys are doing with the OpenCafe. i would just have to find some good people because i’m not that knowledgeable about open source software.
Thanks for visiting and commenting!
There is also a great business case example to look to in the Digital Media space when it come to Linux and Hollywood; Dreamworks. The company has more than 1,500 Linux desktops and 3,500 Linux servers. They use linux for rendering, so all that super cool rendering in animation you see, thats all LINUX under the hood.
Toby “URBANTECH” Morning
Thanks for the info Toby. I may write about Dreamworks on this site in the future, for all those who don’t know they use Linux. I didn’t know until your comment.
No problem sister, thats what “brothers” are for! Each one Teach One, Peace!
Toby “UrbanTech” Morning
Good article. Yeah there aren’t a whole lot of software choices for video editing in linux unless you make your own software which is doable but tedious and time consuming. Kino is another option. But this one as well as the ones you listed in the article are crash prone and not polished. However there are some projects such as Jahshaka that look promising if development and community interest picks up.
Kim