Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/370852
43 SEP-OCT 14 / CINEMONTAGE 43 SEP-OCT 14 / CINEMONTAGE TECH TIPS an extensive library of effects and transitions with pre-configured templates, a multi- channel, real-time waveform and vectorscope (a render and export engine that runs in the background), comprehensive key-framing for effects, clip-based audio editing to quarter- frame and, of course, powerful interactive trimming and editing abilities within the timeline (see Figures 2 and 3). In this era of file-based workflows, it's important that an NLE support a wide range of file formats. This makes it easy to pop your clips into the timeline directly from your camera — whatever native format they happen to be in — without the need for transcoding. According to EditShare, Lightworks has the widest format support available in any professional NLE and includes formats such as ProRes, DNxHD, DVCPRO HD, R3D, DPX, AVCHD, H.264, XDCAM EX and more, all of which can all be freely combined on the same timeline. As mentioned above, Lightworks has a background import, rendering and export engine. That means you can keep editing with one timeline as you render or export another. In addition, Lightworks supports I/O hardware from three of the most popular manufacturers of I/O equipment, namely Blackmagic, AJA and Matrox. One thing that longtime Lightworks users have enjoyed is its unique and patented hardware console, which was designed to emulate a flatbed film editor. With it, editing takes on a very tactile and intuitive feeling. Those who edit high-end film projects are known to praise the Lightworks console highly (see Figure 4). You don't really need the console to edit — you can do it all with the keyboard and mouse — but if you plan to cut with Lightworks, it's a nice thing to have and distinguishes it from other NLEs. In addition to the unique Steenbeck-like console, there's also an ergonomically designed keyboard, custom- made for editing in Lightworks (see Figure 5). MORE TO LIKE There's many other reasons why Lightworks is a compelling platform for professional editors. Multi-camera editing, for example, allows you to create a group of synced clips directly from a bin and generate an Auto Edit from the sync group. The program also has world-class trimming functions that empowers you cut, trim, ripple, roll, slip and slide your clips, as well as use the industry-standard J, K and L keys to play footage forward and backward or to pause. In addition, clips can be previewed right in a bin without opening them in a separate window or dragging them into the timeline. A lot of consideration has gone into project sharing, important when you are working in collaborative environments. Lightworks allows you to share media, bins and edits in real time, with control over who has read/write access. Naturally, an NLE worth its salt must have a comprehensive collection of effects and Lightworks delivers the goods. There are transitions, color effects, DVEs, keying, masks titles, and a host of other effects that can all be fully key-framed. There is also a split-screen viewer for original shot comparison, a node- Below, Figure 4: The Lightworks-dedicated console is designed to provide a more tactile approach to editing. Bottom, Figure 5: The Lightworks custom- designed USB keyboard contains shortcut and application functions. It is also color-coded for ease of use with icons and labels on the keys.