Review of Second Open Source Video Program: ZS4 Video Editor

ZS4 is formerly known as Zwei-Stein.



Relationship to Learning

This is a very powerful video editing program but it is not at all intuitive. Previous experience with other video editing programs would be very helpful; otherwise, expect to spend several hours learning the ins and outs of using this program. There are many new features and choices for how to construct your video in this program. These include combining effects and applying them to multiple tracks at once, and text strings that act like video clips. Anyone who can master this program will be able to create some intriguing videos; learning it will create a sturdy foundation for any future video editing, even as the programs continue to evolve.



Starting

To get video into the program you must import the files. ZS4 does not have a utility for capturing video. When importing files, if the file shows up in the import menu, it will open in the program. After importing, the entire clip or a portion of it can be selected and moved into a track.



Tracks

Each element added to the video has its own track, including effects. Any track can be a child of any other track and the arrangement of them controls how the video is played.



Effects

Effects can be moved, copied, pasted, and used to affect multiple tracks at the same time. A sample video shows clips playing on top of each other, fading in and out.



Text

Text strings can be placed in the video and treated just like video tracks. They can do things like fade in or out and can be manipulated just like other video/picture tracks.



Miscellaneous

The speed and color hue of a clip can be changed and zoom and pan can be employed for more variation in your video.



Help and Support

There are a number of tutorial videos as well as written documentation detailing how to use the program. In addition, there is a user forum organized by topics that would be very helpful for a new user. Help and support are very important. Siegchrist (n.d.) offers this advice: “Before making a purchase, find out what kind of telephone and online support the software manufacturer offers. User forums and blogs are also useful resources when you experience difficulty . . .” (pp. 1-2) The ZS4 video software is well supported.

File Extensions
Audio files will carry the .wav extension while video files will be in the .avi format.




Siegchrist, G. (n.d.). Before you buy video editing software. About. Retrieved on April 12, 2009, from http://desktopvideo.about.com/od/editingsoftware/bb/ Buyeditsoftware.htm