A balanced system is one in which all of the major components can work in well in tandem with one another, none creating bottlenecks for the other yet each being utilized to its maximum potential. The system should meet the users current needs and be scalable to accommodate expansion requirements that will arise in the shor term, i.e. 18-24 months, future. The requirements of a non-linear video editing workstation differ from those of the standard business computer as well as from those of a 3D graphics workstation. The selection of the correct video capture card is the most important decision you will make when determining the configuration of your non-linear editing station. The first step in specifying your requirements for a non-linear editing workstation is to determine what video inputs and outputs the system will need to support.
Inputs are obviously important because they determine which type signals the system can accept.
Output signals have equally important implications for the quality of the end product video. While some projects will demand broadcast quality video and therefore need the component output support, other videos that will be delivered on VHS or via CD-ROM or the internet will not have this requirement. This is a tremendous advantage for video editors who perform a lot of video effects and transitions such as fades, wipes, etc. When an editor adds titles to the time line this is added in the form of another video track. With a dual stream system, the titles do not have to be rendered and can be previewed instantaneously.