Modern Post

Chapter 1.2Evolution of Video Editing

During the 1960s, videotape splicing was explored as a method of rearranging and composing shots. TV shows such as Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In (1968–1973) utilized hundreds of physical cuts to the master tape but was prone to technical glitches.² As editing of videotape proved to be both expensive and largely impractical, there was a push by the big three broadcasters (ABC, NBC and CBS) to find new ways to assemble shows electronically. Engineers began to look at alternative media formats such as magnetic disk platters to serve up video.³ The concept of “random access” and nonlinear editing was just beginning.

FIGURE 1.7 Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In launched in 1968 as a zany comedy/variety show featuring ...