Introduction to NLE

NLE: Non-Linear Editing. NLE is a type of video editing that does not require the splicing and joining of tape or film. In a linear editing scenario, the editor must find a clip or segment of film and set in and out points on the clip. This is done with many clips until all necessary clips are ready to be pieced together. The clips are then joined together IN SEQUENTIAL ORDER from the first clip to the last. It is necessary to have an in point and an out point in the timeline (or the reel) and an in and out point on the clip as well (thus, four "points" altogether). Linear editing can be a very tedious process. 

With the aid of computers, non-linear editing is made possible. Non-linear editing requires only three "points" when incorporated into the timeline. For example: if an in point and an out point are set on a particular clip, that clip can be placed on a timeline where only an point is specified. Because of the nature of the digital interface, it is not required to set an out point on the timeline because the out point is figured by the non-linear system based on the out point of the clip. Not needing to figure out where to set out points on the timeline can save the editor a lot of time. In another example, if in points and out points are set in the timeline, than it is only necessary to set an in point on the clip that will be placed. The editor need not set the out point as well because the out point will be figured based on the out point of the timeline.

Examples of popular non-linear editing solutions are Avid, Final Cut Pro, and Adobe Premiere. I am an avid Final Cut Pro user (and have been since version 1.0). The benefits of using non-linear systems have brought Hollywood producers on board to master feature films using non-linear solutions. Napoleon Dynamite was edited using Final Cut Pro. The new version of King Kong was produced using a program called Shake along with Final Cut Pro. The speed and ease of use that non-linear editing brings to the table has allowed this form of editing to dominate the production industry.