Video history and distribution methods

From SPARK

Summary

This gives some history of video and its distribution methods.

One of the most popular types of audio-visual media is video.

Originally, movies were made entirely on film, usually 35mm film. Films were then projected using a film projector or broadcast over television. Films converted to electronic signals were called videos.

The technology that has helped people view videos and produce their own has developed rapidly. Videos are commonly recorded using video cameras and processed on a computer. The result is then distributed to others by a rapidly increasing variety of methods. Probably the most common method of distribution of videos today is via DVD. However, video cassette tapes (VHS tapes) are still common around the world. The VCD (Video CD) is a less common method of distributing videos. An emerging method of distributing videos is "YouTube", where the video is available via computers over the Internet. For more specific details on these media types, click on the definitions to the right.

Videos on DVD or video cassettes are now sold or rented almost everywhere, even in remote places. Many Christian videos are now available for reasonable prices.

The most common way videos are viewed is via television or via a video monitor connected to a video player. Video projectors are available for less than $1000 which can be used to project a video for a medium to large audience.

Because video equipment and computers have dropped in price, it is now possible for non-professionals and individuals to purchase the necessary equipment to produce their own videos. It is also possible to replace the original language in a video with another language. This process is called “dubbing.” This makes it possible for an entirely different audience to view a film and understand the narration.

Additional Information

Vernacular Media Specialists have been trained to do dubbings. Vernacular Media Services has obtained permission to dub minority languages into the following videos:

• Jesus
• Luke
• Genesis
• God's Story

For further details, see the videos within the list of products (click on Choose a Product at the left under contents).

Vernacular Media Services has created a manual to help language workers understand and think through the process of dubbing vernacular (local) languages onto videos. Included are some principles for choosing appropriate media for each particular language program. See Shell Video Manual.

If you want to write up a review of a video, see use the Product Template.