Creating Video for EyeOnVirginia.com Using Windows Movie Maker or Imovie By Kevin Parker & Jerry E. Clark   Microsoft's Windows Movie Maker is a free video editing suite that is part of Windows ME and XP installation. Movie Maker does have its limitations. It doesn't support quick-time or real video files. It can only export as either windows media video (.wmv) or DV quality .avi file. You're going to need to have a video capture device (e.g. camcorder, digital camera or web cam). With a video camera, things are relatively straight forward in transferring your footage to your computer, provided you have a suitable connection. Most digital video cameras have a high speed DV out socket which will allow connection to a firewire (IEEE 1394) port on your computer. Once you open Windows Movie Maker and Click file -> capture video, (or select this option from the on screen menu, you may be able to automatically capture your video file via Windows Movie Maker. If this isn't the case make sure you have installed the relevant drivers, software etc for your camera and/or capture device. If this doesn't work try using the software with the capture device to save the file (preferably in .avi format). You can now simply drag and drop file clips down onto video line in the editing pane in Windows Movie Maker. You can cut these files by either clicking clip -> split or using the split button in the view window . You can right click and select delete over unwanted sections (if you slip up select edit -> undo..). Right clicking over your sections also allows you to mute sound, fade in and out or add effects etc. You can also drag other clips down onto your timeline. Once you've made and checked your masterpiece, you can create a suitable file to be placed on line. Either click file -> Save Movie File and select save to my computer option. You will then be given the option to finish your movie. You'll be prompted to give your file a name (remember all one case) & select a location to save it to. Once you have your video file saved, you can then log onto www.eyeonvirginia.com, create a FREE account, and upload your video. * * * * * For those of you who use Macintosh computers, try this methodology to get your videos up and running: a) use your camcorder to make short clips, making sure that you have a microphone which captures the audio portion clearly. b) most camcorders have a DV out port...you can go to your favorite electronic store (Best Buy, Radio Shack, Wal-Mart) and buy a DV cable that will plug into what is known as a Fire Wire port on the back of your computer. c) find and launch Imovie, a program normally stored under "Applications" d) turn on your video camera to the play mode e) click capture on the Imovie screen and poof, download of your clips will begin. Don't forget that you may have to rewind your video camera to the beginning of the tape you just shot! Your movie, after it is processed, will be saved in a .mov form. Example: momcooking.mov and its best to store all your movies in a logical place like, your Movies folder! Then, create an account at EyeOnVirginia.com - it's free! Hit the upload tab and fill in the information on the form and you should be ready to go. If you're having trouble getting this work or have a question, just email jerry@chartwellcorp.com and we'll do what we can to help you!

* * * * *