Computer graphics allow you to create complex effects simply.

Computer Graphics for Video

Originating Computer Graphics

As you have already learned, digital video is really a series of 0s and 1s representing distinct voltages; the numbers are converted back to distinct voltages to form analog video. So, if you could sit down at a computer terminal and enter a long series of 0s and 1s, you would have just created a frame of video information. Needless to say, this would take a high degree of technical training and knowledge, as well as being a very time-consuming and tedious way to do things. What is needed is a method of creating digital video images that would be as simple as typing at a computer or drawing with a pencil and paper.

Interface between People and Machines

A number of digital graphic systems have been developed that enable a person to take advantage of the opportunities offered by digital video. The capabilities of these systems range from producing simple letters and numbers to creating complex, detailed original illustrations and manipulating images on the screen. These systems provide an interface between the process of entering a series of numbers and the person who needs to get a job done. There are two things needed to make these interfaces successful. First, they must operate in a manner similar to what the user is already familiar with. If someone is introduced to a new piece of equipment that has several familiar features, he or she won't be as intimidated by it. But if a new piece of equipment is totally foreign, people will be more reluctant to try it out. Second, this new equipment needs to be flexible. The more that can be done with it, the more attractive it will be.

1.  To effectively create a picture (or frame of video) on a computer, you might have had to enter thousands and thousands of values.

2.  Fortunately, computers can translate our general commands into these thousands of specific values. We deliver these commands to the computer in simple ways, such as through a keyboard, an electronic “pencil and paper,” or even voice.