How to Add Audio to Video


Digital media is everywhere you look. Music and video production have made it to the grass roots level thanks to the affordability and widespread use of powerful computers.

Inexpensive digital video cameras are widely available, and older analog video cameras can be connected to a computer through a video card to download movies to the computer for editing, storage, and distribution to friends and relatives over the internet.

It has become fairly easy to edit your own videos, and there are many software packages available aimed at the amateur. The Windows operating system has its own video editing package called Windows Movie Maker that allows you to produce professional-looking videos.

As you explore this exciting new world, you will inevitably come up with the need to edit the audio portion of your video file. The sound quality of most video cameras is not great, so you may want to process the sound or replace it all together with music or voice-overs.

It is very easy to separate the audio from the video. Free software packages that do this task include Windows Media Encoder from Microsoft (if you are working with WMV video files) and VirtualDub (if you are working with AVI files). Either of these programs (and many others) allow you to save the audio portion of video file quickly and easily. Once you have your audio file, you can process it for noise reduction, bring up the volume, add music or do any digital magic to it that you desire.

With many video editing packages, however, it isn't necessary to split the audio to a separate file. Even simple packages like Windows Movie Maker have basic audio editing functions, and you can add separate music or voice tracks and mix all of them together.

If you have a particular audio file that you would like to use in your video (maybe a special effect or a voice over that you have recorded separately) simply add that file to the list of media to be included in the video. Other media formats can be separate video files, picture files or graphics.

The audio file can be placed anywhere on the time-line, and you can use the same file many times without requiring any extra storage space on your computer. For precise placement, zoom all the way into your timeline and place the audio exactly in sync with the video. That's it! You are well on your way to making professional-looking videos!

Hans is editor of the Audio Howto Section of the Selected Audio Review Guide


MORE RESOURCES:

Sony Qriocity Set To Compete With Apple iTunes
USANewsWeek.com
Sony has entered the digital music market with its new video and audio streaming service Qriocity. Reports say it will come by the end of the year. ...

and more »


Apple teases third-party AirPlay support, but details are scarce
CNET (blog)
Compatibility for Apple's AirPlay network audio streaming is coming to third-party audio products soon. According to an updated page on ...

and more »


Freeview: What's available on Bulls Player
Hereford United FC
Live audio commentary, extended match highlights, live audio streaming of forums and behind-the-scenes events, breaking news and exclusive interviews with ...

and more »


NorthJersey.com

NJ Transit seeks proposals for Wi-Fi network
Progressive Rail Roading
... Internet applications, including web browsing, email, Virtual Private Network applications, file uploads and downloads, and video and audio streaming. ...
Wireless Access Coming to NJ Transit TrainsPatch
NJ Transit seeking firms to install on board wi-fiRail-News.com

all 19 news articles »


iPad Gets iOS Upgrade to 4.2 in November
CrunchGear (blog)
The new iOS will feature multi-tasking as well as video and audio streaming via AirPlay to the new iTV. You will also be able to print from the iPad, ...

and more »


PRLog.Org (press release)

Irvine BMW Serving LA Presents 2010 BMW 328i Purchase Specials
PRLog.Org (press release)
Design and entertainment features include ambient lighting, driver orientation, Bluetooth audio streaming, Harmon/Kardan sound system, BMW Teleservices and ...

and more »


Game Audio, Hawkins Radio Show Returns To CUBuffs.com
CUBuffs.com
Live audio streaming of Colorado football and basketball games and the Dan Hawkins Radio Show returns to CUBuffs.com, and this season is free to all ...



2010 Infiniti G37 Convertible
CNET
The Bluetooth audio streaming works great on my bold, and sounds as good as the iPod direct connection. Combine that with the satellite radio, Hard-drive CD ...



CNET

Apple Confirms Sept. 1 Media-Centric Event
PC World
The MobileMe audio streaming feature could have been a test run of a larger iTunes plan. Rumors have been swirling for the past few weeks about the ...
6 Things Apple Should Announce at its September 1 iPod EventPC Magazine

all 1,549 news articles »


Parramatta Advertiser

Get a grip - all-wheel drive for Kizashi Sport
Parramatta Advertiser
... xenon lights, electrically operated sunroof, 425 watt Rockford Fosgate and the latest Bluetooth system that includes audio streaming. ...

and more »

Google News

home
© 2006