Building Video Editing Software with Andrew Lisowski
Dec 16, 2024
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In this discussion, Andrew Lisowski, a Senior Engineer at Descript, shares his expertise in video and audio editing software that enhances content creation. He highlights the surprising complexities in video editing, especially compared to audio, and the ethical implications of AI in media. Andrew also explores the unique challenges of video podcasting, including technical setups and audience growth for niche creators. Additionally, he reflects on the evolution of web technologies and the intricacies of handling video formats, illustrating the delicate balance of innovation and user needs.
Video editing presents unique challenges compared to audio editing, mainly due to the complexities of visual transitions and continuity.
User experience plays a pivotal role in editing software, highlighting the need for features that enhance both audio and video workflows.
Trust in digital content is increasingly vital due to AI advancements, necessitating ethical standards to ensure authenticity in podcasting.
Deep dives
Challenges of Video Editing
Video editing presents distinct challenges compared to audio editing, primarily due to the visual elements involved. When editing video, removing filler words can lead to awkward visual transitions, such as abrupt movements or changes in facial expressions, which are not concerns in audio editing. Users may find that while audio can be tightened up, the visual aspect can make the final product appear choppy if not handled carefully. This complexity requires additional tools or techniques, such as potential AI solutions, to maintain continuity in visuals without compromising audio quality.
User Experience in Editing Software
The user experience for editing software can significantly impact the final output, highlighting the need for features that enhance both audio and video editing. For instance, Descript allows users to edit aligned transcripts, providing the flexibility to correct alignment errors in real-time. This feature enables users to maintain a smoother editing process, yet it emphasizes the difficulty of creating a seamless outcome in video. The balance between making quick edits and ensuring the content maintains a natural flow is a constant consideration for users.
Trust in Digital Content
As technology evolves, the importance of trust in digital content becomes increasingly critical, particularly with advancements in AI and deepfakes. There’s a growing concern about verifying the authenticity of both audio and video, as it becomes easier to manipulate content. This issue is magnified in the podcasting world, where audience members rely on creators to deliver truthful representations. By prioritizing ethical standards and ensuring consent when using AI voices or avatars, platforms like Descript strive to maintain trust and integrity in content creation.
The Economics of Podcasting and Conferences
The economics surrounding niche podcasts and programming conferences often reveal the intricate landscape of content creation and community building. Many podcasters and conference organizers face the reality that their efforts may not yield profitability but serve as valuable community contributions instead. The contrast between popular topics and niche focuses affects visibility and engagement, hence the challenge in monetizing content. This dynamic underlines the importance of passion-driven projects, as many are built from the desire to engage with specific audiences rather than for monetary gain.
Technological Evolution and Its Challenges
The evolution of web technologies, especially with cloud computing and its implications for data handling, introduces new challenges along with benefits. Cloud applications, while alleviating issues like file size management, can present challenges related to latency and real-time functionality during editing or recording. HTML5 and advancements like WebAssembly have transformed how content is delivered and consumed, prioritizing user experience and accessibility. However, the underlying complexities of these technologies often require a deep understanding of both client-side and server-side interactions, revealing the intricate foundations of modern software.
Richard talks with Andrew Lisowski, a Senior Engineer at Descript - which makes audio and video editing software that has been used to edit this very podcast! They talk about some of the surprising challenges of dealing with video editing compared to audio alone, the economics of niche podcasts and programming conferences, and the evolution of Web browsers!
Support Software Unscripted on Patreon: https://patreon.com/SoftwareUnscripted
Descript: https://www.descript.com
Andrew Lisowski: https://www.hipstersmoothie.com
devtools.fm episode that was on HN frontpage: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=41301639
