A character generator is a tool used in video editing applications that can add animated characters or text to video. It can either be a hardware or software-based tool, with the latter being usually bundled with video editing applications or available in related software packages. It is commonly used during the broadcast of events or live television presentations and is primarily found in live television sports broadcasting or television news presentations.
A modern character generator can quickly generate high-resolution animated graphics, making it useful for breaking news coverage. For instance, in sports broadcasting, when a previously unknown player is having an outstanding day, the character generator operator can create a new graphic quickly using the “shell” template of a graph of similar design. Character generators are used during live television broadcasts, where events on the field or in the newsroom dictate the direction of coverage.
Character generator development has progressed, and the distinction between hardware and software generators has become less clear as new platforms and operating systems evolve to meet consumer expectations for live television. Most character generators can produce different fonts and sizes. Hardware-based character generators are primarily used in video editing suites and studios, such as television production studios. Hardware-based character generators generate graphics or text that are then encoded into high-quality video, digital video, or RGB video signals.
FAQs
What is a character generator in video editing?
A character generator is a tool used in video editing applications that can add animated characters or text to video. It can either be a hardware or software-based tool.
What is the difference between hardware-based character generator and software-based character generator?
Hardware-based character generators are primarily used in video editing suites and studios, generate graphics or text that are then encoded into high-quality video, digital video, or RGB video signals. Software-based character generators, on the other hand, are mostly found bundled with video editing applications and are often available in related software packages.
What are the applications of character generators?
Character generators are primarily found in live television sports broadcasting or television news presentations. Its modern form can generate high-resolution animated graphics quickly, useful for breaking news coverage.
Conclusion
A character generator is an essential tool in live television broadcasting; it adds animated characters, text, and graphics to video in real-time. Its modern form can generate high-resolution animated graphics quickly, making it useful for breaking news coverage. Video editing applications come bundled with software-based character generators, while hardware-based generators are used in video editing suites and studios primarily.
