Inputting and Outputting Media > Clip Input/Output Using a VTR >

# About Clip Input and Output Using a VTR

Inputting and outputting clips using various VTR devices is the most common means of handling AV material. Smoke allows you to perform numerous VTR-based clip input and output operations in a fast and efficient manner. You can capture individual clips or frames, or log clips for capture using an EDL. Similarly, the application allows you to output single clips or frames, as well as multiple clips to a VTR device.

Clip input and output general workflow:

1. Make sure all hardware devices involved in the clip input and output process are properly configured. If not, the Output Clip and Input Clip buttons will be disabled. See Configuring Hardware For Clip Input and Output Using a VTR.
2. Edit the software initialization configuration file to ensure the proper devices and settings are initialized on application start-up. See Configuring Software For Clip Input and Output Using a VTR.
3. Do one of the following:
   - Input clips. See Inputting Clips From a VTR.
   - Output clips. See Outputting Clips To a VTR.
   NoteIf you want to input or output clips using a live video signal, see also Inputting and Outputting a Live Video Signal.
4. Carry out additional required procedures, depending on the clip input and output operations that you perform. See:
   - Adjusting Audio Gain on Output Clip
   - Setting Video Input and Output Engineering Menu Controls

If you are using an NVIDIA Quadro FX 5600 SDI graphics card, Smoke also supports real-time output of certain operations. See Outputting Clips with a Logo Overlay and About Real-Time Deliverables.