EDL Files

EDL (edit decision list) files are lists of edits created by a video editing suite. They are text files that contain the timecode and source tape information that you need to place audio events to picture.

Each step in the EDL describes a complete editing task including:

  • The type of edit (audio, video or both)

  • The source material (tape number, audio file name, or video file name)

  • The start and ending source timecode values

  • The start and ending destination timecode values

Note

The source material must have correct timestamps, otherwise the EDL timecode values are invalid. You can create audio files with embedded timestamps with timecode DAT machines, video tape machines, field recorders, digital film cameras, etc.

Working with EDL files allows for the most precise control over the source material and synchronization.