Computer-based video editing system

A video-taped-based editing system comprising a computer-based operator's console having a light pen control monitor, floppy disk drives, video/audio switcher, color picture TV monitors with loud speakers and a Z80-based computer employing an STD bus. The system also comprises a plurality of video cassette player/recorders, preferably in the range of six to twelve of such player/recorders with associated computer/machine interface and an additional high quality master video player/recorder preferably of a 3/4 inch format. The system provides a graphically arranged representation of the lined script of the work being edited on the light pen control monitor permitting the editor to preview and select segments of different takes for splicing with complete independence of picture and sound track sources and timing. The editing process is a dynamic one in which changes and adjustments are executed while watching repeated replays of a scene or segment. The system gives the editor the ability to work with a unit of material equivalent to approximately fifteen pages of script typing corresponding to one act of a television show or one reel of a theatrical feature film.