The current crop of low-end non-linear video editing systems are basically toys. They are useful in that they give you a look at what the future of video editing may likely be, but their limitations are simply too great for anything like meaningful work. (Although I saw a tape produced with a Hasbro? KiddyCam? system recently that was quite good, l00-line resolution and all; just proves--again--that content is far more important than technical quality.) Among the low-end products that is worth a look is Adobe'sPremier 2.0; it has some promise. The lowest cost system acceptable for professional work at the moment is the Avid Media Suite Pro; 30 fps full-motion, full-frame video, with 3/4" quality output to tape. System lists for $9995, but you need a Quadra 950 and one or more 2-gig hard drives to make it operational; about $24,000 (but talk to a hungry dealer). Its biggest limitation is that it does not generate an EDL; however, there is reportedly third-party software that does provide EDLs. Your best short-term bet is probably one of the computer-based editors that utilizes tape decks as source and record; they are still useful, in spite of the rush to the "new" technology (film--remember that stuff--has had "non-linear" editing for 100 years). The NAB show this month will have some new products; perhaps there will be some pleasant surprises. We're all waiting. PJO