The post-production process was revolutionized in the 1990s by computer-based nonlinear editing (NLE), on systems such as the Avid Media Composer and Media 100. (See Figure 9.6, a Media 100 system.)

NLE systems typically use two computer monitors--as is illustrated by editor Niklas Vollmer's project, Fit to Be Tide, which was edited on the Media 100 (Figs. 7.2-7.4). In Figure 7.2 (taken from the left-side monitor) you see lists of available image and sound clips and a preview window that shows what the finished project will look like. The right-side monitor--seen in Figures 7.3 and 7.4--contains a timeline.