Which method requires an edit decision list to indicate IN and OUT points?

The method that requires an edit decision list to indicate IN and OUT points is linear editing. In linear editing, the editing process is done in a sequential manner using tapes or other linear media, where each piece of footage is accessed in the order it is recorded. An edit decision list serves as a guide for the editor, outlining which sections of the footage to use and their specific starting (IN) and ending (OUT) points. This list is crucial for maintaining the order and timing of edits, which is particularly important in a linear editing environment where the order of clips must be preserved as they are laid down on a timeline.

In contrast, non-linear editing allows for more flexible access to any part of the footage without the need for a strict sequence, making it unnecessary for edit decision lists to function in the same way. Live editing involves processing content in real-time for broadcasts or performances, where decisions are made instantaneously rather than from a predetermined list. Base editing is a less common term that doesn’t specifically involve edit decision lists in the same structured way as linear editing does.