When Recording Audio & Video
Consider The Following:

A. Control Track
1.When using a digital camera record first from the  beginning of the tape.
2. Begin recording each new clip without rolling back to review.
3. If you must roll back to review remember to start a little BEFORE where you left off.

B. Linear Editing While Shooting
1.Do Not Record until your subject is centered in your viewfinder and in focus. Stop Recording before positioning the camera for the next shot. (If you want, Zoom in/out or Pan left/right (slow is best). Different angles are good but always try to change the distance of the next shot)
2.If you are using the microphone built into the camera it is best to zoom all the way out then adjust your view/shot by moving the camera closer to the subject. This will also create a more stable video recording.
3.Always try to use a Tripod and light if practical and possible. (Try to avoid too much light in BACK of the subject.)

C. Quality Control
1.Quality happens when the subject matter can be interpreted by the viewer without the awareness of annoying technical issues.
2.When annoying technical issues impair the viewer's ability to interpret the subject matter quality is questioned.
3.Content is more important to the definition of quality than equipment is.

When Editing Audio & Video
Consider The Following:

A. Cuts/Mixes/Transitions
1.A Cut is switching from one scene to the next. (A Jump Cut is switching to/from scenes of similar distance. Not good to do but is being used more and more.)
2.A Mix or Dissolve blends one scene into the next. (Can be used most of the time and preferred over Jump Cuts)
3.Other Style Transitions should be the same throughout or different each time but relative to the subject when applicable for example; if you were doing a story in a book like fashion you could use a "Page-Turn" each time. (Generally a Cut or Mix can be included anytime. I only fade to/from black at the start/finish of my entire story/segment or to go to/from a commercial)

B. Voiceovers
1.Say what needs to be said and try NOT to sound like you are reading.
2.Remember sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.
3. An opening Theme, background music and/or segway music is almost always necessary because music can reveal more than the scene is able to display.

C. Overall Viewers
1.Some people can't hear.
2.Some people can't see.
3.Some people can't read.

Before Distributing Video &
 Audio Consider The Following:

A.  Copyright/License (*)

B.  Generally if you include music from a popular recording on your video or an image of a painting or art, and plan to broadcast your video on TV or the Internet, or display and distribute it for sale you must get permission from the LEGAL OWNER.

C.  A music License is required when you perform someone else's song. License for well known songs can be purchased through the Harry Fox Agency. I.E., your band re-records a hit tune and makes a music video and sends it to MTV, BET or CMT. You are required to purchase a license.
   
(*) Limited exceptions for Educational purposes may be applicable in some cases.

Definitions:
   
NLE (non-linear editing): Not having to edit the next media in line or the industry understands it as editing all footage before committing to a master, usually done on a computer.
 
Control Track: A recorded timer track on digital and other professional video equipment.
 
mp3: Industry music compressed into small computer files retaining CD quality sound.
   
Free Music:  Music that you have written and performed or music you have permission from the LEGAL OWNER to use for what you are using it for.
   
Legal Owner: The people who legally own all of the musical content, including performances.
   
The Copyright LEGAL OWNER has the right to copy the creation or give permission to copy.
   
VCD: Video CD
 
mpeg, mpg, mpeg1 is used to make VCDs.

mpeg2 is used to make DVDs and accepted as Broadcast Quality in the industry until 2006.

(mp4) mpeg4 is used sometimes in place of mpeg2 for smaller DVD quality files.

Websites for more info:

Entertainment Law Resources 
www.marklitwak.com
Harry Fox Agency Licensing
www.harryfox.com
Copyright Office FAQ www.loc.gov/copyright/faq.html
Moving Picture Expert Group 
http://www.chiariglione.org/mpeg/
Production music:
 www.marcusmitchell.net
FAQ on making VCDs & DVDs FAQ www.vcdhelp.com/faq.htm