What does the term "insufficient source" refer to in Avid Media Composer?

The term "insufficient source" specifically refers to situations where there is not enough media handle available to perform a requested operation, such as adding a transition in Avid Media Composer. Handles are the extra media at the beginning and end of a clip that allows for smooth transitions or edits without altering the original footage significantly. When this limitation is encountered, it prevents the user from successfully applying effects or making cuts that require more frames than are available at either end of the clip.

Understanding this concept is crucial for editors, as it directly impacts the flexibility and quality of transitions and edits in the project workflow. Recognizing the importance of handles in media clips and their role in the editing process helps ensure that transitions and edits can be executed smoothly without any interruptions or visual quality issues.