A short overview of various video annotation software:

- Anvil by Michael Kipp is a java-based program for storing several layers of annotations, like a text sequencer. Can only use avi files. Intended for gesture research (understood as gestures used when talking).

- Transana from University of Wisconsin, Madison, is developed mainly as a tool for transcribing and describing video and audio content. Seems like it is mainly intended for behavioural studies. It is based on writing rtf-files (with optional manual time coding), so not much possibilities for multiple streams etc.

- IBM Research - VideoAnnEx Annotation Tool is an advanced annotation tool using MPEG-7 descriptors.

- Noldus Observer is a commercial software package for Windows which seems to be very extensive. Allows for multiple camera recording and synchronization as well as data from DAQs.