About Baywalk - Frequently Asked Questions -
Video Submissions

What formats should the original video be in?
We request both the "source" video file and the Flash "streaming" video file.

The source video can either be a separate video file, or a finished DVD that your video editor gave you. If the source video is a separate video file, it should be in either high quality QuickTime (.mov) or MPEG 2 (.mpg) file format. If you have a finished DVD that is playable on any DVD player, please send us a duplicate copy that we will keep. Please do not send your original or only DVD copy, as they will not be returned.

The streaming video file should be in Adobe Flash Video format (.flv). You may need to make arrangements for a video editor to do the conversion from the source video for you. The video editor is responsible to make sure there is no pixelation, video artifacts, or lip-synching errors.

If you do not have a video editor, we will try to refer you to a video editor who will invoice you separately.

Please do not send .avi, .asf, .f4v, .mp4, or .wmv files. They may or may not work, and in our experience we have seen worse quality on the conversions from those file formats. i.e. Pixelation, video artifacts, lip-synching errors, etcetera.

.flv files work with Flash 6 and newer, while .f4v files need Flash 9 or newer. See Adobe's FAQ at www.adobe.com/devnet/flv/.

[Aspect Ratios - source Wikipeda] What aspect ratio should video be in?
If the source video was recorded in wide screen (16:9 aspect ratio or wider), we want to keep it in that format. Ideally we would like video files in the 16:9 or 1.85:1 aspect ratio — or wide screen format. If the source video was recorded full screen (4:3 aspect ratio), then use that format.

See the diagram to the right. More information at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspect_ratio_(image)

What size in pixels should video be in?
For wide screen video with a 16:9 aspect ratio or wider, and typically high definition, these video files should be 720 pixels wide, by the appropriate number of pixels high to keep the native aspect ratio. We have found that to be approximately 480 pixels high, but use that as a guideline only. Keep the video 720 pixels wide with the appropriate aspect ratio determining height.

[Bullet] Sample wide screen video.

For full screen video with a 4:3 aspect ratio, and typically standard definition, these video files should be 640 pixels wide, by the appropriate number of pixels high to keep the native aspect ratio. We have found that to be approximately 480 pixels high, but use that as a guideline only. Keep the video 640 pixels wide with the appropriate aspect ratio determining height.

[Bullet] Sample full screen video.

The video player controls will be added by us, and add an additional 40 pixels in height.

How do I send the video? Do I email it?
No - please do NOT email it. Chances are our automatic file size detection programs will delete them. See FAQ - Sending Big Files.



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