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tutorial - converting with QuickTime Pro

The following tutorial explains how to use QuickTime Pro from Apple to compress your video material ready for sending to us. The graphics illustrate the Mac OSX version but the Windows version works in exactly the same way.

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1. The first thing you need to do is open your completed video file in QuickTime Pro. You can obtain QTPro from Apple for $29.99 (about £15). The software is available for download from their website www.apple.com/quicktime.
   
   When you are all set click FILE > EXPORT (Apple E or CTRL E) the dialog box show opposite will open.
   
   Make sure "MOVIE TO QUICKTIME MOVIE" is selected from the drop down box as illustrated then click on "OPTIONS".
2. The dialog box illustrated opposite will open. This dialog contains the three main elements of your video, VIDEO, SOUND and PREPARE FOR INTERNET STREAMING. We will be altering each element in turn to prepare your video for the internet.
   
   First of all click on the SETTINGS button for the video track as illustrated.
3. When the STANDARD VIDEO COMPRESSION SETTINGS dialog opens you will need to adjust the setting to match those illustrated on the left.
   
   
   COMPRESSION TYPE should be set to H.264. We will only accept video compressed using H.264.
   
   In the MOTION section make sure FRAME RATE is set to CURRENT. Set KEY FRAMES to EVERY 50 FRAMES
   
   The DATA RATE will determine just how big your finished file is. Select RESTRICT TO and enter a range between 300 and 400. If you're video is complex and has camera movement in it then set it to 400. If you are using a static camera with a mostly black background then set it lower.
   
   Finally, in the QUALITY section set the slider to HIGH and the ENCODING to BEST QUALITY. Click OK
4. Next, ignore the FILTER button and click on the SIZE button as illustrated.
5. Hold on to your hat because this is where things get complex. If your video was shot in PAL format (most of the world) then the custom dimension is slightly different than if it was shot on NTSC equipment (mostly the Americas and Japan).
   
   From the DIMENSIONS drop box select CUSTOM. If your video is PAL WIDESCREEN (16:9) set the dimensions to 520 x 288. If your video is NTSC WIDESCREEN then set the dimensions to 520 x 292.
   
   Now, if your video was filmed in 4:3 format (the image looks almost square) then tick the PRESERVE ASPECT RATIO check box and select FIT WITHIN DIMENSIONS from the drop down menu. Your video will be scaled correctly.
   
   Finally, if your video was shot in an INTERLACED format (the other format is PROGRESSIVE) then select the DEINTERLACE SOURCE VIDEO check box. If you don't know then tick the box since progressive video cannot be de-interlaced and it will have no effect. Click on OK.
6. We're almost there. Next click on the SOUND SETTINGS button as illustrated to the left.
7. This is where we set the level of compression for the audio whilst still trying to maintain a bit of quality. Set the options as they are illustrated on the left.
   
   FORMAT should be set to AAC (this is a version of MP3). CHANNELS can either be STEREO or MONO. Mono will make your finished file slightly smaller. Leave the RATE setting at the default (your video may have audio at 48,000 KHZ)
   
   For RENDER SETTINGS set the QUALITY to NORMAL and the TARGET BIT RATE to 96kbps from the drop down menu. Click OK
8. Finally we have to give the exported file what is know as a HINT TRACK. This special track enables the file to stream across the internet when it's plugged into the FILM ROOM.
   
   Simply check the PREPARE FOR HINTED STREAMING checkbox and select HINTED STREAMING from the drop down menu. There are no other option to set for Hinted Streaming so just click OK.
   
   You will then go back to the original file dialog in step one. Type a unique name for your new file and press SAVE.
9. You will then be greeted with the graphic on the left. Depending on how powerful the computer is that's doing the compression will determine how long you have to wait for the compression to be completed.
   
   A fairly modern machine will do the job in about 30-60 minutes.
   
   Your finished file will be about 16 - 19MB in size which is more than easy enough to send across the internet to us using Drop Box, You Send It or one of the many other free file sending services on the web.
   
   
10. When your file is compressed that's it you are now ready to use a large file sending service to get the finished product into our eager little mitts so we can get it online in all its high quality glory.
    
    There are many services that will allow you to send large files for free but Drop Send and You Send it are two of the most reliable, feel free to use any service you like.
    
    Drop Send Website
    
    You Send It Website