Export

When you finish editing your video it's time to prepare it for distribution by exporting it in a format that will work well on the Web. When you upload your video to blip.tv we will keep it just as it is — so make it good. We'll also create a new version of your video in Flash.

If you're just starting out and using MovieMaker or iMovie, we recommend taking a look at Freevlog's excellent step-by-step video tutorials on exporting for the Web: Step-by-step exporting in MovieMaker | Step-by-step exporting in iMovie. The settings may not be exactly what you end up using, but don't worry, you can refine your skills once you get the hang of it.

General Advice

CODEC stands for COmpress/DECompress video. Key frames are frames that CODECs look at to judge what kind of video they are compressing.

Video compression is somewhere between a science and a mystical art - and it changes constantly. The basic problem compression solves is that video is captured at resolutions way to high to be broadcast on the Web (at least for now). The video on a DVD or miniDV tape, would take hours to download on a high speed connection. Compression software called CODECs were invented to compress video, ideally down to a file size that looks great, and also transfers as fast as the video plays, so there's no wait. CODECs delete repeated and unneeded information by looking at Key Frames. They are constantly being improved, while at the same time the file size the Web can handle is constantly increasing.

Once again, it's the audio stupid! High quality sound is the most bang for the buck in terms of small file size and ability to make your video look better.

However it's not only the CODEC settings that affect quality and file size, the content of the video affects how well a CODEC works. The more complex the editing, subjects and backgrounds, the larger the file will be, REGARDLESS of the settings and CODEC you use.

Err on the side of high quality, full frame rate and 640 or wider video and you'll be OK.

Recommended Settings

Because QuickTime works on PCs and Macs, and makes videos that play in iTunes Music Store and Apple TV, we recommend it for your original upload. Your mileage may vary. Talk to your friends about what they're using. Email us if you've got better settings!

QuickTime Settings for PC and Mac

Format = QuickTime
If you're on a PC, download the free QuickTime and then go "Pro" for about $30. On a Mac, use Final Cut Pro or the free iMovie, which uses QuickTime Pro to export.
Extension = .mov
.mov exports allow for a high degree of control over the quality of your upload, and make your original upload compatible and in higher resolution for display using iTunes and/or Apple TV. Check the presets in the latest QuickTime Pro. They often have what you're looking for already defined.
Size = 640 pixels wide. Height depends on your favored aspect ratio. 16:9 = 640x360. 4:3=640x480. We recommend 16:9 if you can.
CODEC = h.264 baby!
Data rate: 1500 to 2.000 (Mbps). The higher, the better.
Audio = AAC audio, 48kHz. Render settings = Best. Target bit rate = 128+. Mono or stereo depending on mic used to record.
Key frame interval = < 24 K.F., or auto. Lower is better. Key frames are frames per second that the CODEC uses as samples of the kind of video it is compressing.
Fast Start: On. If you don't select "Fast Start" QuickTime movies won't play until the entire file downloads.
Frame rate: Current.
Frame Controls: Off.
Multi-pass: On.
Frame reorder: On.

Flash

The content of your show can influence upload settings. Shows with few cuts and simple editing can use 15 frames/second, "auto" keyframes, and low data rates. Fast cutting, complex, highly stylized shows like JetSet tend to upload their own custom Flash versions at 24 or 30 frames/second and double the data rate.

We'll transcode a Flash version for you, but we also let you upload any Flash version you want and we won't overwrite it.

Our Flash Settings

Optimized for best playback and resolution on the average high-speed connection and computer hardware.

Frames Per Second (FPS). 15 fps
Data Rate. 400 Kbps video
Audio. 64 Kbps mono
Source resolution

High-Res Flash Settings

Caution! If your viewers do not have fast Internet connections and relatively new computers, these settings can result in jerky playback!

Frames Per Second (FPS). Experiment. 16+ is where things get smoother. 24fps is what film uses. TV is 30fps.
Data Rate (Kbps). Try +- 1000.
Audio: 128 Kbps. Stereo if you used a stereo mic. Mono if you didn't.
Source resolution

Windows Media Player

Makes sure to find "more choices" under format type and select "Video Broadband" or the like to get a good version for upload. Here's FreeVlog's basic video tutorial. Microsoft provides good information on how to to make.wmv files for the Web here. Movie Maker Export Settings.

iPod version

iPods use QuickTime's .mp4 file type. You can select the "iPod" settings built into QuickTime If you have a blip.tv Pro account, it will make iPod (and audio only) files for you automatically.

Back-up!

Always export a full resolution master of your project when you export a compressed version. Back-up this master off of your primary computer somehow. This will allow you to re-compress versions later, even if you don't have the project files anymore.