SENDING A FILE INSTEAD OF MAILING A DVD
WHY SHOULD I DO THIS?
- To save money - no need for media, packaging, and postage.
- To save time.
- To save the environment - no packaging or shipping.
WHAT FILE TYPE SHOULD I UPLOAD?
- An .MP4 file in H.264 format, or
- The .VOB file from a DVD.
- Do NOT send an .MOV file.
HOW DO I GET AN .MP4 FILE?
- Your editing software should allow you to export an .MP4 file.
- The key is to make sure the settings create a high quality file and not a tiny crappy file made for web streaming.
- If there are presets, experiment with the highest quality presets.
- If you need to, change the bitrates. Change the video bitrate to 8mbps (8000kbps) for standard resolution or 12mbps for HD.
- No higher than 15mbps please.
- The audio bitrate should be at least 128kbps. No higher than 320kbps please.
HOW DO I GET THE .VOB FILE FROM A DVD?
- Open up your DVD in your file manager.
- Go to the folder "VIDEO_TS".
- Find the file with the .VOB extension.
- Copy the .VOB file to your hard drive.
- Rename the .VOB file to YourFilmTitle.VOB.
HOW DO I SEND THE FILE?
There are several options for sending large files. These are a few options but you are welcome to use your own. All of these options allow files up to 2GB in size. Most shorts should easily be less than 2GB. Features could get a bit larger and require a paid option.Whichever system you use, enter mike@fauxfilm.com as the recipient.
- wetransfer.com (no registration needed, no paid option)
- ge.tt (no paid option)
- yousendit.com (paid option for > 2GB)
- dropbox.com (paid option for > 2GB)
WHAT IF THERE IS MORE THAN ONE .VOB FILE ON MY DVD?
- If you have any DVD menu animation, there will be a small .VOB file that you do not need to send.
- If your DVD has multiple films, it will also have multiple .VOB files. Play them first to be sure you submit the correct one.
- Some DVD creation programs default to splitting your .VOB files into bitesize chunks (usually about a gig max). All split files will start with the same name and only the number at the end will be different ("VTS_01_0", "VTS_01_1", etc). If you have a DVD ripping program, you can rip the files off the DVD into one file. You will do this in "IFO mode". If you don't have the software or knowledge for this, it's ok to upload multiple .VOB files. Play them first to be sure they are all pieces of your film and not an animated menu.
WHAT IF MY MEDIA PLAYER CANNOT PLAY .VOB FILES?
Download VideoLAN - it's free and can play .VOB files. It also has PC, Mac, and Linux versions.