Sending Video To UsWe edit sound-for-video within our computer program, we do not edit video. Therefore, we prefer a video file already formatted to our standards. In some cases, we can convert your video from most recent formats to what we need, however there will be additional charges. We use Nuendo Media Production software. See below for detailed video specs.
For best practices, please "burn in" the timecode at the top or bottom of the video window. Please include an audio track (a rough mix down is sufficient) on the video for sync reference. If possible, include a 2-beep and flash 2-seconds before picture start, and a 2-beep and flash 2-seconds after after picture end.
Recommended codecs and encoding settings
Recommended codecs- Apple ProRes
- Avid DNxHD®
- H.264
Recommended encoding settingsApple ProRes and Avid DNxHD® encode every frame separately which is important for frame accurate editing.
H.264 uses similarities between different frames to reduce the file size. However, it can also be configured to encode every frame separately which is recommended for better performance and accurate editing. Make sure to use a key frame interval of 1 frame (so that each frame is encoded separately).
Recommended encoding settings for H.264
H.264 encoder presets, as offered in current versions of Apple Final Cut, Apple Compressor, Avid Media Composer or Grass Valley EDIUS Pro, usually result in video files suitable for Nuendo, Cubase, WaveLab and Dorico. However, since the number of video tools that allow for H.264 export is high, and the H.264 specification includes various encoding parameters, you should take care of the following settings when creating H.264 video files:
The number of B-frames should not be higher than 3. Anything above will lead to an unreasonably high amount of memory allocation.
The number of reference frames should not be higher than 2.
To keep the playback performance up, it is very important to disable weighted P-Frames, weighted B-Frames and pyramidal B-Frames.
Furthermore, if you want your video to smoothly follow when winding or using a jogwheel, make sure to use a key frame interval (IDR) of 1 frame (thus every frame is encoded separately).