We have collected a list of frequently asked questions and general information that you may find useful. If you have any specific questions that are not covered in this section or elsewhere on the site then please contact us.

This section is constantly undergoing transformation so please check back often.

What is DVCPRO, DVCPRO50 and DVCPROHD ? DVCPRO is a set of video codecs from Panasonic - DVCPRO and DVCPRO50 are both Standard Definition video (at 25mbps and 50mbps respectivly). DVCPRO-HD is a High definition codec which provides compressed HD at 100Mbps. DVCPRO50 and DVCPROHD use a 4:2:2 (YUV) colour space – same as SDI and Digital Betacam. This means for every 4 pixels, half of the chroma (U and V colour information ) is thrown away – which is difficult for mere humans to notice due to the way our visual processing works. PAL DV, HDV and DVD all use a 4:2:0 sampling scheme – which is better described by 4:2:0, 4:0:2, 4:2:0, etc. where a quarter of the chroma information is available and allows for a more compressed signal..but at the cost of lower quality (this is fairly subjective).

What is DVCAM ? DVCAM is standard definition tape format for digital video (DV) from Sony. It uses the same compression ratio of DV (5:1) but uses a different track pitch (15µm) to DV (10µm) such that only 40 minutes is available on a standard 60 min DV tape. DVCAM use Metal Evaporated (ME) tape and its greater track pitch allows a greater robustness for professional applications. DVCAM and DV support two track of audio at 16bit (48Khz) or four track of audio at 12bit (32KHz) audio sampling. DVCAM tape media typically costs more then other professional DV tape media.

What are the different types of DVD? DVD-R is a write once, read many times format similar to CD-R. There are two types of DVD-R media - Authoring and General media. Each type uses a different laser wavelength for recording and so you cannot record onto an DVD-R authoring disk in a DVD-R general drive. DVD-R Authoring disks can be used for DVD masters since they can store Cutting Master Format (CMF) information. DVD-ROM is a read-only format similar to a CD-ROM disk. DVD-RAM lets you write to the disc in many sessions so that you can save items from a computer at different times. DVD-RW is a write many times format similar to CD-RW. Disks can be erased and re-written multiple times but all files must be recorded in one session. DVD+R and DVD+RW do more or less the same things as DVD-R and DVD-RW and are supported more by Microsoft. However most consumer DVD player will not play back DVD+R recorded media.

What is the storage capacity of DVD ?

DVDs can be multi layer and dual sided. Dual layer DVDs stored slightly less then double the data of a single layer disc due to the way the laser focusing works. DVDs can be single-layer, single-sided (DVD-5) or ranges in between to double-sided with each side having two layers. The different types are shown in the table below along with the storage capacities.

Several companies are working on new techniques for storing up to 27 gigabytes of data on a single layer of a DVD-R disc. The techniques involve using a blue or violet laser with a more focused laser to increase the density of the data written to the disc.

Can I write or put labels on DVDs ?

You can use printed labels on DVDs but we do not recommend it as incorrect alignment of the label can cause a DVD to not spin correctly and become unplayable. For DVD duplication we use inkjet printable DVD-Rs - full-face (print to center spindle) printable in either white or Silver matt finish. Replicated DVDs use either a Lithographic film or screen printing process.

What is Analogue Video and its tape formats ?

Analogue tape formats include VHS and S-VHS, Hi8 and Beta SP. The video signal is stored on tape as an analogue waveform and the tape is prone to a reduction in quality over time due to wear. This is a cumulative effect caused by duplication or playback. We need to convert analogue video to digital for editing purposes.

What is Digital Video ?

Digital Video can cover a variety of things - a movie on DVD, movies stored on DV format tape or movie clips on the web. All these formats store data in a digital format. Copying digital video is like copying a computer file - you can make as many copies as you like without effecting the quality of the original source.

Standard definition Video

Standard definition video refers to videotape formats which conform to the original specification for video including analogue and digital formats. Standard definition includes VHS, S-VHS,Hi8,Beta SP,Digital Betacam, DVCPRO-50 and DV tape.

Standard definition also covers the original frame size and frame rates for video - 25 fps and 720 x 576 for PAL.

High Definition Video (HD)

High definition formats are the next generation of video format including HDCAM and DVCPRO-100. The specification for high definition is flexible and can support a variety of frame sizes and frame rates. With the increased frame rate and frame size, high definition offers dramatic improvement in quality, however you will need newer equipment for viewing native HD format video.

We have the capability to capture/edit and output High definition video, we shoot most new work in DVCPRO-HD 1080i/25p or 720/25p.

Cellulose Nitrate Film Transfer We do not currently have facilities to transfer Cellulose Nitrate negatives or film to Digital Format. However we can digitally restore and re-master to DVD any old film which has already been transfered to digital still images frame by frame.

What is 3G ?

3G stands for 'third generation', a generic wireless industry term for high speed mobile data delivery over cellular networks. 3G networks allow users to send and receive bandwidth-intensive information such as video. As second generation networks (2G) evolve into third generation systems around the world, operators are offering users a variety of mobile data services including video messaging, breaking news, weather, sports, movie trailers, music clips and much more. Visit the official 3GPP website at www.3gpp.org for more information

3GPP and 3GPP2

3GPP is the new worldwide standard for creation, delivery and playback of multimedia over GSM networks - the most popular high-speed wireless network across the world - including Europe & North & South America.

3GPP2 is the new worldwide standard for mobile multimedia on the second most popular high-speed wireless network - CDMA which include parts of South America and Africa.

3GPP and 3GPP2 are based on the MPEG-4 standard (but also support H.263 codecs) and are supported by mobile phone providers including Nokia, NEC, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Panasonic and Toshiba.

3G Audio

3G Audio support includes AAC and AMR and QCELP codecs which compress audio much more efficiently then older formats such as MP3, yet deliver quality rivalling uncompressed CD audio. AMR and QCELP are designed primarily for speech with AAC being used more for music audio.

Mobile phone Video streaming or download

Video streaming refers to the ability to playback video fetched from a server during playback. Video streaming is implemented on the phone using the WAP browser or messaging application (SMS,MMS) which has the ability to launch the external video player application. This can be launched by a downloaded RealMedia file (extension .RM) or recognising an RTSP:// URL.

We provide streaming RealMedia files (extension .RM) and streaming Quicktime files ( extension .3GP). Streaming media has the advantage that you do not have to download the whole clip to begin playback.

Downloading a file first and then playing it back once it has all downloaded is considered 'download'. Progressive download may be possible on some phones (Nokia does not support this), else you will have to download the whole clip before you can start watching it.

Nokia phone support for Video

Nokia currently support H.263 video codec, MPEG-4 visual codec (on 3650,3660,6230,6820,6600,6650,7200,7600,7610,7700 and 9500 devices) and proprietary RealVideo codecs from Real Networks. The RealVideo player is installed on the Nokia device.

Video downloaded is typically limited in size to 100Kb since it must fit inside an MMS message. Some mobile phones will allow an extension to this size. Maximum frame rates vary between 10-15 fps with a frame size of 128 x 96 and a maximum bit rate of 64Kbps. The built-in video recorder on most Nokia video capable phones has a lower frame rate at 7.5-15 fps depending on the model.

Nokia supports RealOne player and an embedded video player application. The embedded video player application is used to playback local content only with an optimal clip size is 176 x 144 pixels. Nokia video phones supports streaming or local content Video using the RealOne player. Clips are typically 176 x 144 (extension .RM) with a data rate of up to 64Kbps (series 40) or 128Kbps (series 60,80 and 90).

In accordance with the 3GPP Specification, Nokia supports the 3GPP file format (extension .3GP) for the storage of video and associated audio (if present). The Nokia Video player doesn't commit to play back media content inside .mp4 files (MPEG-4 file format), although the file may contain media types supported by the player. If the .mp4 file declares 3GPP file format compatibility, the content will play out as originally intended.

We provide video clip streaming and downloads in MPEG-4 (3GP) and RealVideo formats for playback on Nokia Mobile phones.

Streaming video over GPRS

Data rates for streaming or downloading over GPRS will vary depending on the network operator and location/coverage.Typical sustainable throughput over GPRS is 20-25Kbps.

What is your VAT registration Number ?

We are registered for VAT in the UK. Our VAT number is GB 810 8824 37

 
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