Codecs

A codec is the format in which your video is encoded. We accept most major codecs, but for best results we recommend using one of the following:

H.264

H.264 is a standard codec that balances high visual quality with efficient file size. It's a great starting point for encoding your videos as it ensures you'll get the most out of your upload while minimizing upload and conversion times. Be sure to choose the "High Profile" H.264 setting instead of "Main Profile." Please note that the H.264 video codec only supports resolutions up to 4K.

Apple ProRes 422 (HQ)

This professional-quality codec ensures a high quality for your encoded video but typically results in a much larger file size than H.264. If you notice quality issues with your H.264 videos using ProRes may produce a better result.

H.265 (HEVC)

H.265 or High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) is the successor to H.264, which offers a smaller sized file with high visual quality at the cost of increased encoding time. This video codec supports resolutions up to 8K and high dynamic range (HDR) videos.

Frame rate

When preparing your video for upload, it’s best to maintain the video’s native frame rate when compressing your video. If your footage exceeds 60 FPS, we will automatically reduce the frame rate. Important: We recommend a constant frame rate throughout your entire video. Always choose “constant” frame rate instead of “variable” frame rate.

While we accept many frame rates, these are the most commonly used:

Bit rate

Bit rate (also known as data rate) controls the visual quality of the video and its file size. If your video editing software gives you the option, choose a “variable” bit rate and select a value from the ranges below. You can experiment with different rates if your file is too large or you’re not happy with the quality of your source file.

*If you have the ability to set the CRF (constant rate factor), we recommend setting it to 18 or below. For ProRes, follow the standard presets in your video editor to export your file. For example, ProRes HQ for 1080p at 29.97 fps has a target bit rate of 220 Mbps in Final Cut.

Resolution

Videos come in all shapes and sizes but these are some of the most common formats. We recommend compressing your video with a pixel aspect ratio of 1:1, or square pixels.

*Stereoscopic video should be uploaded with the left and right view stacked on top of each other as 4096 x 1024 (4:1 aspect ratio) for each eye.

Color

For the most accurate color display on ShowTix4U, we recommend uploading a file that contains color space information.

Note: some software may not offer control over your color settings.

Color Primaries and Matrix Coefficients

We support all color primaries and matrices, but we recommend BT.2020 (Rec. 2020) or BT.709 (Rec. 709). You can use the same value for both color primary and matrix coefficients.

Color Transfer Characteristics

We support a wide range of transfer characteristics for standard (SDR) videos, but for HDR videos we only support the PQ (SMPTE 2084) or HLG transfer function. If using the PQ (SMPTE 2084) transfer function, please include the following metadata to ensure the most accurate display of your video’s colors on all devices: Mastering Display Color Volume metadata (SMPTE 2086) and Content Light Level Information metadata (CEA 861.3). This metadata is usually added automatically in post-production.

Bit Depth

We support various bit depths, but we recommend a bit depth of 10 or greater for the highest quality results. For high dynamic range (HDR) videos, your file needs to have a bit depth of 10 or greater in order to be considered HDR on ShowTix4U.

Scan Type: Progressive

ShowTix4U converts all videos to progressive for playback. For best results, we recommend deinterlacing videos prior to upload.

Channels: Stereo

For best results, we recommend 2-channel Stereo audio. For any number of channels above 2, we will downmix your audio to 2 channels.

Codec: AAC-LC (Advanced Audio Codec)

For best results, we recommend using AAC-LC (low complexity) for the audio codec.

Data rate: 320 kbit/s

For best results, encode your audio at constant rate of 320 kbit/s.

Sample rate: 48 kHz

For best results, set your audio sample rate to 48 kHz. If your working setting is already less than or equal to 48 kHz, leave it as is. For any audio uploaded with a sampling rate over 48kHz, we will resample your audio to 48 kHz or below.