Science of Sight and Sound

Converting Video For YouTube

2008-10-26T20:35:00.005-04:00

Have you ever wondered how to upload video to YouTube and make it look good? It took me a while to try to figure this secret out myself. With the release of Flash player 9 from Adobe, Flash 9 uses a better codec than the previous versions.

If you own the Final Cut Pro Studio, you can use Compressor to make these adjustments, otherwise I recommend to purchase the Quicktime Pro update from Apple (www.apple.com/quicktime) - It is only a $30 investment. The Quicktime player itself is a free download, however I don't think you can convert using the standard version.

You can open your video (avi, mov, etc.) in Quicktime player. Go to File > Export. Save as a Quicktime (mov) movie, and here are the options you want to select:

Compression Type: H.264
Frame Rate: 30
Data Rate: Automatic
Quality: No less than high
Encoding: Best quality (multi-pass)
Size: 640 x 480
Streaming: Fast start
Audio Format: AAC
Audio Channels: Stereo or mono
Audio Rate: 44.1 kHz
Audio Quality: No less than Better
Audio Bit Rate: 128 kbps

EDIT: All video should fit to the standard aspect ratio of 4:3, and if you want to use other aspect formats (like 16:9), use letterbox to crop video image otherwise it will display as a distorted view.

There you have it - The perfect cookbook recipe for great quality YouTube video!

Wireless Audio

2008-09-02T23:12:00.003-04:00

Our church (Christian Life Church) has been enjoying wireless audio for nearly a year now. After an expensive decision and faithful donations, we run twelve Shure SLX receivers, twelve SLX bodypacks and five SLX handheld SM58 microphones. The great thing about the bodypack transmitters is that they can take either a lapel pickup, Countryman earset mic, XLR adapter (to use with standard wired mics) or a TS phono plug to go direct from an instrument.

The wireless receivers run directly from two powered unidirectional antenna paddles giving us a true diversity system with zero dropout. We run two frequency series between 518 - 542 MHz and 638 - 662 MHz.

There are many factors to consider when looking for wireless audio and it's important to do your homework. Here is what I would like to recommend:

1. Stay with a brand that is strong in wireless pro audio technology - Read reviews in buying guides and audio experts to help you guide you in your decisions. I also strongly suggest to use a single brand for current and future expansions because not all wireless systems can work cross-platform.

2. Decide how many units you want to implement currently and for expansion later. This is important because if you under guess yourself, you will limit your ability to expand later. For example, we have the Shure SLX running twelve units simultaneously, but it is designed to run up to 20.

3. Use a frequency finder service directly from the manufacturer's source (like their website) to help determine the current and allotted TV stations in your local area to avoid competing frequencies (http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/TechLibrary/WirelessFrequencyFinder/index.htm).

4. Keep in mind there will be ongoing costs of batteries. We replace each battery with fresh new ones each Sunday. We buy industrial AA by the bulk and only pay approx $0.31 each (the more, the better lower the price).

Please Note: There are many changes due to new DTV laws and FCC requirements, but after Feb 19, 2009 all DTV broadcast will be running 100% and analog broadcast will be a thing of the past. For detailed info, download http://www.audiosystemsgroup.com/wirelessDTV.pdf

The Gospel According to Scrooge

2008-08-25T22:04:00.000-04:00

Christian Life Church AG in Kensington, Connecticut is beginning to ramp into thier second year in presenting the Christams Musical Drama "The Gospel According to Scrooge". We had a great response last year and many good comments. We are excited to be going in our second year with this wonderful production!

CLC will hold seven shows this Nov-Dec 2008. Tickets can be reserved and sold online at http://www.welovepeople.org/ starting October 1st, 2008 or through church office and at the door of the evening of performances.

Christian Life Church, Assemblies of God
Berlin, CT 06037
860-828-5105
http://www.welovepeople.org/