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Digital Lightworks Frequently Asked Questions
1. When I use a "droplet" to convert my project, a quicktime file appears, but when I click it, it says "This is not a movie file." What gives?
A: When you use a droplet, and the file appears, it's actually in the process of being converted. Unfortunately, there's no status bar that tells you this. The longer your project, the longer it will take. A 10 minute video could take around 15+ minutes to finish. The important part is that you make sure you can play the video before burning it to a Data Disc.
2. What is a "data DVD" and how do I make one/get one?
A: A data disc means that we want your digital quicktime file and NOT an authored DVD. If you made the DVD in iDVD, you did it wrong. To make a data dvd, insert a blank DVD-R disc (available at places like Michigan Book and Supply, Best Buy, etc.) into a Mac computer. The Mac may prompt you and ask if you'd like to "Open the disc in Finder". You want to open the disc in finder, so click "ok". It will then appear in Finder as a blank disc, which you can drag your video file onto. After you drag the file onto the disc, click "Burn" in the upper right hand corner of the finder window (while the disc is selected). If your project will fit on a data CD, feel free to use that instead of DVD.
Just to reiterate, if your disc has a menu and plays in a DVD player, you did it wrong. We just want a copy of your digital video file.
3. I converted my project to H.264 and the drop in quality is really noticeable, what can I do?
A: While most people who shot on miniDV are finding that H.264 works well, some people are expressing concerns, mainly those with transfers from film. If you are experiencing problems with H.264, you may export using the Apple Pro Res 422 HQ codec, which is also included in the "droplet" pack. Please email fvsa.info@umich.edu and let us know if you intend to use Apple Pro Res instead of H.264. If you cannot see a difference in quality, please use H.264 as it takes up less hard drive space.
4. What if my project isn't done by Wednesday at 5pm?
A: You must put some sort of physical placeholder in the submission box by 5pm. An empty dvd or miniDV case will do. Please label it with your class number, title, and your name. If you don't put in a placeholder, we assume you won't be done for Lightworks.
5. I put a placeholder in the box, now what?
A: FVSA board members will be stationed in the FVSA office (4345 Michigan Union 4th floor), from 10am to Noon on Friday the 18th to accept late submissions (that had placeholders by Wednesday). We will not be taking any projects after 12 Noon on Friday. Forget about running into Nat Sci last minute, it's unprofessional and disrespectful to your fellow students and audience members.
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