How long have you been shooting cyclocross races?
I began to get serious about it in 1997.
How do you encode your video files for the internet?
I encode my video for playback in Flash Player 8 (or 9), using On2 VP6 video codec (max data rate 1500 kbps, 30 fps, and 720x480 pixels), and Mpeg Layer III (MP3) audio codec (audio data rate 96 kbps stereo). This is a compromise between the quality of the encoded video and the resulting flash file size. In comparison, the data rates for my encoded videos are about 2-4 times greater than what some popular internet sites offer, but 4 times lower than a standard DVD.
What are the computer requirements for video playback?
To ensure smooth playback, fast connection to the internet (broadband - DSL, Cable, or FIOS) is recommended. With slower internet connection, or if the web server is busy, the video may pause frequently on the first playback. However, after the video reaches the end and rewinds, it should play smoothly on subsequent playbacks (the video files are made for progressive download - they are downloaded and stored on your computer in the browser cache while the video plays). The cache size should be set to accommodate the video file sizes (about 60 MB for a typical 4-5 minutes DVD preview). The longest video I posted so far was about 40 minutes, requiring 485 MB for complete storage. You can also use one of numerous programs available to retrieve and save flash files. The quality of the video display will depend to some extent on the quality of the video card adaptor in your computer. It also helps to have a hard drive defragmented.
Flash video files play on a wide range of computer platforms (including PC, Mac, UNIX, Linux ...) running a variety of operating systems with many different browsers.
Do you encode videos to play on portable devices such as iPod?
Yes I do - if there is a sufficient demand, I'll make them available.
Do you edit your videos?
Yes. It is a relatively simple process, since I prefer to shoot in a "documentary" style, and I use only the authentic audio recorded at the race venue. I typically discard up to 1/3 of the recorded footage and clean up the rest - that leaves me with 40-50 minutes (including sometimes post-race interviews and award ceremonies) for Elite Men races that last about one hour, and 20-30 minutes for the other categories that race for 30-45 minutes to be archived on a DVD.
How do you make your DVDs?
I produce standard DVDs with simple menus (see any of the DVD previews, for example this preview). The video for a standard DVD is encoded as mpeg2 (data rate 6,000 kbps, 9,000 kbps max). See also the info on the ORDER FORM.
Do you plan to produce high definition DVDs?
I have been shooting with the high definition camera (SONY HDR FX-1) for the past two years, but I produce only standard definition DVDs at the moment. The existing dual standard (HD DVD vs. Blue Ray) and the high cost of recordable media ($12 - $15 per disk) makes it difficult to produce (and keep the retail price of DVDs reasonable) short run high-def DVDs right now. But, I am sure, at some point in the future I will do it, especially if one standard prevails - the high definition video on a large TV screen looks just stunning.