Technical Requirements for Programs Submitted for Playback on MLTV
Media and Formats
- DVD is the preferred media.
- No DVD disc with adhesive labeling can be accepted.
- Any DVD that is finalized in Video Mode may be submitted for playback.
- DVD’s authored in VR (Video Recordable) Mode cannot be accepted.
- DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW are OK when finalized in Video Mode.
- ONLY DVD's recorded at SP will be accepted; NO LP (4hr) or EP (6hr)
- We request 2 seconds of black prior to the beginning of your video
- We request 2 seconds of black after the last frame of your video.
- When authoring, set to Autoplay.
- No color bars, slate or countdown are necessary or desirable.
- MLTV cannot guarantee that DVD’s submitted that do not meet all of the above criteria will be played on MLTV channels.
Video Tape - We are only able to support a minimum of tape based programming.
There is an additional charge to have MLTV staff digitize video tapes.
There is an additional charge to have MLTV staff digitize video tapes.
- ONLY tapes recorded at SP will be accepted; No LP (4hr) or EP (6hr).
- Accepted Tape Formats: S-VHS, VHS and consumer Mini-DV.
- DVCAM and DVC-Pro accepted ONLY on mini-cassettes.
- Betacam, 3/4” and HI-8 will NOT be accepted.
- No more than one (1) program per tape.
- Program must begin within first several minutes of tape.
- Shows that start :30 to 1:00 minute from the beginning of the tape are ideal.
MPEG-2
- Full Frame (D1) MPEG-2 video multiplexed as a PROGRAM or TRANSPORT stream.
- No VOB files and no elementary streams.
- Audio must be MPEG-1 Layer 2 (MP2).
- Video may be either VBR or CBR but must not exceed 10 Megabits per second.
- Use 15 frame GOP.
- Final Cut Studio
- Apple Compressor
- Adobe Premiere
- Brorsoft Video Converter
- Any encoder using Main Concept’s MPEG-2 software encoding system
- Others may be compatible, but further testing would be required.
Aspect Ratio
- MLTV transmits cable television programming via Comcast Cable 99 and Verizon FIOS 34. These channels are presented in standard definition analog 4:3 aspect ratio. It is preferable that submissions for playback be formatted 4:3. If originally produced or recorded in 16:9, it is preferable that the program be letterboxed into a 4:3 aspect ratio for submission.
Program Length
- Series Programs: All “half hour” programs should not be longer than 28:30 min., and all “hour” programs should not be longer than 58:30. Any “series” programming that exceeds these time frames may not be played in its entirety. Series programming submitted on DVD’s may contain up to two 58:30 programs as separate titles or a maximum of four 28:30 programs as separate titles.
- Non-Series Programs: Although the 28:30 and 58:30 time ranges are also the ideal for non-series producers, we will still accept programs of any length and will schedule them according to their length and schedule availability.
- All programs over 1:00:00 TRT MUST be submitted in 2 parts with ACT IN and ACT OUT fades and 2nd act intro titles.
Labeling
- Media must be labeled with provider’s Name and Phone Number, the Title, and the Total Running Time (TRT= Hours: Minutes: Seconds). VHS tapes require a Start Cue Time (CT) as well. We do not accept media without labeled faces, cases, boxes or sleeves.
Forms
- Please write in pen and fill out all forms completely (unless submitting online). All submissions must be accompanied by proper forms. It is very important that you include the EXACT program length (TRT). If you do not have a Producer's Statement of Compliance on file with MLTV, you must also submit one of those.
Recording Quality
- Programs do not have to be “Broadcast Quality,” but if they are of extremely poor video or audio quality, we cannot guarantee that they will be played. MLTV staff are available to advise on formatting and video/audio adjustments to help you deliver the best possible technical quality.
Please direct questions regarding playback requirements to: info@mainlinetv.org