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Video files can be too large to upload, and when this happens, one possible solution is to create a new smaller version, which requires 'transcoding' the video from one 'encoding profile' to another (see the novice guide for how to do that).

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Moodle does not have rigid delivery requirements, however you are restricted by your internet connection, and the viewers viewer's computer system.

In this situation, it is wise to use a format that is widely compatible e.g. MP4 rather than something restricted e.g. WMV or MOV, and to deliver a moderate file deliver a moderate file size.

There are many software tools for this including Adobe Media Encoder, Apple Compressor, and FFMPEG, but this guide will use Handbrake as an example because it is free, straightforward, actively developed, and available on both OSX and Windows.

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Video File Compression is for final delivery only, do not do this for your source media.

If you experience stuttering video during editing seek alternative solutions, such as changing video playback quality, video proxy settings, using a separate scratch disk, or a faster computer.

For specific video advice and support contact is-learning-team@nottingham.ac.uk.

Video File Size Factors

Video file sizes are a function of duration x data rate.

Assuming the duration is fixed you need to reduce the data rate. This is achieved by transcoding the original video file to create a new one.

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A typical camera data rate could be 15 Mbps, which would be:

30 seconds x 15 Mbps 15 Mbps = 450 Mb 450 Mb = ~56 MB.

The data rate from motion graphics software or a different camera could be much higher such as 200 Mbps, which would be:

30 seconds x 200 Mbps = 6000 Mb = 750 MB.

You may wish to compress either of these to a data rate of 4 Mbps, which would be:

30 seconds x 4 Mbps = 120 Mb = 15 MB.

Needless to say, there are significant differences between 15, 56, and 750 MBs.

Encoding Profile Settings

You will notice the transcoding software has numerous parameters, if . If you are interested to learn what they do, then start with the the Wikipedia page for video, move on to video codecs, and then read the Handbrake documentation.

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To eliminate the internet connection as an issue then try: changing the network, using a wired connection, or another computer. If non none of this works then we can presume the network connection is ok and the problem is something else.

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To eliminate this guide as the issue, try using something else to compare.

If issues persistspersist, make a note of your fault finding attempts (the above eliminations) and seek technical support, such as through the the Digital Media Support Group.

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