File formats

This page defines the music, graphics and video file formats used in the sound and vision compos, namely, music, graphics compos including the fast compos and the short film compo.

Music file formats

• The entry has to be delivered as single MP3 or OGG file at a bit rate of 160 kbps or higher. This is also the primary submission format in the Fast music compo.
• The music must have two channels, however, please take into account that the playback in the main hall is in mono, both channels mixed together 50-50.
• Maximum file size is 10 MB.
• You may also submit XM/IT/MID, etc original song format in the submission package, as long the filesize doesn't exceed 10MB. This song will be distributed along with the MP3/OGG, but will not be used in jurying or playing the song in the main hall.

Graphics file formats

The following file format rules apply to all graphics competitions (not including Oldskool graphics):

• The only supported image formats are PNG, JPEG and (uncompressed) TIFF. Only RGB colour space allowed - no CMYK images.
  
• If the original image was in vector format you may include the image in the submission package also in SVG format. However, the PNG, JPEG or TIFF image will be the primary submission and will be shown on the big screen
• Pictures will be shown in 1024 by 768 resolution with full 24bit color depth.
• Also submit a version of the final image with NO visible signature. Name this file with “_nosig” prefix (e.g. “cool_image.png” for the final image and “cool_image_nosig.png” for unsigned version of the same image).
• Entries without no-signature version will be disqualified.
• In the Drawn Themed and Freestyle Graphics compos you must submit evidence of the process of creating the picture:
• This means that the different steps of the process (e.g. outline, coloring, retouching) are shown in different files from different points in time when the picture is being created
• The resolution of the unfinished pictures must be at least the same as the resolution of the final picture, but you can submit also higher resolution pictures.
• Order the unfinished stages of the picture by renaming the files with appropriate prefixes (f.i. “stage1.png”, “stage2.png”) and put them into a subdirectory called “unfinished” in the ZIP archive.
• NOTE: This year we will possibly show the unfinished images shortly on the big screen. First the final image, then each unfinished state shortly and finally, the final image for a longer period. The procedure will be updated here when the decision has been made.

Drawn themed graphics

• You must submit at least SIX versions of the unfinished picture that show the process of creating the picture.

Freestyle graphics

• You must submit clear evidence of the process of creating the picture
• If you are using a modeler, it is not sufficient to submit six pictures of the final picture from different view points! If you are using a photograph, take few extra shots and include them as a proof.
• In addition to the image files, a text file called Readme.txt stating used techniques and sources of any material used in the entry must be submitted. If possible, we will tell the information about the techniques when showing the pictures on the big screen and when voting for them in the PTN system.

Video formats

The supported video format is: DV AVI PAL Type II

We prefer DV AVI for for its best quality and best convertability to other formats. The production will be shown directly from this format and compressed to some MPEG4/MP3 format for internet distribution. If you, however, have problems supporting this format, please contact CompoCrew well ahead the competition deadline and we'll help you to your production to the desired format.

• The productions must be submitted in 720x576 resolution, aspect ratio 4:3, pixel aspect ratio 1.067.
• The sound must be 48kHz/16bit/stereo
• The production must have 25 fps framerate
• Maximum file size is 1.2 GB
• The production must be delivered on a standard CD/DVD. No hard disks, ZIP disks or floppy disks. The media will NOT be returned. Write the group name, entry name, PTN id and your contact information DIRECTLY ON THE LABEL ON THE MEDIA, in addition to the submission tag in the minigrip bag. This way we can keep the disks in much better order.
• In addition to the video file, a text file stating the sources of any material used in the entry must be submitted. The file should list the sources and the ownership issues related to the material. For example, if you have used photographs from a free source, you should include the information of this source, so that the reference can be checked.
• A screenshot image must be submitted with the entry to the competition management system. Width: 133px, height: 100px. Format: PNG.