NCI Receivable Media Specifications

Receivable media includes videotape, DVD, CD and digital video/audio.

Delivery of digital media can be by Internet file transfer (FTP), CD or DVD.


SCRIPTS

Please make every effort to provide a script. The script is often our only source for the proper spellings of characters and fictional places, as well as hard-to-understand slang and fictional languages. Provision of a script enhances the end product and is much appreciated.

General specs for all media formats:

• Physical media must be clearly labeled. If NTSC videotape, the label must clearly specify if it is “Drop Frame” or “Non-Drop Frame” time code.
• Time code must match time code on your master.
• Time code should be first generation, not dubbed.
  If dubbed TC is used, it must be regenerated.
• VITC (Vertical Interval time code) and/or LTC (Longitudinal time code).
• VITC must be on lines 19 & 21 for PAL, and 16 & 18 for NTSC.
• In addition to LTC and/or VITC, BITC (Burned-in, visible time code), placed in the top right of the display, is preferred and must match the master.
• Time code must begin uninterrupted at least 10 seconds before start of program and continue uninterrupted for at least 10 seconds beyond program close.
• Audio and LTC levels should be at 0 on the VU.
• Mixed composite audio on Channel 1.
• Stereo audio if using VITC.

DigiBeta (NTSC/PAL)

• Stereo audio is okay(channels 1 and 2 ONLY)
• VITC/LTC

DVCAM/MiniDV (NTSC/PAL)