Motionbox HD FAQ

How does HD work with Motionbox? Do I need any special software?

It works exactly like it does with any other type of video on Motionbox. Make sure you have the latest version of Flash on your computer. Upload your HD video file into your account and let us process your video. Nothing extra is needed for you to do and no additional software is required.

Will I have any problems with HD playback on my personal computer?

HD places bigger demands on a standard computer since HD video is bigger than SD video and it takes more storage and internet bandwidth to use. HD formats like HDV and AVCHD can require more processing power to display the frames too. That being said, we're adjusting settings here at Motionbox to ensure smoother playback even for lower bandwidths.

Also, the higher the video's quality - and the more action there is - the faster your connection needs to be. With the "HD" format, a good amount of buffering might need to occur for proper playback.

We do offer a low-bandwidth version of your video. If you're experiencing playback problems with the HD format, try the low-bandwidth version just below the HD player.

Do I need to buy expensive HD equipment in order to record in HD quality?

HD-recording capable cameras and camcorders may be slightly more expensive, but they are more within reach in recent years. A good example is the HDV format in HDV-based camcorders - enabling video enthusiasts to enter the world of HD and not spend an arm and a leg on video equipment.

Our video expert Eric demystifies HD cameras in Episode 11 of Ask Eric: New HD Camcorders!

What are the best settings for my HD video?

Our recommendation is to use the H.264 codec at size 1280x720, bit rate 3000-5000 kbits/sec (optimized for "download"), key frame every 30 seconds (frame reordering on), using the frame rate you shot in. As for sound, we recommend you use AAC at 128kbps in stereo.

What does the 16:9 aspect ratio of HD video mean for my videos?

Aspect ratio refers to an image's width divided by its height. The most common ratio aspect is that of the standard definition television set, which is 4:3. HD video and HD television sets have a universal 16:9 ratio and they can be ideal for recording events where typically you would pan from side to side to get all the action in your screen. Sporting events work particularly well with HD's 16:9 aspect ratio for capturing all the details in one view.

What can I do if my video plays back with stutters, lines, or video artifacts?

This is where the concept of interlacing comes in. If you have video of your son's sporting event and it's not playing back so smoothly, it probably means you have interlaced video. We currently do not de-interlace when we process your video for playback. This will need to be done prior to upload to Motionbox.

Do you currently support AVCHD files? How do I make these files compatible with Motionbox?

Motionbox now fully supports AVCHD video! There is no need to transcode your videos prior to upload, so just move those m2ts & mts files directly from your camera or computer to your Motionbox account. With a Premium account, your AVCHD video will play back in all its HD glory!