Why are there different video types and what do they mean? Why aren't there other
speeds? Videos are currently being presented in two different formats:
Windows Media and DivX AVI format. The new Windows Media streams
will adapt to your connection speed, but a broadband connection is
required. DivX requires a special download in order to play the
videos. See the What is DivX section for more information.
What is DivX?:
DivX is a specific type of video compression that can greatly reduce
file sizes without sacrificing quality. In order to view these
files, you will have to download the DivX codec from their website-
www.divx.com. Once you do this, you will be able to
play the video in a normal media player. The DivX player will work
fine as well.
Why does it take so long for the DivX
file to load?: It depends on what software you are using. If
you are trying to stream it off the site, Windows Media Player actually
downloads the entire file before it starts playback. Because of
this, it may take a few minutes before you see anything. If you
don't want to wait, use the DivX player
instead. I tested both methods, and the DivX player definitely
starts things faster than Windows Media Player. If you wanted to wait several hours, you probably
could load the DivX files over dialup, but I really do mean hours since
the files are about 100 MB in size on average.
I have DivX already but it doesn't
work!: When in doubt, go to
www.divx.com and download the newest version of the software.
You may also want to update whatever media player you are using.
If you are still having trouble, use the DivX player, or drop me an
email or IM and I will try to help you.
The Windows Media streams don't launch
when I click on them!:
RealPlayer, Winamp, iTunes and other media
players frequently change the default association for
Windows Media files.
To fix this problem, open Windows Media Player
and go to Tools --> Options --> File Types and either
click the button that says Select All or make sure there
is a check mark next to Windows Media Video (WMV).
Can I use Windows Media Player 10/11?:
Yes, I tested the different file types with Windows Media Player 10
and 11, and things worked fine. You may need to upgrade to the newest
version of the DivX software depending on your operating system.
If you aren't sure what you are using now, just go upgrade. If you
run into problems, contact me and I'll try to help.
How does the "all years" feature work?:
If you just sit back and watch, the next video in the series will load
after you get to the end of the current year. If you want to skip
around, you can use the "previous" and "next" buttons in Windows Media
Player.
Will other video clips be available? Why
are there years missing:
It all depends on what I come across, and what is submitted to me.
I purchased all of the previous commercial videos from ACCs that I could
locate and will
continue to do so until someone volunteers to donate one instead.
I am also ordering a commercial indoor guard video for every year of
competition. There may be videos available other than what I've
purchased. If you would like to see them on the site (prelims
where I only ordered finals), please purchase and donate a copy. I'm always happy to explore new additions and possibilities.
However, I do reserve the right to screen clips based on overall quality,
and suitability. The submission of clips involving staff members
attempting to march the show, senior/seniorless runs would be greatly
appreciated! I am definitely looking for materials from 1989, 1990, 1991
and 1993 since I don't have a source for a commercial video.
Can I buy a copy of these videos?:
The commercial
videos are copyrighted material and may be purchased directly from
BVP Marching Videos for ACCs and
TIA Wildwood. KIDA 2003 may be purchased from
Talos4 Enterprises. Non
commercial videos produced by the webmaster may be purchased on
DVD or CD for a fee.
