Video content recommendations (Ultra Student)

The table below displays the approximate file size for a variety of different video resolutions. As you move down the table the video resolution improves and the size of the file increases.

Warning: The default video resolution setting on most phones has been set at a minimum of Full High Definition (30FPS) or better. This means that a 10-minute video will produce a file size of just over 1 gigabyte.

Recommended resolution: For a standard video submission, we recommend a video resolution setting of VGA. At this setting, a 10-minute video will produce a file size of approximately 240 megabytes.

Maximum resolution: The recommended maximum video resolution is High Definition (HD). At this setting, you can record a maximum of 5 minutes of video before the file size becomes too large.

Note: These recommended settings have been chosen as they provide a balance between resolution and file size. The larger the file size the longer the video takes to upload.

In order to change the video resolution setting on your recording device, please either refer to the user manual of your device or complete an internet search for instructions.

Example search: “How do I change the video resolution on my iPhone?”

Phones

There are a number of free apps available through the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store that can assist with reducing the size of a recorded video file. Search for “video compressor” and select one of the free apps.

Warning: Some of the free apps only allow you to compress a maximum video length of 10 minutes.

Computers

If you already have your video file on either your PC or Mac, there are some free video compression programs available. For Mac users, iMovie can be used to help reduce file sizes. For those using a PC, an example of a free program is the open-source video transcoder “Handbrake” which will be able to compress your video to provide a smaller file.

Remove excess or unwanted video footage.

You can reduce the overall size of your video file by removing excess or unwanted video footage. This process is called trimming. For further information on how to trim video footage, refer to the Trim Video Recording guide by Anthology.

The table below gives an indication of approximate upload times for a variety of connection speeds and file sizes.

Warning: The below theoretical upload speeds do not include the processing time required by the ePortfolio to attach the video file. Under test conditions, a 200 MB video file took approximately 7 minutes to process once uploading was completed.

Note:  Upload times are theoretical and are to be used as a guide only. Other factors can influence the upload speeds.

Warning: The above theoretical upload speeds do not include the processing time required by the ePortfolio to attach the video file. Under test conditions, a 200 MB video file took approximately 7 minutes to process once uploading was completed.

Recommendation:  Students should upload videos to their ePortfolio while they are on Campus and connected to eduroam or while using a UQ computer (fastest option). This will reduce the time it takes to complete the video upload.

Recommendation:  Perform a practice upload prior to uploading your final submission so that you can address any issues that may arise.

Note: For details on how to upload your video to the ePortfolio, please refer to the Upload an ePortfolio file or document