Media specifications

Elsevier preferred specifications

To ensure that the majority of potential users are able to access, view and playback the data, Elsevier recommends the submission of material in the specified 'preferred' formats.

Audio

Video

If submitting video, the following specifications are a guideline for authors/contributors

• Frame rate: 15 frames per second minimum

• Video codec: H.264 (+AAC) preferred

• Video Bit rate: at least 260 kbps (750 kbps preferred)

• Recommended frame size: 492x276

• Duration: no more than 5 minutes

If the software used for the creation of your video(s)/animation(s) cannot deliver one of the above formats, then please save them in one of the accepted formats. Any alternative format supplied may be subject to conversion (if technically possible) prior to online publication.

Tips for making a video abstract

A video abstract is a type of video in which you briefly discuss and explain your paper in a short presentation. It should be within the conceptual scope of the article and directly support its conclusions. Note that video abstracts are subject to peer review.

• If you decide to use an interview setting, the person doing the interview should be someone other than the one doing the filming.

• The person being interviewed doesn't have to look straight at the camera; a slight angle often works better.

• Use a tripod as this will make your video steady.

• Tell a whole story and talk about your article with feeling; act as if you are addressing a class of students.

• Use different techniques, such as animations, to explain your article. You can also make scene shots of your surroundings like your institute, building, environment, etc.

• Use enough light during recording, but avoid any bright light coming from behind the person being interviewed (windows, sunlight). A light source coming from behind the camera gives the best results.

• Anyone speaking should not stand too close to walls to avoid shadow and possible echo effects.

• Speak clearly and loudly enough for recording. Use of a microphone is recommended, but don't place it too close to your mouth: breathing noises should be avoided.

• Clearly state the names of the spokespersons and provide legends, titles etc.

• Edit your video to improve the recording. You can make use of software such as Adobe Premiere Elements, Windows Movie Maker, iMovie, Final Cut Pro, Cinelerra and others.

Many of the points described can be found in videos in the following examples:

• https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2009.07.034 opens in new tab/window

• https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2009.10.039 opens in new tab/window

• https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jnt.2009.11.004 opens in new tab/window

• https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jnt.2009.09.004 opens in new tab/window

Recommended upper limit

For ease of download, the recommended upper limit for the size of a single video/animation file is 150 MB, otherwise users may experience problems when downloading the file. Exceptions are possible, but then some more detailed production discussions post-acceptance will need to take place.