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Media Files and Formats

Which audio/video file formats can I send?

We can accept timecoded or non-timecoded audio and video files in any of the following formats:

  • MP4/MOV (ideally compressed with H.264 video codec with AAC audio)
  • WMV
  • AVI
  • MPEG
  • MXF
  • MP3
  • WAV
  • BWF
  • WMA
  • AAC

What are the best video and audio specs for my media files?

Video files should be compressed so as to not exceed our upload limit of 300MB per 30 minutes of material. Ideally, audio needs to be on a single audio stream within the media file (either Stereo or Mono audio tracks). If you have multi-stream audio files, please mention this with your booking.

What frame rates do you accept?

We can accommodate most common frame rates. However, our preferred frame rates are 23.98, 24, 25 and 29.97 (drop frame and non-drop frame).

Note: Please make sure that the timecode of the media file matches up with the frame rate of the media file.

If you intend to send us media with a frame rate different to the above, please mention this with your booking. We may ask that you send a test file in advance so that we can assess it and let you know if it is something we’re able to work with.

What types of timecode can you work from?

We can work from the following types of timecode:

  • BITC (Burnt In TimeCode)
  • LTC (Longitudinal SMPTE timecode on one stereo channel)
  • Broadcast WAV timecode metadata
  • MP3 ID3 data tags
  • MXF embedded timecode

No timecode on your files?

  • You can specify a start timecode for each of your files.
  • We can start at 00:00:00:00 for each of your files.

If you have another type of timecode, please contact us.

Note: Please make sure that the timecode of the media file matches up with the frame rate of the media file.

Getting Materials to Us

How do I upload my files?

For us to process your media, we must be sent a copy of the file (we cannot accept a streaming link).

Preferred method for file delivery: Contact us to request login details to our easy to use and secure uploader, or for ongoing projects we can set you up with an account.

Other delivery methods: please mention this with your booking.

I’m having trouble uploading. Can you help?

If possible, please make sure the files you are uploading are on your local machine or accessed via a wired network. If your file size exceeds the upload limit, please get in touch with your sales representative or call on +44 (0) 800 0854418 (UK) or (855) 958 2531 (US) and we can advise on a solution.

I have a specific workflow I want to use.

If there is a specific workflow you want to use, please get in touch with your contact, or call on +44 (0) 800 0854418 (UK) or (855) 958 2531 (US). We will evaluate your current workflow and advise on how to find the perfect solution.

General Queries

I need to change the deadline of a transcription job. What can I do?

Please contact us with your new deadline details.

Can Take 1 make transcripts that are compatible with my workflow?

Yes. We can deliver in Word, XML, Avid Scriptsync, Premiere, and Pilotware to name a few. Please contact us with details of your requirements and we will find the perfect solution for you.

What caption file formats can you supply?

Srt, Stl, Vtt, Scc, Ttml, Txt, Dfxp, Pac, Alpha Channel, and many more…

Security and confidentiality are very important to my organization. How can I be confident I can use you for my transcription requirements?

We process premium content on behalf of leading media clients and have comprehensive security measures in place to ensure continued confidentiality of all media assets. We are 100% committed to the security of our clients’ valuable content at all stages of the supply chain.

We are DPP Production and DPP Broadcast accredited and are working towards the TPN security program which includes physical security, HR security, digital asset security, risk management, disaster recovery and more. Security is embedded in our culture, and we have a dedicated security officer continuously assessing information security measures and implementing best practice.

We use a combination of physical and technical-based security controls designed to protect your content at all times.

Some of these include:

AWS infrastructure and controls

Encryption of assets at rest and in transit

Network Segregation

  • Multi-factor authentication and regular access audits
  • Next Generation firewalls
  • Policy based asset deletion
  • Multi-layered physical security measures
  • Scheduled OS patching and upgrades
  • Background checks for users