Invalid video dimensions

The width and height in pixels of a video file determine its dimensions. The most common dimensions for television are 720×480 for standard definition (4:3 aspect ratio) and 1280 x 720 or 1920 x 1080 (16:9 aspect ratio) for high definition. While other video dimensions do exist for a variety of purposes, these are the standard for broadcast.

Another component to a video’s dimension is its pixel aspect ratio. Square pixels (1:1) have an equal height and width and what we request in our file format specifications. Other pixel sizes may fail due to the video dimensions associated with them.

Possible Solutions and Examples

Spotloader will only accept the video dimensions below. Something to note about these acceptable dimensions is that they all share the same aspect ratios.

If a spot’s dimensions are different than the ones listed above it will need to be re-encoded with new video dimensions. We have tutorials that can help guide you on how to do this by exporting the file using our preset settings. Please note that your video file may be stretched or squeezed depending on the original video dimensions.

Example:

Invalid video dimensions (1440x1080p).

Possible Solution:

1440x1080p is a high definition format but has a 4:3 aspect ratio. HD content in Spotloader should follow the 16:9 dimensions listed above. This file may be anamorphic and using 3:2 pixels instead of square pixels.

Solution: re-encode the spot with a 1920×1080 video dimension using square (1:1) pixels.

Example:

Invalid video dimensions (360x240p).

Possible Solution:

360x240p is exactly half of the size of a typical standard definition spot (720×480). This file may be a low res proxy of the original and not meant for air. The best solution for this scenario would be to request a higher quality version of the spot from the editor if possible.

Solution: re-encode the spot with a 720×480 video dimension. Your file can either be stretched to twice its size or letterboxed and pillarboxed. Either way, the resulting file may not be of a high enough quality to pass a station’s validation.