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Audio/Video Specifications

Audio

Although we publish to both YouTube and iTunes U, we ask that you adhere to Apple's specifications because they are the most restrictive. This allows us to upload content to both platforms. Please use the following formats for your iTunes U audio and video content and include detailed information about each file. Only correctly formatted content can be uploaded.

For audio: create an MP3 file (with an .mp3 file extension) or an AAC file (with an .m4a file extension). Files should conform to the following specifications:

  • Data rate: up to 160 Kbps
  • Channels: stereo in
  • Output sample rate: 48 kHz
  • Encoding quality: better

Video

Video files must be in MPEG-4, ideally with H.264 compression and have appropriate file extensions (.mp4, .m4v, .mov). iTunes U only accepts files for upload that are less than 500 megabytes (MB). For best results please use the following specifications:

  • Video formats: MPEG-4 with .mp4 / H.264 with .m4v / .mov file extensions
  • Data rate: up to 1.5 Mbps
  • Image size: 640 x 480 pixels
  • Frame rate: 30 frames per second
  • Key frame: every 24 frames
  • Audio tracks: baseline low-complexity profile up to 160 Kbps

Tip: If using QuickTime Pro to create and edit video content, export your videos by choosing Movie to iPod from the Export pop-up menu.

Meta Data File

In order to add content to CCA on iTunes U, a text file with accurate and complete meta data that describes the content of each multimedia file is required. (Meta data provides information about podcasts, and is critical to iTunes U, which uses the information to categorize and make content discoverable/searchable.)

Include the following meta data fields: title, artist, album title, year, genre, and comments (see the example below). Also please provide the name of the multimedia file with each set of meta data.

For example:

  • File name: wertheim.mov
  • Title: Lecture by Christine Wertheim
  • Artist: Christine Wertheim
  • Album title: Design and Craft Lecture Series
  • Year: 2009
  • Genre: California College of the Arts
  • Comments: Christine Wertheim writes poetry and aesthetic criticism. Her recent critical writings have appeared in the journals Art History Versus Aesthetics, X-TRA, Cabinet, Issues, and various exhibition catalogs. She also coorganizes an annual writing conference and codirects the Institute for Figuring, which curates lectures and exhibitions on the poetic aspects of science and math.

Submitting Content

To submit content for iTunes U, send files to web@cca.edu or use the secure CCA Dropbox. For files that are too large for the CCA Dropbox (i.e., in excess of 100 MB), send a CD or thumb drive (aka "flash drive") through interoffice mail. Address it to the web team's attention, then send it to the CCA Communications Office.

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