X Song Festival Chicago

Video Recordings FAQ

We answer some of the frequently asked questions about watching the Song Festival's video recordings.

The video is very jerky or freezes while watching it. How do I fix it?

These problems are usually the result of a slower internet connection. By default, the videos are set to play at a high resolution. Try clicking and turing off the HD (High Definition) setting at the bottom of the video window. As a result a smaller file will be sent to your viewer.

Will you be selling a DVD of the festival?

At this time we do not have any plans to sell a DVD. Our contracts with the various unions involved in the production of the show require substantial sums to purchase commercial rights to the recordings. Accordingly, we have decided to share the video recordings with you at no cost. You may download the video files and create your own DVD. If you are unsure how to create a DVD, go to Google and search for something like how to create a video dvd on OSX to learn how to create a DVD on your particular computer system. We remind you that having created a DVD it is only for private and personal use – it may not be sold or used for any commercial purpose.

How do I download a video file?

To download a video file, click the vimeo logo at the bottom of the video window. Then look for the Download button below the video window and underneath the description of the video. Click the Download button. At that point you will be presented with a series of links to download the video in various formats.

What's the difference between HD and SD?

The Festival's HD (High Definition) video recordings are presented in a high resolution 1080p (1920×1080 pixels) format. This is equivalent to what is found on a Blu-ray disc. The SD (Standard Definition) video recordings are 480p which is equivalent to a DVD's resolution (720×480 pixels). All of the source material is presented at a 16:9 ratio.

Is it possible to make the video window larger?

Yes. In those players where that's possible, click the four arrow icon (four little arrows pointing to the four corners of the screen) which is next to the vimeo logo at the bottom right of the video player window.

How can I watch the Festival videos on my large screen TV?

There are a number of methods to get these videos on your big screen TV – Roku, Chromecast, AppleTV, and some smart TVs already come pre-loaded with the Vimeo App. Try using your favorite search engine and search for how your internet connected device or TV can display Vimeo videos. To help you get started try looking for your device on Vimeo's FAQ page for connected TV apps.

May I upload the video files wherever I want?

No. That's the short answer. We ask that you link to the Song Festival's video page instead. There are two other options that you can access by pressing the paper airplane icon on the right hand side of the video window. The first group of buttons is a collection of popular social media sites. Pressing one of those logo buttons will open a new window – just follow the instructions in that window. The other option looks like this < /> – this is the embed option. It contains a snippet of HTML code which gives you the ability to embed that video on your own webpage. If you understand how to make use of that HTML code, go ahead and use it. If not, then it'll be easier to link to Festival's video page using a link (e.g. dainusvente.org/en/video).

We hope you enjoy watching the Song Festival's videos.

Comments (1)

  1. Algis Jurėnas Nov 06, 2015 at 09:43 PM

    Great video work. But even more, I loved the audio.
    Fantastic professional audio recording. Sounds great and clear - the different voices are discernable. Thanks to the guys and gals setting up the mikes and manning the mixer consoles. Bravo. You got it. Liuks! Ačių.
    Algis Jurėnas, Montrealio Balso narys.