Downloads are encoded using the H.264 codec. H.264 encoding is used for movies in the Apple iTunes store, and is a part of the standard for HD-DVD and Blu-Ray High Definition DVDs. H.264, which is widely available on all platforms, offers exceptional video quality with high compression, which means better picture with smaller downloads.
HOW LONG DO THE DOWNLOADS TAKE?
The size of the downloads are 1.05 GB (at 640x272) for the portable download, and 2.36 GB (at 1128x480) for the larger, “standard” download. Generally, with a decent DSL connection, it will probably take about an hour and a half to download the portable version, and about two and a half hours for the standard, or “DVD Definition” download. This, of course, depends on your particular connection, so just be patient -- it’ll get there!
HOW DOES THE DOWNLOADING BEGIN AFTER I’VE BOUGHT THEM?
After you add the version(s) you want to your cart, you’ll get a confirmation email from bside.com (who handles our e-commerce) regarding your order. You will then receive a second e-mail giving you the link to recover your downloads right from your download control panel on your browser. You have 7 days to claim your downloads and then the links die, so make sure you download the film before then!
IF I BUY A DOWNLOAD, HOW DO I GET CREDITED TOWARD A DVD PURCHASE?
When you buy a portable download or a maximum quality download, you get an email from bside.com that includes a coupon code you can use next time when you are in the check out page of your shopping cart. Simply input that code and you will be credited towards the amount of the DVD purchase.
QUESTIONS ABOUT FUTURE BLU-RAY VERSIONS:
So, by now, we've all heard about the demise of Toshiba's HD-DVD format. It's somewhat unfortunate because the HD-DVD format would have allowed us an affordable way to bring you a full 1080p version of "White of Winter," which is what the film was originally shot in.
As the technology improves (which it does quickly and exponentially!), and hopefully we continue to build a strong audience and more sales, we absolutely want to provide a Blu-Ray version of the feature, along with all the extras on the standard def DVD, and possibly even more. That's right -- there are more deleted scenes if you can beli
QUESTIONS ABOUT SHIPPING & FULFILLMENT:
Although we have our own “store,” we decided to work with a company called B-Side (as mentioned above) to handle the “e-commerce” for not only the digital downloads, but also the standard def DVD’s. When you click an “Add to Cart” button for either the downloads or the standard def DVD, you will be taken to the appropriate page on www.bside.com for download, payment and/or shipping instructions and information.
When you order the HD-DVD version, you will be taken to the appropriate site handled by Amazon.com for payment and shipping instructions and information.
Using these companies helps us greatly with making sure you get what you’ve ordered and making sure if there are any issues, technical or otherwise, that you are taken care of correctly. After all, we probably should focus on making films as much as possible! And as independents, we are getting a fair share of every sale, so don’t worry -- there’s definitely money going to us so that we can pay off our debts!!
Please also go to www.bside.com for more information or e-mail them if you are having problems with your order or your account at help@bside.com.