Frequently Asked Questions
Q: May I submit custom code that I have written?
A: No. Unfortunately we don't have the resources or manpower to compile/install custom software. Neither do we have the time to ramp up on running your particular simulation. In short, we don't want your software; we want the output of your software.
Q: I have custom code that I ported to Windows, and it has a compliant Windows Install Shield so can I submit that?
A: No. For the same reason as cited in the previous question.
Q: What about media produced on a Mac?
A: Using a Mac to produce your visualization is fine. However, keep in mind that even with the advent of Max OS-X, the color space is not equivalent to that of an Intel platform. The colors and overall look may not be what you expect. Review and judging will occur in a typical corporate PC computing environment.
Q: I have some media produced on an SGI workstation, is that OK to submit?
A: Not if we need an SGI workstation to view it. We realize that some really high-end work is done on this platform. What you need to do is generate the visualization output, move that to a Windows box and then create your images, digital movies, etc. This ensures that we will be able to review it in a PC environment.
Q: May I submit Photoshop or Quark express files?
A: No. We cannot get into a situation of deciding what proprietary formats we have to support. If it's a still image, send us a PC byte order TIFF, JPG or plain old Windows BMP. If it's digital video see the FAQ entry about video.
Q: May we use an online URL as an entry?
A: No. We can't rely on Internet connections during the review/judging process. Save the relevant html and any associated media locally and then burn it to a CD-ROM or DVD.
Q: What about images embedded in some web pages?
A: Sure. Web is fine. That's cross platform. Although, don't go overboard on JavaScript or some other scripting language embedded in the pages.
Q: Is PowerPoint OK?
A: No. PowerPoint decreases image quality and is primarily used for presentation purposes.
Q: I have an entry for the Interactive category that I want to deliver in Flash or Shockwave. What should I submit—-a standalone projector or the web embedded version?
A: Either is fine. We can't rely on Internet connections during the review/judging process so whatever you submit, it's going to be on a CD or other media local to the presentation PC.
Q: What about digital video?
A: We accept all digital video formats that are compatible with Windows.
Q: What about QuickTime movies?
A: QuickTime for Windows is what you want to submit. When authored on a Mac, ensure you "flatten" the movie which allows the QuickTime to be played back on a PC.
Q: What do mean by "flatten" a Mac based file?
A: Mac files consist of two parts called "forks." The "data fork" contains the data which would normally be stored in the file on other operating systems. The "resource fork" contains a collection of attributes including program segments, icon information and other parametric data. Flattening a Mac file collapses these forks into one file which can be handled by other operating systems.
Q: May I submit animations that were burned to DVD?
A: Yes. Just ensure that it is an NTSC formatted DVD.
Q: How will my submission be displayed for review?
A: First round review panel members and judges will meet in conference rooms. Your entry will be displayed on a large screen from an LCD projector.
Q: What can I submit? What kind of things would be appropriate?
A: Anyone asked would give a slightly different definition of science visualization and have their own examples of what is representative. The best guidance we can offer is to just give it a shot and send us your entry while ensuring it complies with our submission guidelines.
Q: What compression codec should I use for digital movies?
A: This is a complicated question. The choice of compression codes is a set of tradeoffs that also depends on whether you choose Windows Media, QuickTime or Real Media. For Windows AVI, use compression codecs that are standard on Windows Media Player installation or the Intel Indeo set. For QuickTime use the compression codecs that come standard with installation of the free QuickTime player for Windows. MPEG-2 will not play natively in Windows Media Player so you should encode clips in MPEG-1 or MPEG-4. RealMedia may be encoded with the current or earlier versions.
Q: In what category should I submit my science-based art?
A: Unfortunately there is no good category to submit your work. The competition is unable to judge it properly.
Q: What characterizes a winning entry?
A: Entries are typically graded higher when they (1) explain non-obvious phenomena in an engaging and not overly-technical manner, (2) have "depth" or layers of information that reward continued inspection, (3) have well matched the media or technique to the subject, and (4) are focused to communicate to a well-defined audience.
Q: What exactly do you mean by "Visualization"
A: Entries should show and explain some aspect of the world that humans don't typically see. That can be a unique viewpoint (e.g., extreme magnification), non-obvious relationships, "impossible" views (e.g., standing inside the Sun), extra-sensory views (e.g., x-ray photographs of galaxies), etc.
Q: Can I resubmit an entry this year that didn't win last year?
A: Yes, but it is unlikely to fare any better. The quality of submissions each year is improving.
Q: I am from Italy. Can I submit an entry?
A: Yes. This is an international competition. We have received entries from over 22 countries so far.
Q: Do works need to be submitted in English?
A: Yes.
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