To ensure playback on all devices and bandwidths, each media clip is automatically transcoded (or encoded) to different formats upon upload. These formats are called assets and can be found in the “Resources” tab in the media clip details.
The specific assets generated by the online video platform can vary by publication settings, but we maintain a standard set that will be used in most publications.
1.0 | Video assets
Video is transcoded to various asset types:
1.1 | MP4_MAIN
The main asset type is MP4_MAIN and will be served to most users. It features a Standard Definition resolution along with an average bandwidth. Some publications might contain multiple MP4_MAIN assets with different resolutions and bandwidths.
1.2 | MP4_HD
Similar to the MP4_MAIN asset, with a High Definition resolution (above 720p). It features settings that ensure smooth playback and transcoded that is more suited to high resolution video.
1.3 | MP4_IPOD
This asset type can be considered as the most basic asset, since it has great compatibility with a broad range of devices, including (hence the name) the iPod. However, file size and quality are sacrificed for this compatibility and the Blue Billywig player favours other assets if they can be played.
1.4 | MP4_TIMELINE
This asset will only be used within the Timeline Editor, and will never be served to the user.
1.5 | HLS Adaptive HLS file/stream
This asset is by default only generated for livestream. Usage for on demand video is possible, but generally not recommended.
1.6 | IMAGESEQUENCE
An asset that is used to display interactive video on the iPhone. It will only be used on iPhones when an interactive timeline is present.
2.0 | Audio assets
2.1 | MP3
This is the only asset type that will be transcoded for audio media clips, and offers broad compatibility of devices and browsers. Depending on your setup we can add versions with different bitrate settings.
3.0 | What asset will be displayed to the viewer?
The Blue Billywig Player determines what asset to use on a number of factors, to ensure the best viewing experience.
3.1 | Device/Browser compatibility
First, the player determines what assets can be played on a specific device and browser. The resulting list is also featured in the quality selection list in the player.
3.2 | Bandwidth
The player also measures internet connection speed. The asset with highest bandwidth within the internet connection speed will be selected. The player also applies adaptive streaming. This means playback quality will be automatically adjusted as soon as the bandwidth changes. As a result, the user is served with the best quality media with the least amount of loading delay or buffering.
Using the quality selector in the control bar, a user is still able to manually select an asset that has a higher bandwidth than the available internet connection speed.
4.0 | Replace a source file
The Online Video Platform allows you to easily replace a source file. Simply click the “Replace video” button:
When replacing a video, new assets will be generated. If the clip is already embedded on your page, viewers will be served the new version as the clip ID remains the same after replacing the source file. The historic statistics will also remain intact, even though the old version will not be available anymore after replacement.
When a video has been exported to a YouTube channel: replacing the video in the Online Video Platform will not automatically replace the video in your YouTube channel. Remove the video manually in the “Social” tab and re-export the video to your YouTube channel.
5.0 | Trim a video
The Online Video Platform offers a way to trim videos. Click the “Trim” button in the Resources tab:
In the trimming interface, simply use the left and right handlers in the resize bar to change the start and end point of the video:
The trimmed content can be saved as a new clip or can be used to replace the current media clip.
When replacing the current version, new assets will be generated. As a result the viewer will see the new version. After replacing, the old video will no longer be available.
Only the media will be trimmed. Subtitles, audio tracks and interactivity with specific timestamps may need to be edited manually.
When a video has been exported to a YouTube channel: replacing the video in the Online Video Platform with the trimmed version will not automatically replace the video in your YouTube channel. Remove the video manually in the “Social” tab and re-export the video to your YouTube channel.
6.0 | Download a source file
To download the source file of your media clip, simply click the “Download Source File” button:
7.0 | Preview assets
Assets can be previewed by clicking the ‘eye’ icon:
Although the Online Video Platform allows every asset to be previewed, you may find that some assets are unplayable in the Online Video Platform depending on the device, browser and whether Flash is installed or not.
8.0 | Delete assets
To delete an asset, open the asset editor menu by clicking the ‘pencil’ icon and use the ‘delete’ button:
We strongly discourage deleting assets, as this might result in an unplayable media on some devices. However, when an asset is deleted, the player will attempt to select one of the remaining assets. When replacing a media clip’s source file, deleted assets will be re-transcoded. Assets that have been accidentally deleted can be recovered by re-uploading the source file.