Video on Demand (VoD)

• What are the recommended video file formats?
  

  The recommended file format is .flv Flash (FLV H246 & AAC).

  The recommended settings for Flash PC/Mac & Iphone/Ipad streaming are:

  Video Settings

  Video Codec: H264 ( High or Main Profile)
  Max bitrate: 500-600kbps for SD |1mbits for 720p | 1.5-2 mbits for 1080p
  Rate Control Mode: VBR
  Key Frames Settings: 60

  Audio Settings

  Audio Codec: AAC (AAC Profile: LC)
  Audio Sample Rate: 48000 Hz
  Audio bitrate: 60 - 128kbps

  NOTE: VP6 or H263 (FLV1) codecs are not recommended!

  Q1: How to encode my videos to the right  .flv (flash) format? 
  A1: Use our Windows based Encoder & Uploader App to encode your videos locally on your computer before uploading them to us. In that case you are assured that there will be no incompatibilities.  
  Read more about the Encoder & Uploader App here

  
  Q2: What are the other file formats I can upload that are supported?
  A2: .asf ,.asx, .avi, .3gp, .3g2, .avi, .f4v ,.flv, .m2v, .m4v, .mkv, .mov, .mp4, .mpeg, .mpg, .mpg2, .vob, .wmv, .xvid
  

• Can I stream to Iphone/Ipad iOS Devices?
  

  Yes. We have recently launched VoD and Live streaming support to iPhone/iPad & other iOS devices. 
  
  NOTE: Video files uploaded prior to 1^st of June 2011 may not be compatible with iOS devices.
  All files except the .flv formats that are uploaded after this date are being encoded with the right settings listed below and are made compatible with Flash & iOS streaming.
  

  VoD iOS streaming is supported using Soho+ or above service plans  (SoHo plan is not supported)

  You have an iOS device and want to see a live demo?

  • See VoD iOS streaming
  • See Live iOS streaming

  If you prefer to upload FLV files instead of any other formats and wish them to be iOS compatible, please make sure these requirements are met:
  
  Video Codec: H264 ( High or Main Profile)
  Audio Codec: AAC (AAC Profile: LC)
  Audio Sample Rate: 48000 Hz

  We recommend our Windows based Encoder & Uploader App to encode your videos locally on your computer before uploading them to us. In that case you are assured that there will be no incompatibilities.  Read more about the Encoder & Uploader App here

• I am a SoHo user - can I upgrade my account to get the iOS streaming?
  

  Yes - Simply login to your panel and go to Account > Service plans and upgrade to SoHo+ for VoD iOS streaming or Business for live broadcasts to Flash and iOS.

  Your existing videos will become available to iOS devices as soon as you upgrade your account. 

  Note: some old videos may not be compatible - please read this article for more info.

• Why is my video not available to iOS devices?
  

  There are 3 reasons why your videos might not be available to iOS devices:
  
  1. You are a SoHo users - see service plans
  
  2. Your video is published in a videoapp that in general is not compatible with iOS devices due to the lack of flash support.

  3. Wrong video/audio codecs. The format and codecs must be:

  File format = FLV
  Video Codec = H264 ( High or Main Profile)
  Audio Codec: AAC (AAC Profile: LC)
  Audio Sample Rate: 48000 Hz
  
   
  We are working on a solution that will allow you to request your files to be re-encoded by our encoders so they can become compatible to iOS devices.  ETA = Sept 2011. More information will be provided in your SVP Panel.
  
  Use our Windows based Encoder & Uploader App to encode your videos locally on your computer before uploading them to us. In that case you are assured that there will be no incompatibilities.  
  Read more about the Encoder & Uploader App here

• How do I secure my videos and prevent them from being downloadable?
  

  We use 2 methods for video streaming:

  • Progressive download - Not secure - online viewers may be able to download your videos while watching them using different software such as Realplayer etc.
  • Secured streaming over RTMP - Secure -  online viewers will not be able to download your videos since there is a stronger security scheme.

  To secure your videos and switch them to "secured streaming over rtmp" you need to:

  1. Click on [Settings] opposite the video you would like to secure.
  2. Go to Edit Video Info.
  3. Under Delivery Method select "SECURED STREAMING OVER RTMP ".
  4. Scroll down and click on Save Changes.
  
  
  

  

• Why is secured streaming over RTMP is not available for my video?
  

  The most likely reason is that you have uploaded .flv file format with a video codec h263 (FLV1), which is not compatible with Secured Streaming over RTMP delivery method!  

  You can use our Windows based Encoder & Uploader App to encode your videos locally on your computer before uploading them to us. In that case you are assured that there will be no incompatibilities.

  Read more about recommended file formats here

• Can I upload multiple video files at the same time?
  
  • Java Uploader - No ( multiple uploads are coming soon)
  • SVP Encoder & Uploader App - Yes  ( read more here ) 
  • HTTP Uploader - No
  • FTP/HTTP Pull Uploader - Yes
  • External Uploaders - Yes

  
   
• What are the uploading limits?
  

   

  StreamingVideoProvider has got no limits on the Java uploader (Internal and External) and some limits on the other type of uploaders:
  
  
  

  • Java Uploader (Internal and External) = No limits
    
    
  • HTTP Simple Uploader  - Up to 100MB maximum size per file uploaded
    
    
  • FTP/ HTTP Pull Uploader - Up to 2GB maximum size per file uploaded

  Note: Trial users can upload max of 200MB file size videos.  To remove the limit, please subscribe for a service plan or contact us.

   

• How often does the storage space gets updated once I delete videos from my account?
  

  It is updated once per day and will refrect in the top rigth corner of your welcome screen.

  

• How to check the file size and bitrate of my videos in my panel?
  
  1. Login to your account via Customer Login > and go to My Panel
  2. Mouse over each video to see the bitrate and file size
• When drag and drop my movies into the Java Uploader, the movies start playing. Why?
  
  Mac OS users have to use the "Add" video button opposite to Drag & Drop when it comes to uploading videos using the StreamingVideoProvider java uploader. Otherwise the videos will start playing instead.