Articles in this section

See more

Videos: Web Optimizing Videos

Convergence Training Support
  • Updated
Follow

Article Links Introduction |  Web Optimize a Video | Verify the Video is Web Optimized |

 

INTRODUCTION

The Learning Management System will convert any video file format (.flv, .mov, .wmv or .avi) AND attempt to optimize videos that are not web-optimized during the upload process.  For large video files, when the file is uploaded, the conversion process and optimization can cause the upload to time out which produces an "upload failed" error.  We recommend following the steps below to optimize the video prior to upload. 

Benefits of Web Optimization

Web optimization prior to upload includes the following benefits:

  • Reduces the file size; in most cases by 50% or more
  • The video will stream without buffering when a user launches the assigned video 
  • Web optimized videos upload faster in the LMS because of their reduced file size

Back to top

 

WEB OPTIMIZE THE VIDEO

Web optimizing a video will require using a web optimizing software product.  We recommend a free application called Handbrake, however, you can use any software you would like.  Click this link to go to the Handbrake Download page to download and install the version that will work with your operating system.
Note: The instructions below are using Handbrake version 1.0.7

Follow these steps to web optimize a video using Handbrake:

  1. Launch Handbrake
    Source_Selection.jpg
  2. Click the File - Open a Single File option
    1. Search and select the desired video to be optimized from your local or network drive
    2. Click the Open button
      mceclip1.png
  3. Select the Browse button
    1. Search and locate the destination folder you want to save the newly optimized video in
    2. Click the Save button
    3. You will be returned to Handbrake and the destination location will appear in the file field
      mceclip2.png
  4. Change the Output Settings to MP4 and check the Web Optimized checkbox
    mceclip3.png
  5. Click the Filters tab and change all filter settings to OFF.
    mceclip4.png
  6. Click the Start Encode button
  7. A Queue Finished message will appear in the lower left corner of the screen when the optimization is complete.  The file will be saved to the File Explorer folder.
  8. Refer to the Videos: Import, Update, Move and Delete article for the steps to upload the video in the LMS.

Should you require help with optimizing a video, please contact our support team at support@convergencetraining.com. Our support representatives will be more than happy to help you.

Back to top

 

VERIFY THE VIDEO IS WEB OPTIMIZED

It is not necessary to verify if the video is web optimized. 

However, if you want to save some time and check to see if the video is already web-optimized, read on.

The placement of the "moov atom" in the video file determines if the video is web optimized.  A "moov atom" is a self-contained data unit in the video file that contains information about the video.  For example, duration, display settings, timescale as well as other information related to each track in the video file.

When a user launches the video in the LMS, the browser loads the video and looks for that atom. Buffering occurs when the browser has to search the entire video to locate the "moov atom".

If the "moov atom" is on the first line, the video starts playback immediately or within a few seconds. Therefore, the  video is web optimized.

Some browsers handle this better than others.  Fortunately, it is easy to determine if the video is already web optimized. 

Follow the steps below:

  1. Launch Notepad or Notepad++
  2. Click File >> Open
  3. Search and select the desired video
    Note: be sure to change the file type drop down located in the lower right corner of the screen above the Open button to All Files (*.*)
  4. Click the Open button
    moov_pic.jpg
  5. Click on Edit >> Find and enter the word: moov
    Notes: (1) If the word moov is located on the first line, the video is web optimized. (2) The word moov may be preceded by additional characters. For example,  @amoov, vmoov, or zmoov. Any additional characters can be ignored.  You are simply looking for the presence of moov.
  6. Take these actions based on where the moov atom is located:
    1. If the word moov is located close to the end of the file, the video is NOT web optimized.  Refer to the Web Optimizing the Video section of this article to web optimize the video.
    2. If the word moov is located on the first line of the file, the video IS web optimized Refer to the Videos: Import, Update, Move and Delete article for the steps to upload the video in the LMS.
  7. Click File >> Close to close the video file

Note: Some files may be too large to be opened by Notepad or Notepad++ to verify if the file is already web optimized. If your file is too large to be opened and you're still having issues importing the video into the LMS, we suggest that you web optimize the video. Web optimizing an already web optimized video file will have no negative repercussions.

Should you require help to determine if your video is optimized, please contact our support team at support@convergencetraining.com. Our support representatives will be more than happy to help you.

Back to top

 

Related articles