Recordings playback with no video

[LQMadmin]

We record webinars locally, edit them and then upload the recordings back to GoToWebinar.

Recently, several edited .mp4 files when uploaded ony play back audio with a blank screen for many (but not all) viewers.  These original .MP4 recordings playback OK locally in VLC but not in MS Media Player or Movie maker.

has anyone encountered this?  I assume its an issue with the codec/settings used in expoirting the edited file, doe sanyone know what is the appropriate codec/settings to use?

[Chris Droessler · Accepted solution]

Here is what I do with great results.

I use Final Cut Pro to edit the video. This probably does not matter, except that it will take the native GoTo video and allow me to edit it.

The final video is sent to Apple Compressor.

In Compressor I use the "Broadband High" setting which is under "Prepare for HTTP Live Streaming."

The video settings are

MPEG-4

Codec: H.264

Frame size: Up to 960 x 540 pixels

29.97 frames per second

data rate: 5Mbps

Entropy Mode: CAVLC

Audio

Format: AAC

Layout: Stereo

Sample Rate: 22.050 kHz

Bit Rate: 40 kbps

Sometimes I use Final Cut Pro to add closed captions to a video.  If I upload a video file to GoTo that has closed captions encoded, I get an error message, but the video always plays fine.

[LQMadmin]

Great. Used VLC with these settings to convert the edited file and it uploads and plays perfectly! Much appreciated

[hear-uk]

same issue! i am using premier pro to edit and add captions. But when uploading it uploads but plays with a blank screen. I tried the settings in the solution to no avail?

[Chris Droessler]

You have to keep tweaking the settings until you find a combination that works.

Have you tried to playback the video on a different web browser or different computer?  The blank screen is probably due to local playback rather than the way GoTo shares the video.

[punihmeh]

That is a valid point brother, sometimes the browser cache will also do the negative things such as thins, so, it's always better try out in multiple and different ways before coming to a conclusion. I have personally experienced such an issue on my website and now it's working pretty fine because i have also followed the very same thing with my website and everything is working except in the local browser.

[Mel-SoTSA]

Thanks for these settings Chris. I wish GoTo was more specific than "mp4 not over 4 GB" I Had 400 + on and half  could not see/hear videos...but not until a certain point in the webinar, and most (not all)  were remedied with a logoff/logon. GoTo support recommended I tell everyone to clear cache or get faster internet service. That seems odd. We always have one or two that can't see and I'm fine chalking that up local issues, but when hundreds have problems something is up with the stream.  I guess it's back to lo res on GoTo video for us and searching for new platform.  Any premium webinar platforms you recommend that can handle 1080p (and scale it back seamlessly for low bandwidth users/local issues) ? 

[Chris Droessler]

Even though GoTo says "videos should be at least 720p resolution," I never do. I always upload 540p videos and have had nobody complain about the quality.  People are watching our webinars on their computers, tablets and phones.  I am sure someone will try to experience the webinar on the 85" 4K TV in their living room, but I am not going to worry about that for a few years.

[Mel-SoTSA]

Thanks Chris,

 I just thought of another thing. How far ahead of event do you upload video? Most sites require some processing time before full res payback is possible. I wonder if there is a processing window that we have not been told about? Some of my vids were uploaded day before, some day of...the day-of ones showed the problem.

So I'm going to go with: 540p MP4 with H.264/AAC

And I'm guessing 1-to-1 pixel aspect ratio and  Non-fractional fps is a good policy too.
Any other tips appreciated!

[Chris Droessler]

I usually upload days or weeks before, but sometimes just hours before the start of the webinar.