Frequently Asked Questions and more
- How do I find my video after uploading
You can see your media files once encoded by logging into the , then clicking on the silhouette icon in the top right of your screen which will allow you to click onÌýMy Account > My Content, here you can search for your file and byÌýclicking on YesÌýlink in the "Encoded" field, this feature will load your video file.Ìý
Every time you upload a media file, once encoded you receive an email from the system. The team recommends that it's best not to delete these emails as they contain the URLÌýlink to your videos and these are useful to have as a record of all your media.
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- I cannot access, upload or play certain videos since the Mediacentral move to the Cloud
Mediacentral has now moved to the Cloud, however, some people may be experiencing or having trouble playing, uploading or accessing content.
One major change since the move to the Cloud, is that Mediacentral now requires you to login using Single-Sign On or SSO, to access your account. Before this can take effect, it is important that you:
Sign-out of all your Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø accounts and web applications from your web browsers e.g., from Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge. Please check all your different devices e.g. desktop computer, laptop, tablet smartphone etc., and sign-out of your Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø web applications there too.Ìý
If problems still persist, please contact theÌýMediacentral team.
- Open the browser and clear the cache and browser history.
A tip for ensuring you are signed-out of your Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø web applications, is to:
Completely close and quit your web browsers including any open tabs.
- I get an Error Code 232011 or 224003 notificationÌýwhen IÌýplay a video?Ìý
We note these errors onlyÌýseem toÌýhappenÌýwithÌýApple devices.ÌýIf you see an error code displayed when trying to playback video such as 232011Ìýor 224003 error, then in the first instance:
- Please check that you have the most up to date version of all of yourÌýweb browsers.
- It is important to update browsers regularly, primarily for security purposes.
- Once you have updated your browser, it is good practice toÌýrestart your device to ensure any old settings are deleted.
If the problem persists:
For users who prefer Chrome for Mac,Ìýwe have created a workaround:
Problem
- SSL certificates on Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø websites were revoked due to a security update, but we have discovered thatÌýChrome for Mac isÌýstill referring to an old revoked SSL certificate.
Resolution
- We have created aÌýdocument that outlines the stepsÌýthat are required to manually update the SSL certificate, pleaseÌýcontact theÌýMediacentral teamÌýto access the information.
- Simply read the document and download the attached .crt file
- Double click on the file and it should automatically open Keychain for Mac and update the certificate.
- Close and reopen Google Chrome for Mac
If you need additional assistance, please contact theÌýMediacentral team.
- Will my videos play in countries that block YouTube and Vimeo content?
Yes, Mediacentral does work in countries that block mainly Google-hostedÌýcontent. However, this should be caveated by saying the video viewing experience will be dictated primarily by a viewer's broadband speed (bandwidth)Ìýwhich can vary and that some people viewing may not have the best of experiences.ÌýAlso, it is important to note that the services deliveredÌýare at the behest of any new firewall rules brought in by anyÌýnational government in the future.
- I'm leaving Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍøÌýbut wish to transfer ownership of my media to one of my colleagues?
We now have a simpleÌýsolution that will allow your media to be transferred to another Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø user/staff member.
Please request a change of ownershipÌývia email for content that is in use and may be required in the foreseeable future and the team will explain how to do this.
- Why is the sound muted when I play a video
For Desktop@Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø and PC Users
Google Chrome
- Click on three dotsÌýon top right-hand corner
- Click onÌýSettings
- Then click onÌýPrivacy and Security
- Then chooseÌýSite Settings
- Then scroll down until you seeÌýSound
- Then ensure that the slider is on toÌýAllow sites to play sound (recommended)
Internet Explorer
- Click on theÌýCog in the top right-hand corner of your browser window
- Choose Internet Options
- Then click on theÌýAdvanced tab
- Scroll down and ensure underÌýMultimediaÌýthat theÌýPlay sounds in webpagesÌýoption is ticked.
Firefox
- Click on the three linesÌýin the top right of the screen
- SelectÌýOptions SelectÌýPrivacy and SecurityÌý(left-hand side of the page)
- Scroll down and ensure that the check boxÌýBlock websites from automatically playing sound is unticked.
Apple Mac users
Safari
If there is no sound when playingÌýa video in Safari:
- Then in theÌýmenu bar choose Safari >ÌýPreferences
- In the Safari Preferences menu barÌýselect Websites
- Then select Auto-Play in the sidebarÌýmediacentral.ucl.ac.ukÌýshould show underÌýCurrently Open Websites
- Or if you have visited before under Configured Websites
- ChooseÌýAllow All Auto-PlayÌýin the drop-down box to allow sound to play automatically.
For Google Chrome and Firefox please follow the instructions for a PC
- What is the retention period for Mediacentral content?
ÌýMediacentral should not be used as a data storage facility, users should use either their N, S or OneDrive for long term storage
For information about the policy
Information can be found hereÌý/mediacentral/terms-use/retention-policy
- Can videos hosted on Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø Mediacentral be embedded on Wordpress?
Yes, we have recently received confirmation from aÌýÏã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø departmentÌýthat Mediacentral videos can be embedded into a WordPress site. This is done using the MediacentralÌýEmbedÌýlink rather than the Share link. Contact the team for further assistance.
- How doÌýI addÌýcaptions to my video?
This is an activity thatÌýis done in the upload process, or if you like, thisÌýcan be done at a later stage, note that after 23rd September 2020 with respect to accessibility, you have to have added your captions file within 14 days of upload. in Mediacentral pleaseÌýuseÌýeither a .srt or .vttÌýor .dfxp file format.
Depending on where you get your captions, you can always edit these within Mediacentral - further information to follow.
- Where do I get information on how to create a subtitle file?
The Mediacentral team added a 'charged for' captioning service in the summer 2020, please contact captions at ucl.ac.uk, the rates are significantly lower than using external services and we can offer these in various languages.
There is a Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø document on subtitling best practices found hereÌýand a useful blog entryÌýhere.
- How can IÌýcreateÌýa transcript file and add this to my content in Mediacentral?
There are free online tools to help you convert your captions file to a transcript.
A simple solution is to use Notepad or TextEdit to open your .srt or .vtt file, copy the text and paste it into the text box , then copy the results and paste them into a Word (or similar) document, once you have completed this process you can then add to your Attachments in Mediacentral to share.
- I can see a Record Screen icon,Ìýhow do IÌýrecord using Mediacentral?
We now have the ÌýMEDIALecture tool, this isÌýa component of Mediacentral and was trialed during the initialÌýCovid-19 lockdown, due to its success Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø staff & students can now record their screen, their webcam, and their voice or all three whilst at home. For further information go to the MEDIALecture pages
- Can IÌýupload multiple media files?
Currently, each file you have has to be uploaded individually, however, please contact the team for information on how we can assist with uploading a large number of files.
- How do IÌýadd a PowerPoint or Word document file?
If you wish to add a file that links to your content then it is possible to add 3 attachments, these can be in the file formats .doc,Ìý.docx, .gif, .htm, .jpg, .mp3,Ìý.pdf, .ppt,Ìý.pptx, .swf, .txt, .xls, .xlsx, .zip
You can do this at the upload stage or if you wish to add at a later date just find your file in My Content and click on the Pencil icon to initiate the process, just click Next until you see the Assoc Files tab andÌýthen Browse and add your file. Once your file has uploaded click Next and then Finish. You do not need to wait for any encoding process, your file will be there immediately.
- Can IÌýupload and view media when using a mobile device?
Currently, you can only upload via Apple iOS.ÌýTo upload from an iOS device, you must be logged onto the site with an account that has upload permission for at least one category.
On an iOS device
- Click theÌýUploadÌýbutton at the bottom of the screen.
- On the next screen choose a file to upload by clickÌýBrowse.
- You can upload an existing video or use the device's camera to shoot a new clip. Video with audio and video-only uploads are allowed.
- Once the clip has been uploaded clickÌýNextÌýand provide theÌýdetails for the clip. TheÌýTitle,ÌýCategory,ÌýDescription, andÌýEmailÌýfields are mandatory.
- Add tags to the clip to help viewers find the clip through search criteria.ÌýIf there is a disclaimer check the box to agree to it.
- ClickÌýNext.
- On the confirmation page, clickÌýFinishÌýto complete the upload process.
- Enable sharing your contentÌýwith a 'Creative Commons' licence?
Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 InternationalÌý(CC BY-ND 4.0)
It is best to use the Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-ND 4.0)Ìýlicence. This willÌýlet others copy, distribute, display, and perform only original copies of your work. If they want to modify your work, they must get your permission first.
You are free to:
Share -Ìýcopy and redistribute the material in any medium or format for any purpose, even commercially.
The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms.
Under the following terms:
AttributionÌý-You must giveÌý, provide a link to the license, andÌý. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your us
NoDerivativesÌý-ÌýIf youÌýÌýthe material, you may not distribute the modified material.
No additional restrictionsÌý-ÌýYou may not apply legal terms orÌýÌýthat legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.
Notices:Ìý
You do not have to comply with the license for elements of the material in the public domain or where your use is permitted by an applicableÌý. No warranties are given. The license may not give you all of the permissions necessary for your intended use. For example, other rights such asÌýÌýmay limit how you use the material.
- Can I add a watermark orÌýoverlay to my video?
Prior to uploading to Mediacentral if you wish to add a watermark or overlay to brand your video then a simple solution is to download and use the free softwareÌý.ÌýInformation on how to add your logo/watermark/overlay can be found .
- How do I download a file for offline viewing?
You canÌýdownload video and audio files by right-clicking on theÌýDownloadÌýlink in the information under the video on the Mediacentral site.
- You should note that not all content has been made available for download.
- If you need a copy of a file thatÌýis not available for download then we suggest that youÌýnote the name of the Contributor and email them with a request stating the purpose andÌýwhy you would like a copy of their file.
- Using Playlists
Playlists are created with the application, currently, they are also only available to view within Mediacentral.Ìý
You can view and manage yourÌýMediacentralÌýplaylists by clicking theÌýMy AccountÌýbutton at the top of the screen after you have logged in.
Creating a Playlist
- ClickÌýNewÌýto create a playlist. In the pop-up window, give the playlist a name and a description.
- TheÌýPrivateÌýcheckbox is checked by default.
- Uncheck it to make the playlist available to otherÌýMediacentralÌýusers.
- ClickÌýSaveÌýto save the playlist.
- You can then add content to the playlist.
Reordering Playlist Content
Once you have added content to a playlist,Ìýyou can reorder the clips within the playlist
- Go to myÌýMy Account
- ClickÌýPlaylists, and select the playlist by name, searching for it if necessary.
- The playlist displays the list of clips.
- Hover over a clip, then click and hold the four-way arrow, dragging the clip to a new position in the playlist.
- How do I manage my media?
Once you have uploadedÌýcontent toÌýMediacentral, you can manage thisÌýby clicking theÌýMy AccountÌýbutton at the top of the screen after you have logged in.
Content List
Your content page displays information about the media you have uploaded. In the content list, you can search for content, modify settings, and delete items. In the media listing area, content is organised according to the most recent contributions.
Click any of the green column headings to organise your media differently.
Searching for media
In theÌýContent ManagerÌýarea at the top of the content listing page, you can search for media items by specifying certain criteria:
- Keywords:ÌýKeywords return content that contains these words in the title, description or tags.
- Category: ÌýSelecting a category returns only the content from that category in the search results.
- I want to delete a media file, is this possible?
Deleting your media is quite simple, but before you do this ensure that you have a copy of your file offline, if you are not sure then download your file before deleting it.
To delete a file, first log in to Mediacentral and then:
- UnderÌýMy AccountÌýselectÌýMy ContentÌýto see your files.
- If you have a large quantity then use theÌýSearchÌýfunction to findÌýthe file you wish to delete.
- Then tick the radio button on the left-hand side of the camera icon and at the bottom of the page.
- You will see the textÌýDelete selected mediaÌýand a tick box to include deleting any associated files.
- Before clicking on theÌýDelete selected media,Ìýdouble-check that you have only chosen the files you no longer require asÌýthis action cannot be reversed.
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