Controlling and restricting video content

Video comes in many different formats and sizes and todays devices are very capable at playing back most variants. Just because a video can be played doesn't mean it's suited or optimal for the purpose though, and most devices/software struggle if you mix different formats. For that reason, it should be in your interest to keep video content as similar and streamlined as possible. In addition, many users don't understand the complex world of different codecs, framerates and bitrates to begin with. Fortunately, Smartsign provides several functions to make sure that the video content delivered to players conform to your standards as well as the limitations and capabilities of specific devices.
This section will describe recommendations for video content and provide information on how it's possible to avoid issues on specific devices as well as enforcing uniform video content site-wide.

Recommended video format for signage

Below specifications will yield video content that is compatible with virtually any device available on the market.

Container	.MP4
Codec	h.264
Resolution	Max 1920 x 1080 * (Higher may not show, depending on platform)
Framerate	25 fps (Max 30 fps)(Higher may not show depending on platform)
Bitrate	6-12 Mbps recommended

* For portrait video, the same recommendations apply with the resolution 1080 x 1920.

4K / UHD Video content

In general, you should avoid publishing 4K/UHD content unless the screen or video wall is capable of showing content at that resolution. Doing so means unnecessarily large uploads, downloads, increased processing and heavier playback on screen. All of which increase the risk for problems without giving any benefit to the person viewing the content.

Player specific controls and restrictions

Player specific restrictions only affect a specific player or players. Uploaded video content is left untouched in its original version and additional versions will be automatically created to match the requirements for each specific device. If several devices have the same requirement, matching versions will be reused for those players. Since the original video is retained and one or more additional copies may be created, more storage will be required.
The following player settings allow you to control and restrict video content. They can be configured on individual players or on groups of players by using player profiles.

Allowed video file extensions

List of allowed video extensions for this player/player model. If a video has a matching extension it will be passed directly to the player. If the file extension is not in this list the video will be converted to h.264 (.mp4) automatically to ensure compatibility. Extensions should be provided as a list separated by comma (,)
Default setting: .mov,.mp4,.mpeg4

Allowed video fps

This setting restricts the allowed framerate for video on this specific device. Any video published on this device, that does not have the exact configured framerate, will be automatically converted before it's added to the playlist. Default setting is unconfigured.

Limit video resolution to player size

This setting restricts the allowed video resolution on this specific device. If enabled, any video with resolution higher than the output of this device, will be automatically converted to match the resolution before it's added to the playlist. Default setting is False.

Validate video for "seamless play" (LG)

Playing back several videos seamlessly (no gaps between) usually requires that the videos are very similar in format. Enable this setting to validate video before attempting seamless playback. If the videos are deemed to different, they will be played back separately which may result in a gap between them. Disable the setting to always attempt seamless playback. Note that seamless playback of mixed formats may result in unexpected results. Default setting is True.

Combine videos (Android)

Enable this setting to combine multiple videos into a single playlist for more seamless playback. This may result in unexpected behavior if the videos are not uniform in format. Default setting is True.

Site-wide controls and restrictions

Smartsign 10.5 introduced a new possibility to restrict the formats of video content on a site by site basis. Using this feature will enforce uniform video content for all devices in site. Any video content uploaded that does not meet the specifications configured will be converted and replaced immediately on upload. This negates the need for player specific versions and reduces the required storage while automatically optimizing the video for the intended purpose. Uniform video content with consistent and suitable quality for all players.
In comparison, if similar restrictions were configured on an individual player, the original media would not be converted. Instead, a converted copy of the media would be created with valid formats for that particular player, and possibly other players with the same restrictions configured.
Restrictions can be configured on an individual site or on multiple using site profiles. The following settings are available in the media settings category.

Max video resolution

Allows you to restrict the resolution of uploaded videos. Input an integer number specifying the maximum width or height in pixels. If the video resolution exceeds this setting, in either width or height, it will be converted immediately to match. It will not be released to any playlist until the conversion has finished. Valid values are 1 or higher. Default setting is unconfigured.

Max video bitrate

Allows you to restrict the bitrate of uploaded videos. If a video exceeds this setting it will be converted immediately to match. It will not be released to any playlist until the conversion has finished. Valid values are 1000 or higher (bits). Default setting is unconfigured.

Allowed Video FPS

Allows you to restrict video to a specific framerate for the entire site. Any video uploaded that does not match this framerate will be converted immediately to match. It will not be released to any playlist until the conversion has finished. Valid values are 1-100. Default setting is unconfigured.