The upgrade to HTML5 is here! We’ve been working closely with our video vendor, JW Player, to upgrade to HTML5 in order to create a greatly enhanced and user-friendly video viewing experience for our athletes and ChronoTrack LIVE Admin users. Since December 2015, multiple Internet browser services (Chrome, FireFox and Safari) have begun phasing out Flash Plug-in, with the ultimate goal of completely decommissioning its use. Thus, it was time for a change.
Optimizing our Video Product
Many of you may have already noticed this industry phase-out. If your browser is not Flash-enabled and you attempt to play a video (via the current ChronoTrack LIVE Results & Media platform and ChronoTrack LIVE Admin Video tab), you receive the following error message: NO PLAYABLE SOURCE FOUND. The release of JW Player HTML5 will ensure an optimal viewing experience and no longer require the use of Flash. We’ve dedicated significant time and energy to understanding the trend of HTML5 and optimizing our video product accordingly, as HTML5 is favored by default in browsers, and Flash-based video is no longer the industry-leading technology.
Ensuring a Smooth Transition
We imagine that you may have questions as to how this upgrade will impact you, and the software and hardware that you’ll need to optimize the video experience for your athletes and your events. Don’t worry—we’re here to help ensure a smooth transition to better quality video than ever before! We’ve anticipated—and answered—several questions below; if you have any further concerns after reading this, just give us a call and we’ll walk you through whatever assistance you need.
What does the upgrade to HTML5 mean to me?
We will only accept .mp4 video files going forward. The file format .flv, is a Flash video container file format, and thus can no longer be supported with the upgrade to HTML5. ChronoTrack LIVE will only allow submission of .mp4 file formats for participant videos and .mp4 files and still .jpg and .png files for pre-roll commercials.
What will happen to all my past participant video submissions made in .flv format? What will the athletes see?
We have gone through the painstaking process of converting all past .flv submissions to .mp4 format. Your athletes will not notice a change in their video watching experience. With the .mp4 conversion, the upgrade will now show these files compatible with HTML5.
I use a webcam still. What type of software and settings do I need to use to record/save in .mp4 file?
On a PC:
Please utilize Microsoft Life Cam auto focus 1080p Webcam 5WH-00002 YouCam7. Recording software can be used to capture webcam video in .MP4 format, then uploaded through MM. This is 30-day free software, and $40 to purchase the full program.
On a Mac:
Utilize Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 ($79.99), Mac OS 10.6 or later (HD 720p video), to record video with QuickTime Player. Then, convert the .mov file to .mp4 using Any.mp4 converter and submit as .mp4 to ChronoTrack Media Manager (version 2.07).
What software and settings do I need to convert my .flv file to .mp4?
On a PC:
Purchase AnyMP4 Studio (www.anymp4.com) and convert your .flv to the following profile type: iPad mini 4 H.264 720p Video (*.mp4)
On a Mac:
Purchase AnyMP4 Studio (www.anymp4.com) and convert your .flv to the following profile type: iPad mini 4 H.264 720p Video (*.mp4)
You’ve convinced me to stop using my webcam. What video camera and what settings do you recommend so that I can create the best video viewing experience for my athletes?
Budget-conscious option:
Canon R70 [16:9 Aspect Ratio, 1280 x 720p / 29.97 fps, .mp4 Format, Recording Mode: 4mbps]. You’ll also need 32GB SD card, (2) extended batteries: Canon BP-727, Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Magic Arm with Camera Bracket and Manfrotto 035 Super Clamp without Stud.
High-end option:
Canon Vixia G40 (best video option) [16:9 Aspect Ratio, 1280 x 720p / 29.97 fps, .mp4 Format, Recording Mode: 4mbps]. You’ll also need 32GB SD card, (1) extended battery: Canon BP-828, Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Magic Arm with Camera Bracket and Manfrotto 035 Super Clamp without Stud.
We’re thrilled to bring you this upgraded video platform, and we look forward to helping you in any way possible during the transition. Please feel welcome to contact The Athlinks Services Digital Media Division (photos@chronotrack.com) for additional information or call us at 855-709-4555 with any further questions.
Here’s to an exceptional HTML5 video experience!
