Release Notes

Video Player upgrade to HTML5 made to Chronotrack Platform (decommissioning FLASH)

CHRONOTRACK has been working closely with our video vendor, JWPLAYER on upgrading to HTML5 to create a much more user- friendly video viewing experience for our athletes and our ChronoTrack LIVE Admin users.

In December of 2015 many moons ago, multiple internet browser services like Chrome, FireFox and Safari, have begun to phase out Flash Plug-in with the ultimate plan of a complete decommissioning of its use. As many of you have already seen, our current ChronoTrack LIVE Results & Media platform and ChronoTrack LIVE Admin Video tab, when you’re not Flash enabled with your browser and attempting to play video, an error will record the following: NO PLAYABLE SOURCE FOUND. This “error” is an example of browsers phasing out Flash enabled products- like our current use of JWPlayer Flash version. So we need to make a change.

With HTML5 favored by default in browsers, our upcoming September 14th release of JW Player will ensure optimal viewing experience and no longer require use of Flash (also insert support of .FLV video submissions). The ChronoTrack Digital Media Division has been working hard to understand the trend of HTML5 and optimize our video product for HTML5, understanding that flash-based video was not in-line with future industry standards.

What does this mean to you?

We will only accept .mp4 video files going forward. The file format, .flv, is a Flash Video container file format and thus no longer can be supported when we make this upgrade to HTML5 (as we’re off of Flash). With our release to this upgrade, ChronoTrack LIVE will only allow .mp4 file formats submission for participant video and .mp4 & still .jpg & .png files for pre-roll commercial(s) to be supported. You need to stop submitting .FLV files to our platform.

The ChronoTrack Digital Media Division is here to assist you if you wish to still capture participant video in .flv format with webcams (however we don’t recommend this for quality reasons and ask that you upgrade your video hardware to capture in .mp4). We also have answered some frequently asked questions about the our upcoming video upgrade impact(s) on you  and have made formal positions on what we’ll need you to do below:

  • What about all my past video participant video submissions made in .flv format when you make this upgrade to HTML5? What will the athletes see?

We have gone thru the painstaking process of converting all past .flv submissions to .mp4 format. You and your athletes will see no change in their vide o experience. With the .mp4 conversion, the upgrade will now show these files compatible with HTML5.

  • I use a webcam still. What type of software do I need to use on my PC Windows machine to record/save in .mp4 file? What settings?

Please utilize Microsoft Life Cam auto focus 1080p Webcam 5WH- 00002 YouCam7″ Recording software can be used to capture webcam
in .MP4 format, and then uploaded through MM. This is a 30-day free software, and $40 to purchase to full program.

  • I use a webcam still. What type of software do I need to use on my Mac to record/save in .mp4 file? What settings?

Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 ($79.99), Mac OS 10.6 or later (HD 720p video),videorecordingswithQuickTimePlayer.Thenconvert
the .mov file to an .mp4 using Any.mp4 converter and submit as .mp4 to ChronoTrack Media Manager (version 2.07).

  • How do I convert my .flv file to .mp4 on a PC? What software & settings?

PURCHASE: AnyMP4 Studio: www.anymp4.com, convert your .flv to the following profile type: iPad mini 4 H.264 720p Video (*.mp4)

  • How do I convert my .flv file to .mp4 on a Mac? What software & settings?

PURCHASE: AnyMP4 Studio: www.anymp4.com, convert your .flv to the following profile type: iPad mini 4 H.264 720p Video (*.mp4)

  • OK, you’ve convinced me to stop using my webcam, what recommendations do you have of purchasing a video camera so I can create the best video viewing experience for my athletes? What settings?

Low cost option: Canon R70 [16:9 Aspect Ratio, 1280 x 720p / 29.97 fps,.mp4Format, RecordingMode:4mbps].You’llalsoneed32GBSDcard, (2) extended battery: 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

Please contact photos@chronotrack.com for additional information and/or additional questions you may have.

Return to Digital Media release notes listing