Wednesday
Jul222009
Test&Comment Updated Videoplayer!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at 3:33AM
Ol' buggy player fades to dust as new version rises
We should have done this for a some time, sorry for the the buggy video player in Prezi! Finally we have updated the feature, thanks for all your feedback and comments about this issue.
Let us explain what has happened:
Earlier we used the default video player component for flash, because this solution seemed to be most reasonable. The problem had been caused by Prezi interaction functions that couldn't get along with the player. Shortly, when you wanted to pause a video in your prezi, our system considered your action as a simple click on an ordinary object which in Prezi means a zoom. Zooming and pausing - two different functions dedicated to the same action equals chaos.
Now we have created order from this chaos, and we need you to test the result.
Behind the scenes our brand new video player uses a lightweight flash video player API called Pyro that handles all the boring stuff (that's right, NetStream and pals). Thanks guys! As you can see on the image above even the look of the player has been changed. We have redesigned the interface, it looks mush better now!
Most important thing: how can you try it?
It's the same old stuff. Please complete your online prezi's URL with /experimental/videoplayer and go on as usual. If you have uploaded a video to your prezi, you will notice the difference. Here is an example. This is only a test version, but don't worry, your prezis are secured. And most of all, please comment and share your thoughts.
Reader Comments (15)
Video player looks good can I have more info on how to test it for example is this the link I should be using
Prezi.com/my/experimental/videoplayer, if so it is not working. By the way I am really enjoying this tool and want to help you guys make it more stable version sooner with user feedback.
Thanks for your comment! Sorry for not being clear enough on this. The URL you must enter is http://prezi.com/123456/view/experimental/videoplayer, where 123456 has to be changed to your actual id number in your URL. You can also add the above URL with /edit instead of /view. In this mode you can also work on your prezi while having the new player.
First, let me say, your tool is great. I've been considering your solution for a few weeks. However, there are a few things that are keeping me from deciding to use it. Please provide some feedback regarding these.
1) The Photos on all the examples are pixelated. Is this a function of the resolution of the files uploaded or of Prezi's rendering of them?
2) The video is also pixelated; even in the example of the new experimental player.
3) The Play button must be clicked rather than the presentation starting automatically upon page load. Are there plans to change this?
4)The right arrow must be clicked to advance --- every time. Is it possible to augment this with an option to PRESS the right arrow key on the keyboard? This would allow a person giving a presentation to advance without having to mouse back to the bottom right of the screen.
Please also send your response to the e-mail address I've provided.
Thanks
Hey, Thanks for your interest in Prezi. Let me answer your questions:
1. This is not a Prezi rendering problem. If zoom into a photo to the pixel level, it will be pixelated. In Prezi there are no zoom limits. If you upload a vector photo like a pdf, you can go to the pixel level without any visual distorsion. Of course is you upload a small image then make it fullscreen, the result will be a pixelated image.
2. This is also a matter of resolution. You can upload a video in flv format, but you can even upload HD quality.
3. No.
4. There are some keyboard shortcuts that can be used instead of the mouse. they are listed if you click "?" on the upper right corner of the edit screen of a prezi.
In general I suggest:
- read our manual: prezi.com/manual
- try the free version first for uploading iles as well.
I have tested the new player and I love it. When will this be available for the uploaded prezi(s) in my account?
Take a look whats possible with HTML5 + Javscript? + SVG + CSS. Very impressive: http://www.double.co.nz/video_test/video.svg
... but i think its not protable to Prezi, am i right?
Hi - I tested the video player and it works much better than the previous one, in that you can pause it without restarting the video. However, it would also be good if you could click somewhere along the timeline in order to advance the video to a spot further down the track. This currently doesn't seem to work.
Thanks.
Hi,
I'm just learning the ropes. I'm adding a video file to a presentation using the desktop editor (it's only a 12mb file, but really jumpy).
Does the new video player work in offline editor?
Cheers
Scott
Yes, but we have a small isuue with the video player that needs to be fixed. We are working on it!
Hi Zoltan, the link to the updated videoplayer isn't working. Does that mean the updated version is no longer available?
cheers
Bas
Hi this was the test version, now we have an updated one in the editor. You can use it when creating a prezi.
Hey Guyz,
I saw a few presentations with Prezi including guidens by music. How you can add a soundfile which can function as backgroundmusic?
Cheers
You can add sound files in .flv format. To convert mp3-s to flv, we recommend http://zamzar.com
Hey, Im trying to add music to run in the background while the presentation continues, however the music stops as soon as I click onto the next section. Is there any way to have it running?
Hi thanks for your interest in Prezi here is how you can add music to your prezi http://prezi.com/learn/insert-sound/