Recommended Quality Settings
Video compressing reduces a video's file size to improve upload and playback speed without negatively impacting video resolution; at least, that's the goal. For the best upload and playback experience with Uscreen, we recommend following these video encoding and compression guidelines prior to uploading:
Format: MP4 (file extension .mp4 is the most recommended format to provide the best user experience)
Even though Uscreen supports various video formats, not all browsers, programs, and devices can play a particular video format, so MP4 is the safest bet when it comes to video format.
Resolution: 1080p/2K or smaller - videos less than 2048x1152p are considered standard (this is also the recommendation for the horizontal ratio). Uscreen does not currently support 4k or higher videos.
4K is still not a popular resolution. Most devices and apps do not currently support playback in 4K.
Codec: H.264 video codec (this is the most common codec and supported by almost every device)
Frames Per Second: 20 fps - 60 fps (23.98 fps is a good option)
Additional items you may want to check:
8Mbps or less (bit rates higher than 8Mbps can cause playback issues for viewers)
10-second max keyframe interval
8-bit 4:2:0 or less (The higher the bit rate, the less compression, which results in overall higher quality. However, be aware that the higher the bit rate, the larger the file size.)
Closed GOP (group of pictures)
NOTES: We don't advise using Quicktime to edit videos. The save command stores reference points instead of trimming the video. The file will contain the original data. Therefore, the transcoder will ignore your edits as it processes the video. Instead, you may want to use software from our list of suggested video editors and converters.
Although Uscreen does support 60 fps, some Roku and Chromecast devices do not. If your users are experiencing stuttering issues on these devices and your content is rendered at 60 fps, the solution is that you change it from 60 to a maximum of 30 fps and replace the video.
We recommend ensuring that your content doesn't have color transfer functions like "smpte2084" (also known as Perceptual Quantizer or PQ) used in HDR video.
It is important to note that large, uncompressed files or files in a different format, like FLV or M4V, will take longer to encode because we essentially need to encode these files in another format to work on older devices. For the most part, they should be okay, but we strongly recommend using the above guidelines when uploading videos to avoid any issues. Read our guide to understand more about different video formats and why we recommend MP4.
NOTE: If you have TV Apps, all videos must be filmed on Fullscreen to ensure it fits the TV screen. This is required by Apple, Google, Amazon, and Roku.
Transcoding Your Video
Before we transcode your files, you'll need to upload them to Uscreen, and if you notice that it is going too slow, take a look at our troubleshooting upload guide.
We do not recommend uploading files larger than 13GB at a time. You can certainly try to upload larger files; however, the larger the file, the longer will take transcoding, and the more likely buffering will be experienced initially for your users due to a larger manifest for the file. We recommend you break up larger video files and add them to a collection to avoid delays in upload, transcoding, and viewing inconveniences for your users.
If you would like to speed up the uploading process a bit, you might want to consider using Dropbox to upload your videos by using our Dropbox upload option. Again, we do recommend limiting uploads to 13GB at a time.
We accept most audio formats, but some things outside of AAC/MP3 will be transcoded, which may delay the readiness of the asset. Otherwise, we take non-stereo input and convert it to stereo; for higher fidelity audio, create the content with prepared stereo audio before uploading. At this time we don't have any direct standards for loudness, but we would suggest -9 dBFS.
Tip: Make sure you are using one of our supported browsers before you begin uploading your videos to Uscreen.
You can read our tips on how to make file sizes smaller without losing quality.
Common Issues with CDN Caching
If you have a low number of viewers in specific geolocations, they may experience slight playback issues the first time they view a video as the CDN has to find the video on the original host server.
When the second viewer in that geolocation views that video, the CDN will now have the video readily available resulting in a smoother playback experience.
This is the same experience that industry leaders experience as well, such as YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, etc.
The fewer viewers you have in a specific geolocation the more temporary playback issues those viewers may experience.
Upload a Video
To upload your videos:
Click on Content
Click on Videos
Click on the Upload Videos Button.
4. Drag and drop and videos you would like to upload or click on the select files button.
5. Wait for the video to upload:
6. Once your video is uploaded, you can click Edit video to edit the settings for the video.
To make your videos available in your catalog, you'll need to give them a category.
Video Storage Limits
Your account's video hours are subject to a limit. The storage limits vary based on the plan you have subscribed to. You can visit our pricing page at https://www.uscreen.tv/pricing/ for further details.
If you have a Plus plan, kindly check your original contract or contact your Customer Success Manager to learn more about your storage limits.