When you upload videos to Uscreen, several factors can affect the final playback quality. Understanding these factors will help you troubleshoot and resolve quality issues effectively.
Common Causes of Low Video Quality
Source file issues: Low-resolution original video or corrupted files
Incorrect encoding settings: Suboptimal format, codec, or bitrate
Upload interruptions: Unstable internet connection during upload
CDN caching: First-time viewers in specific locations may experience temporary quality issues
Step 1: Check your Source File
The quality of the uploaded video depends heavily on the quality of its source file.
Verify resolution
Ensure your original video is at 1080p for optimal quality
Check file integrity
Make sure your source file isn't corrupted or overly compressed
Confirm aspect ratio
Videos should be in 16:9 landscape mode for optimal viewing
💡 TIP: If you're unsure about your source file quality, try playing the source file on your computer before uploading to verify that it looks good.
Step 2: Optimize your Video Settings
Using the recommended encoding settings is crucial for high-quality playback.
Recommended Video Settings
Format: MP4 with H.264 codec (most compatible across devices)
Resolution: 1080p/2K or smaller (max 2048x1152p)
Bitrate: 5-10 Mbps for HD videos
For 1080p streaming: 5000 kbps (5 Mbps)
For 720p streaming: 3500 kbps (3.5 Mbps)
For 480p streaming: 1000 kbps (1 Mbps)
Frame Rate: 30 fps recommended (23.98 fps to 30 fps is standard)
Color Profile: Set to "1-1-1" (Rec.709)
⚠️ WARNING: While Uscreen can support 60 fps, some Roku and Chromecast devices don't. If your users experience stuttering on these devices, change to 30 fps maximum and replace the video.
Step 3: Re-upload with Optimized Settings
If you've identified issues with your original upload, you can replace the video with an optimized version.
Navigate to Content > Videos
Find the video you want to replace
Click Replace
Upload your newly optimized video
Wait for processing to complete
📝 NOTE: The old copy of the video is discarded from our server when you replace a video. Make sure to keep a backup of your original files.
Step 4: Test Playback across Devices
After uploading or replacing your video, test the playback quality on multiple devices.
Check on desktop: View in different browsers (Chrome, Firefox or Safari)
Test on mobile: Check both iOS and Android, if possible
Verify on TV apps: If you have OTT apps, test there as well
Understanding CDN Caching
If you have few viewers in specific locations, they may experience temporary playback issues the first time they view a video.
The CDN needs to locate the video on the original host server for first-time viewers
Subsequent viewers in the same location will have a smoother experience
This is normal behavior also seen with platforms like YouTube and Netflix
📝 NOTE: The fewer viewers you have in a specific location, the more likely those viewers are to experience temporary playback issues.
Additional Troubleshooting Tips
For Overexposed or Bright Videos
Ensure your video doesn't use HDR color transfer functions like SMPTE ST 2084, as these can affect brightness.
For Videos that appear Pixelated at the Beginning
This could be due to CDN caching. If you have few viewers in specific locations, the first viewer may experience playback issues as the CDN locates the video.
For Videos taking Too Long to Process
Large, uncompressed files or files in formats other than MP4 will take longer to encode. We recommend compressing videos to a reasonable size before uploading.
Recommended Video Encoding and Editing Tools
🔗 Learn more about Suggested Editors and Converters
Contact Support
If you've tried all these steps and still experience quality issues, it may be time to reach out for help. Before contacting support, gather this information:
Your device model and operating system
Browser type and version (if applicable)
Screenshot of Internet speed
The specific video URL where you're experiencing issues
A description of what you've already tried
Screenshot or a short recording of the problem
ℹ️ INFO: Gathering these details and providing them to our Support team can expedite the process of diagnosing and troubleshooting the issue.
FAQs
Why does my video look fine on my computer but blurry on Uscreen?
Why does my video look fine on my computer but blurry on Uscreen?
This could be due to encoding settings or bitrate issues. Make sure your video meets our recommended specifications, particularly the 5-10 Mbps bitrate for HD videos.
Can I upload 4K videos to Uscreen?
Can I upload 4K videos to Uscreen?
Uscreen does not currently support 4K or higher videos. We recommend 1080p/2K or smaller for optimal performance.
Why does video quality vary for different viewers?
Why does video quality vary for different viewers?
Video quality can sometimes vary based on the viewer's internet connection, device capabilities, and location relative to our CDN servers.
Can I replace a recorded live event video if the quality is poor?
Can I replace a recorded live event video if the quality is poor?
Recorded Live Events cannot be replaced using the Replace button. You'll need to re-upload it as a new video and remove the recorded live event.