Mediasite Frequently Asked Questions

Mediasite Frequently Asked Questions

Please review the questions and answers below for solutions to common Mediasite issues.

If your question is not included below, please email mediasite@bloomu.edu. Please include any error messages, links to troublesome Mediasite presentations, or steps to replicate the issue.

 

 

Questions about Viewing Presentations

 

I am trying to watch a presentation but it does not load or pauses frequently. What should I do?

Playback of Mediasite presentations can consume from 400Kbps up to 11Mbps of internet bandwidth depending on how it was created and the complexity of the content. Here are some things you can try to improve your playback experience:

  • Close other applications that may be using your internet connection. For example extra browser windows/tabs, streaming music or video applications like iTunes or Spotify.
  • Stop or turn off smart TV apps like Netflix or Hulu.
  • Ask family members or roommates that are sharing your internet connection to stop using it while you are watching presentations.

If you continue to have difficulty, visit http://speedtest.bloomu.edu, start the test, wait for it to complete, click the share results link to copy it, paste the link in an email and send to mediasite@bloomu.edu along with the link to the presentation you are trying to watch. With this information, it may be possible to optimize the presentation for playback on your connection.

 

I am trying to watch a presentation in BOLT but it only shows a white page. What should I do?

This is often caused by the browser blocking Mediasite authentication in the BOLT window. Sometimes, completely exiting the web browser and logging in to BOLT again can refresh your authentication ticket and the presentation will load properly. If this does not help, your instructor will need to post the link differently.

Instructors, please see How do I share a Mediasite presentation in BOLT.

 

I am trying to watch a presentation but I see this error:
"The presentation is currently unavailable. Please try again later." What should I do?

This error is usually shown when a presentation has not finished processing or is set to Private. Ask the owner of the presentation to confirm that it is Viewable.

Content owners, please see Mediasite U Lesson: Change Presentation Visibility from Private to Viewable.

To bypass this setting for future uploads, see Mediasite U Lesson: Change Default Visibility Preference.

 

 

Questions about Creating Presentations

 

I need to create a presentation but I do not know what software to use or how to do it. What should I do?

The Video Project Wizard can help you determine the best workflow to follow for your needs and will step you through the process.

 

How do I access MyMediasite?

The MyMediasite User Portal is accessible two ways:

  • Browse to http://mymediasite.bloomu.edu in any web browser on any device.
  • Choose "MyMediasite" available in the Resources menu of any BOLT course.

 

How do I upload a video to MyMediasite?

Mediasite can import many types of audio and video files. Files with MP4, MOV, WMV, MP3, AIF, or WAV extensions are recommended, although others are also compatible. Follow the links below to access tutorials and video lessons.

PDF tutorial: Basic Video Upload to MyMediasite

MediasiteU Lesson: Upload a Video to MyMediasite within BOLT

MediasiteU Lesson: Upload a Video to MyMediasite

MediasiteU Lesson: Upload a Video from a Mobile Device

 

I'm trying to upload a video but it is taking too long. What should I do?

Many video creation tools will create or export the maximum possible quality by default. This often makes the video file much larger than necessary. If possible, go back to your original content and adjust the export settings. For example, in PowerPoint choose Standard or High Definition, not Full HD or 4K. If you are working with a video file recorded with a webcam, smart phone, or application that does not provide custom export options, follow the instructions below to compress the video file.

PDF tutorial for Windows users: Video Compression using Adobe Media Encoder for Windows

PDF tutorial for Mac users: Video Compression using Adobe Media Encoder for Mac

 

If you continue to have difficulty, visit http://speedtest.bloomu.edu, start the test, wait for it to complete, click the share results link to copy it, paste the link in an email and send to mediasite@bloomu.edu along with the duration and size of the file you are trying to upload.

 

I uploaded a video that I recorded on my iPhone or iPad. The audio plays but there is no picture. What should I do?

This issue is caused by the default “High Efficiency” camera mode in the latest iOS. High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) is not currently compatible with Mediasite. If the video file is not extremely long, your iOS device should automatically convert to the standard MP4 (h.264) format while uploading from the built in Safari Browser directly to Mediasite. If that does not work or you have already transferred the file to a computer, you will need to follow the instructions below to convert the video file so that it is compatible with Mediasite.

PDF tutorial for Windows users: Video Compression using Adobe Media Encoder for Windows

PDF tutorial for Mac users: Video Compression using Adobe Media Encoder for Mac

 

To avoid future compatibility issues, you can disable High Efficiency camera mode:

PDF tutorial: Turn off HEVC in iOS

 

I uploaded a video to Mediasite but I got an email with this error:
"The presentation encountered errors during processing." What should I do?

This issue generally results from uploading an incompatible file. Confirm that your video plays in Windows Media Player or QuickTime Player.
Mediasite cannot convert PowerPoint, Keynote, Shockwave Flash, iMovie, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, or Windows Movie Maker project files. Content must be exported from these applications as a flat video file (MP4, MOV, or WMV are recommended).
If you are working with a video file that does play on your computer but still generates an error on Mediasite, follow the instructions below to re-encode the video file and try to upload again.

PDF tutorial for Windows users: Video Compression using Adobe Media Encoder for Windows

PDF tutorial for Mac users: Video Compression using Adobe Media Encoder for Mac

 

I created a presentation on Mediasite but it shows "This presentation has been scheduled" or "This presentation has been recorded." What should I do?

This issue generally results from an incomplete or corrupted upload. Attempt to upload the presentation again, make sure that the upload progress bar finishes before you close the browser window or navigate away from the upload page. If you are using a mobile device like a phone or tablet, do not allow the device to go to sleep. You may need to tap the screen frequently during the upload process to keep it awake.

If you continue to have difficulty, visit http://speedtest.bloomu.edu, start the test, wait for it to complete, click the share results link to copy it, paste the link in an email and send to mediasite@bloomu.edu along with the duration and size of the file you are trying to upload.

 

Questions about Mediasite Desktop Recorder

 

When I try to launch Mediasite Desktop Recorder, I see this error:
"Could not connect to Mediasite Desktop Recorder service. The application will begin as soon as the service is responding." What should I do?

This issue is usually resolved by rebooting your computer. Please save all of your work and completely shut down and restart your computer.

If you continue to have difficulty, please email mediasite@bloomu.edu for further assistance.

 

When I try to create a recording with Mediasite Desktop Recorder, I see this error:
"Unable to get render view in Close." or I am unable to click next after choosing audio and video hardware. What should I do?

This issue is currently under investigation. It appears to be related to virus protection applications blocking access to webcams and microphones. To date, this has only impacted BU owned computers.

If you are experiencing this issue, please email mediasite@bloomu.edu for further information.

 

 

Questions about using Mediasite in BOLT

 

When I try to access MyMediasite or the Mediasite Module in BOLT, I see this error:
"Launching My Mediasite in the current browser window requires use of third party cookies." What should I do?

BOLT and Mediasite use 'third party' or 'cross-site tracking' cookies to exchange information about who you are, which courses you are enrolled in, etc. Some browsers often block this function by default. Currently known solutions for each browser will be included below as they are available:

  • Apple Safari. Choose Preferences from the Safari menu. Choose the Privacy tab. Uncheck the box next to Prevent cross-site tracking. Close the preferences window. Return to your BOLT course and relaunch MyMediasite from the Resources menu.

 

How do I share a Mediasite presentation in BOLT?

There are several ways for instructors to add Mediasite content to their BOLT course. There are benefits to each method. Choose the method that you find most convenient.

 

Related links