The Kaltura Video Player is getting an upgrade on August 5, 2024! The current version 2 player (V2) will be replaced with the next-generation player, version 7 (V7). The V7 Player will feature functionality, accessibility, and security enhancements. While this upgrade won't affect the playability of the V2 player, any videos created and embedded as of August 5, 2024, will look and function differently. Additionally, the new player features will also be added to Kaltura Quizzes. To learn more about the differences in players, please see the Kaltura Video Player Comparison Tool.
IMPORTANT NOTE: After extensive testing of the Browse-Search-Embed (BSE) tool, the Universities of Wisconsin System Administration has chosen not to automatically re-embed videos embedded within Canvas. Instructors are encouraged to re-embed videos manually using the Rich Content Editor in Canvas at their earliest convenience.
Due to the changing dynamics associated with this upgrade, below are frequently asked questions (FAQ). If there are any questions or concerns not addressed below, please place a ticket through the Learning Technology Services (LTS) Help Desk at helpdesk@uwec.edu.
FAQ Kaltura V7 Player Upgrade
What is a player?
The video player is the wrapper that goes around the video content and determines which features (closed captions, sharing options, play speed, etc) are available to viewers.
What happens if I create a new video after August 5, 2024?
All videos created after August 5th will use the V7 player. This includes new videos that are created and embedded in Canvas and shared via a link. Newly created Kaltura Quizzes will also be upgraded. The audio player used for MP3 files will continue to use the V2 player.
For previously recorded videos, what do I need to do right now?
For right now, it is important not to panic. The upgrade to the V7 player will not be automatic, but you can begin to replace the V2 player with V7 at your convenience. The V2 Player is fully supported by Kaltura until September 30, 2024, and will remain fully functional past that date. If you are unable to re-embed video content stored in My Media by the start of the term, it is okay to delay the process of converting to the V7 player or to spread it out over the semester.
However, if time allows, start re-embedding your video content stored in My Media using the Rich Content Editor (RCE) integration. Please see the instructions on how to embed previously uploaded Media in Canvas for detailed instructions.
How does this upgrade affect accessibility, functionality, and the user experience?
The Kaltura V7 Player is a comprehensive video player designed to enhance accessibility, functionality, and user experience. The V7 Player emphasizes accessibility, ensuring that content is usable by all individuals, including those with disabilities. It supports closed captions and subtitles, which can be toggled on and off as needed. The player is compliant with web accessibility standards, ensuring that it can be navigated and controlled using screen readers and keyboard shortcuts. Additionally, transcripts for all videos will automatically be embedded within the basic player. These enhancements ensure video content is accessible to users with visual or hearing impairments. More information on Player Accessibility can be found in the Kaltura Knowledge Center.
Additionally, the V7 player is highly functional and customizable, supporting a wide range of media formats and interactive features. It integrates seamlessly with Canvas. The Kaltura Player also supports advanced features like video quizzes, chapters, and hotspots, which allow for more engaging and interactive learning experiences.
With its intuitive design and user-friendly interface, it ensures a smoother, quicker playback. The player is also mobile-friendly, allowing users to access and interact with content on most devices.
What are some small changes I can make while updating to the V7 player?
Changes to the digital learning environment (DLE) tools can bring about great opportunities to clean up our files, storage, and habits. Because My Media lacks a file-folder structure used to organize content, it can be difficult to search for videos.
To assist you with finding videos faster in My Media, we suggest making some small changes to enhance your My Media experience.
Review your video content. Use this opportunity to review the videos stored within your My Media account. Ask yourself:Is it still needed?Is it still current/relevant?
a. If the answer is no, then delete the video. Your work is done! b. If the answer is yes, then move on to #2. 2. Check naming conventions. It is important for naming conventions to be clear and consistent for your students, but it is also helpful when trying to find content in My Media. Using structured naming conventions allows you to use the built-in filtering features within My Media. 3. Use a Tag. Like naming conventions, adding a tag on a video can help search for a video faster. Multiple tags can be added to a video. Suggested tags are course code, year, academic term, topic, or keywords.
What will happen if I do nothing to the existing videos in my course?
If you do not re-embed your videos, the V2 player will still work; however, they will not be supported by Kaltura Customer Service as of September 30, 2024. If you run into issues with the V2 player, the first step in the troubleshooting process is to re-embed any videos. If the problem persists, the LTS Help Desk (helpdesk@uwec.edu) and the Kaltura Administrator will be able to assist you in troubleshooting the cause and determining a solution.
If I use hyperlinks to share my videos, what should I consider?
Kaltura videos can be shared by using a unique hyperlink for each video. If you are sharing videos in an email, PowerPoint, or Word document, you will need to share the video with a hyperlink. For accessibility purposes, include the name of the video and link the hyperlink to that name. Do not copy and paste the URL as it will read incorrectly with a screen reader.
To find the hyperlink for a video, do the following:
1. Select the media stored in your Canvas My Media account. 2. Click play on the video, and the Share button will appear in the upper right corner of the player.
The share button will appear once the video is played.
3. Copy the hyperlink by clicking the Copy URL button provided.
Under the share button, users can click the copy URL button to copy the hyperlink.
For additional information, please see the UWEC KnowledgeBase article on how to share a URL.
If I embed videos using embed code found within the player, what should I consider?
The embed code works the same with the V7 player. To find the embed code for a video, select the media. Under the Share tab, the choice in player can be altered by selecting from a variety of player skins and size options available.
NOTE: The simplified player, which is the default player selected under the Share tab, does not include the transcript. For accessibility purposes, it is recommended the basic player be selected and embedded.
To generate the proper embed code, do the following:
1. Select the media stored in your Canvas My Media by clicking on the name of the video. 2. Navigate to the Share tab (found under the player). 3. Choose the player skin and size. 4. Copy the embed code within the Embed textbox provided. 5. Paste that information into the embed button in Canvas.
The embed code will be generated based on the selections found under the Share tab.
If I embed videos using the My Media integration button in the Canvas Rich Content Editor (RCE), what should I consider?
Just like with the V2 player, if you use the My Media integration button in the RCE, the default player will be embedded. This basic player includes a transcript, basic play functions, volume control, closed captions, video player settings, picture-in-picture options (if applicable), and full-screen functions. To choose an available player other than the default, select the Embed Settings button to choose from a variety of players and sizes.
What should I do if I encounter an “Access Denied” error?
This error can be caused by slow load times and multiple videos loading on one page. The new V7 player should load faster than the V2 player. If you have more than four videos embedded onto a page, the error can be avoided by linking the URL for the video onto a Canvas Page instead of embedding the player.
Here are a few simple steps to troubleshoot the "access denied" error:
1. Start by refreshing the page.
2. If that doesn’t work, clear cookies and cache within your internet browser. Restart the browser when the history has been cleared.
3. Try a different internet browser. Chrome or Firefox are preferred.
4. Ensure your internet is working at full strength.
5. If you are the media owner, delete the embedded video and re-embed it onto the page.
6. If the error still occurs, contact the LTS Helpdesk (helpdesk@uwec.edu) for additional assistance.
What is the warning in the left corner of my video player and how do I get rid of it?
After September 30, a triangular warning icon will appear in the top left corner of the V2 player.
The warning icon is a reminder to replace the player for this video.
The warning icon is meant to be a reminder that the player is no longer supported, and the video should be re-embedded as soon as possible. Please see the instructions on how to embed previously uploaded Media in Canvas for detailed instructions.
What should I do if I encounter issues with videos that use the V2 Player?
A simple resolution to most problems would be to delete the old video and re-embed the video with the V7 player. Please see the instructions on how to embed previously uploaded Media in Canvas for detailed instructions.
What should I do if I encounter issues with videos that use the V7 Player?
Unfortunately, upgrades can experience bugs, and it’s important to reach out to the LTS Help Desk (helpdesk@uwec.edu) so concerns and issues can be properly documented and communicated with UWSA and Kaltura.
If you encounter an issue with the V7 player and you need help troubleshooting, please include the following information in an LTS Help Desk ticket:
Exact name of the video
Name or URL of course the video is located (if applicable)
Name or URL of module, page or specific location where the video is embedded (if applicable)
Type of computer or system you are using (PC or Mac)
Name of internet browser(s) used (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari)
Exact error message (if applicable) or problem you are experiencing (an image of error is also helpful)
Troubleshooting performed (if applicable)
How does this affect the Audio Player?
The V2 player will continue to be the default player for audio file types (such as MP3). There is no need to re-embed audio files currently.
