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Kaltura - V7 Players

This guide outlines some of the key features and answers frequently asked questions about the transition to switch to version 7 Kaltura players at the Universities of Wisconsin campuses. (Not including Madison)

Overview

Begining August 5th, 2024 all videos added to Canvas will utilize a brand-new set of players!  These new players feature an updated and modern design that enhances the viewing experience. They are not only sleek and user-friendly but also come packed with a variety of features that prioritize accessibility and make the entire viewing experience more enjoyable. 

Key Features: 

  • Modern Design: Enjoy a fresh, contemporary look that makes navigating and interacting with videos more enjoyable than ever. 

  • Enhanced Accessibility: Closed captions will now be standard on all players, helping to ensure that content is accessible to more viewers. 

  • Searchable Transcripts: Most players will now automatically generate a searchable, time-stamped transcript, making it easier for viewers to find specific content within videos and improving overall accessibility. 

  • Download options: Video players with the download feature enabled not only provide viewers the opportunity to download the video, but a time-stamped transcript of text. 

Check out the new features with this Player Comparison Tool.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

What is a player

The video player is the wrapper which goes around the video content and determines which features (closed captions, sharing options, play speed, etc.) are available to viewers.  For a preview of the new players, please see this article on the Kaltura Video Players  

Why do we need to upgrade?

Kaltura will be discontinuing support for the version 2 players on September 30th, 2024.  Although all previous videos will continue to play past that date, we want to take steps towards using players the vendor will continue to maintain and improve.  

When is this upgrade happening?

Beginning August 5th, 2024 any video added to Canvas will be utilizing the new players.   

What about all my "old" videos?

Don’t worry! Videos added in previous semesters will continue to play, they are not going anywhere.  Remember, the player is not the actual video.  Think about this transition as giving your videos a fancy new wardrobe.  The video itself won’t change; it will just look a lot nicer.  

Will I need to replace my old videos?

Maybe.  Old videos will continue to play, so there is no requirement to make any changes at all. However, to take advantage of the new design and accessibility features, you may want to consider updating them.  It is your decision. 
Note: at some point in the future, the old players may stop working, videos would then need to be updated.  

How do I update my old videos?

Updating videos is as easy as removing old videos and reinserting them into the page, discussion, announcement or quiz.  This guide on adding videos to Canvas will help. Additionally, a process to bulk migrate videos to the new players is in development.
Note: If you have multiple versions of the same video, just make sure you know which one belongs in the course.



Keywords:
player, video, skin
Doc ID:
141240
Owned by:
Sarah B. in UWSA DLE
Created:
2024-08-16
Updated:
2024-11-08
Sites:
UW System Administration DLE