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Webcast 5.9 Release Notes

Released: November 19, 2022

This release introduces 1080p streaming video, the ability to add links to the event resources section and multi-language captions for on-demand events. These release notes also highlight other recent changes and improvements.

If you have any questions about these changes, please email us at updates@webcasts.com or contact your account representative.

Release highlights

The following updates were highlighted in release emails to our subscribers.

1080p Streaming Video 

Focus on HD video across the system. Recent updates increased the minimum quality to 480p and expanded self-service usage of 720p. 1080p video streaming is now supported in a beta program, with wider adoption available in early 2023.  

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  • On the Player & Branding tab, the Media Options section will show 1080p (1920x1080). Select this option to increase the video quality of your event to 1080p.  
  • Please note that broadcasting in 720p or higher has additional system requirements and network impact. Click here for more information about HD broadcasting and reach out to your account representative to learn more about optimization options for corporate networks, including Hive Streaming. 

Add external links to Event Resources  

Use the Event Resources section to upload documents and add external links for your audience to access from the webcast.   

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Closed Captioning  

View Captions can now be viewed in multiple languages on on-demand events.  To add captioning to an on-demand event, simulated live event or replay event, this can be set up in the Closed Captions section.   

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For uploaded replay captions on Audio events and video events using the Large Content layout, the captions will display automatically below the headshot/video area.  

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Other new features and enhancements

Adaptive Bitrate (ABR) 

  • VCU events support Adaptive Bitrate, in addition to the existing support for Video Bridge and Encoder events. 
  • The speed selector menu for Adaptive Bitrate events is updated to reflect the specific speed options (ex. 720p, 480p), instead of High, Medium, Low. 

Bandwidth limit 

  • Encoder events will only disconnect if the stream is continually exceeding the bandwidth limit, instead of just exceeding it momentarily, for a more seamless experience. Please see the Support Center for more information on Encoder bit rates. 

Accessibility  

  • Improved screen reader support for many player elements including Jump Points and Player controls 

Live Audio Interpretation with KUDO  

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System test  

  • Easier access to the advanced system test 

Backend Updates 

  • Updates to improve Live Studio internal communications 
  • Improvements for Hive use in China 
  • General maintenance and system efficiency enhancements 

  

Bug fixes

  • VTT caption updates for the Content Only video layout to ensure that captions show correctly below content area 
  • Content only layout setting will be ignored when enabled but no slides or primary tabs are added  
  • Accessibility update to remove duplicate reading of player controls with some screen readers 
  • Unsubscribe flag used in SSO API calls will show in reporting 
  • Updates to Kollective audio events to correctly show headshots 
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