The final step to transcode Mpeg content to FlexRes is to run the Mpeg Conversion tool.

The Mpeg Conversion Tool can be found in the media toolbox in Hippo Launch.

This opens the Media toolbox:

Step 1: Back up the media library before converting.

A separate back up folder is the only way to ensure there is no data loss should a failure occur during transcode.

Step 2: Choose the media folder to convert.

When a folder is selected, Media Toolbox will scan it for Mpeg media and display the results in the log.

Step 3: Choose to preserve the media map or not

If enabled, the media map will be updated with the FlexRes encoded clips.

If disabled, the media map will not be changed.

Step 4: Convert Mpeg

The conversion process will proceed automatically once Convert Mpeg is chosen. Any files that fail conversion will be noted in the log.

Step 5: Test the content

We strongly recommend testing the converted content to ensure it is visually correct before using in a live environment.

Step 6: Delete Mpeg content

Once everything has been tested the mpeg content can be deleted from inside media manager.

Additional considerations

Mpeg clips with an alpha channel

Hippotizer V3 allowed alpha to be encoded in to media files. Due to the fact that mpeg-2 does not support alpha, the clip was divided in half horizontally with one half encoding the RGB values and the other half the alpha channel. The media player combines the two halves on playback. This method results in the halving of vertical resolution; so the maximum resolution of alpha containing clips is 1920 × 540.

Preserve Media Map

Before making changes to the media map a back-up is made and stored into the media folder. The active media map is DMXMediaMap.v3.xml while the back up is DMXMediaMap.v3.xml.backup. Should it ever be necessary to revert to the original media map simply replace the active media map with the backup.

Media Quality

Mpeg clips are converted to FlexRes Performance by default by the media tool box as this offers a good balance of visual quality and playback performance. Some clips may noticeably degrade in FlexRes Performance however, especially those with colour gradients or high contrast edges. If better visual quality is required, clips can be encoded in Media Manager into a lower compression format such as FlexRes Quality.