What is MediaSilo?

MediaSilo is a new kind of digital asset management solution aimed at professionals working with video. MediaSilo lets teams collaborate online using high-resolution video footage, without the need to install software or make any upfront investment. Perfectly suited for short- and long-form video, MediaSilo puts the power of the Internet to work as a bridge between geographically dispersed teams. MediaSilo provides a comprehensive set of tools for content producers who need to manage post-productions projects online or launch pay-per-view Web TV channels.

Is there any software to install?

No, MediaSilo is entirely web-based. You have access to your file anytime and anywhere as long as you have an Internet connection and a browser with Flash Player 7 or higher installed.

Is MediaSilo Mac compatible?

Yes.Since MediaSilo is a web-based application, no software needs to be installed. Any computer with the latest Flash Player installed can use MediaSilo.

What can I do with MediaSilo?

MediaSilo let's you easily upload and share files with your team or clients. Files can be annotated, commented, archived, or embedded into high-visibility web sites. Our team of developers have a background in the video post/production industry so if you need certain functionality, we have most likely already thought about it.

What sorts of files can I upload?

MediaSilo is primarily developed for video content. Acceptable file formats are QuickTime, WMV, AVI, MPG, and FLV. MediaSilo will soon support other file formats such as popular image formats (JPG, GIF, PSD, PNG), sound files (AIFF, MPG) and zip files. There are certain codecs that may not work properly. In order to be safe, try to stick to popular video file formats such as QuickTime (with Sorenson or H.264 codecs) We are working on making MediaSilo compatible with a wide range of formats and are extending compatibility on an ongoing basis.

What happens to my files when I upload them?

MediaSilo will keep the original video file and make a web optimized copy that is converted to a Flash Video File (FLV) on our servers. The copy is then used to work with the footage within MediaSilo, enabling you to upload high-resolution footage without the need to worry about optimizing it for web delivery. Your original QuickTime or Windows Media file will be available for download and offline viewing.

Can I customize MediaSilo with my own logo?

The actual MediaSilo application can not currently be customized. We're working on customization options and expect to release them as part of the next major product release. However, MediaSilo provides an API that lets you "hook" into our system, so you can expose workspaces, channels, and comments on your own website with your own look and feel. Also, channels carry no branding by default and can be customized with your logo by adding it to the background of a player.

I am concerned that MediaSilo may be too complicated for my clients.

No worries. MediaSilo let's you set up client user accounts that have a much more simplified user interface. In fact, you can choose to let users only see video playback without the extended media viewer capabilities. MediaSilo provides a 1-800 number that your clients can call free of charge. In addition, your clients will have access to a series of short video tutorials that demonstrate the software's main functionality.

How many user accounts can I set up?

There is no limit. Create as many as you like. We do recommend that you set up every one of your clients with their own account so that comments and annotations can be properly attributed to a person.

I am concerned about the video download speeds. Is this another shared hosting setup?

No. MediaSilo is engineered from the ground up as a high-availability collaboration platform. It uses latest technologies for storage and content delivery. In fact, every file on MediaSilo gets distributed to 15,000 servers worldwide to ensure an optimal download experience. It is very different from shared hosting providers who store all data in one location and require everyone to log on to a single server. MediaSilo's Channel Player even enables you to broadcast files to hundreds of thousands of viewers at the same time using the largest commercial content delivery network available.

Can I upload 16:9 footage?

Yes. MediaSilo detects the aspect ration of your file and will convert a scaled-down copy for use in MediaSilo. The same applies for all commonly used file types.

Can I upload my source files from FinalCut Pro?

Yes and no. DV or HD source files can be huge, up to 10MB per second of footage that would take too long to upload. Instead, simply export video from FinalCut Pro or other non-linear editing application as a QuickTime and you will end up with a much smaller size. You can even export compressed 720x480 footage and upload it to MediaSilo.

Is there a MediaSilo plugin for FinalCut Pro, Adobe After Effects, Premiere, or Avid?

Not yet. We are working on several ways to integrate MediaSilo more closely with your favorite applications.

What if I go over my monthly allotment of storage or bandwidth?

You can continue to use MediaSilo without any interruption. You will be billed for bandwidth or storage overages according to your current subscription plan. For more details, log on to MediaSilo and choose the Account Settings screen.

Can I try MediaSilo before I subscribe?

Yes. You can try MediaSilo for free for 7 days. If you like what you see, your trial will automatically convery to a full account at the end of 7 days.

Are there other billing options than a monthly subscription?

Yes, but not when you sign up through the website. If you need to line-item MediaSilo for a production or wish to pre-pay for a period of time, just give us a call and we'll set it up for you.

Do you have an affiliate network?

Not yet, but soon. Get in touch with us if you are interested in reselling MediaSilo.

I accidentally deleted a file. Can you help me retrieve it?

Yes. Send an email to support@mediasilo.com and we will help you restore the file

How should I prepare files for use with MediaSilo?

Simply export videos from your favorite non-linear edition application into QuickTime compatible format. Adjust your quality settings according to your preferences. MediaSilo will do the rest. For examples on workflows that involve MediaSilo, click here.

Who is behind MediaSilo?

We are a small, committed team of software engineers and film producers who decided to bridge the two worlds. We are passionate about production and passionate about making things easier not only for ourselves and our clients, but for everyone out there in a similar position. As a production company, we understand the challenges you face, and as a software company, we are able to address them. As a team we have been working together for four years to produce video content for the web, and as a software company we began developing MediaSilo in the summer of 2005.

Is there a file size limit?

If you're uploading files directly from your web browser, the file size limit is about 125 MB. We are soon releasing a desktop uploader that does not have any file size limitations.

Can I upload video files encoded as Flash Video (FLV) directly?

Yes. In fact, we encourage you to do so. FLV files don't have to be converted on the server and are available immediately after you upload them. Since FLV files don't get converted, they maintain their original file size which allows you to move carefully embed media into your website using MediaSilo's Channel Player.

What are workspaces?

Workspaces are essentially like shared folders. All assets are always stored within your library and when you are ready to share with other users you then drag and drop assets into a Workspace and allow your users to view the Workspace. Once an asset is in a Workspace you are then able to make full use of the collaboration features MediaSilo offers.

What are Channels?

Channels are the way you broadcast your media online. Simply drag and drop clips from either your library or a workspace into a channel. You can then rearrange your lineup and customize your player -Hit "preview" to see what it looks like. Once you are ready to deploy your content online select "get embed code" and copy and paste the code into the page you would like the player to be displayed on.

When I update my channel player do I need to re-copy the code?

No. Any changes you make to your channels within MediaSilo will automatically be reflected wherever that channel appears.

I've uploaded a file and the transcoding never finished/thumbnail did not appear, what happened and what should I do?

Most likely your internet connection may have faltered during upload. Simply refresh your page and the thumbnail should appear. If for some reason it still does not appear, try uploading again or call us directly at 800.598.6241. We can also be reached at support@mediasilo.com.

I can't add another workspace, why?

You have probably reached your quota. Each package is limited to a certain number of workspaces, therefore MediaSilo will not let you add an additional workspace above the number allotted to your package. If you find your needs have increased please upgrade your package or contact us directly.

Do my clients know what other projects and users are on the system?

No. When you add users to the system you assign them to a specific workspace(s) as well as being able to customize their account completely. This prevents them from knowing what other projects and users are on the system. If you do assign several users to one workspace and allow them to partake in the collaboration features on an asset then they will see if another user annotates, comments, etc... .

How do I get to the log-in screen?

When signing up for a MediaSilo account you are able to choose a URL. For example if your company's name is MovieTime then your URL could be movietime.mediasilo.com. You will then direct any users on the system to this URL and provide them with a username and password that you create.

If I update my package mid-month when do the changes take place?

If you upgrade or downgrade bandwidth or storage changes take effect for the NEXT billing cycle. If you need to add channels or workspaces, those are available immediately and will be pro-rated for the remainder of your current billing cycle. If there are any questions in changing just one portion of your package, please contact us so we can customize a package for you. If you remove workspaces or channels you will not be billed for them in your next billing cycle.

Can I customize a package?

Yes. Give us a call and we'll help you determine a plan that fits your needs. Look out - soon you'll be able to configure your own custom plan online.

How do I cancel my account?

Once logged in to your MediaSilo account there is a small wheel in the right upper-hand corner of your screen. Click the wheel and select "Account Information." You will be prompted to enter your username, password, and host name (for example your host name would be movietime if your URL is movietime.mediasilo.com). Select "Account Home" where you are then able to cancel your account.

How do I upgrade/downgrade my account?

Click on "Account Information." in the "Preferences" tab inside of MediaSilo. You will be prompted to enter your username, password, and host name (i.e. movietime.mediasilo.com). Select "Plan Details" and then choose which package you would like to change to.

Is there an API for MediaSilo?

Yes. The MediaSilo API lets you make remote calls allow you to embed MediaSilo content (assets, workspaces, comments, annotations, etc.) into your own intranet. Additional information and documentation will be available shortly at api.mediasilo.com.