CATALYST® has the ability to accept video files as uploads. At this time it does not offer a built-in recording solution.
- If the ability to upload your own video file is not available, the event organizers have elected not to permit video uploads.
Requirements
- File Formats: Your video must be in MP4 format, using the H.264 video encoder (also known as AVC, Advanced Video Coding, or MPEG-4 Part 10).
- We are not yet able to support emerging formats like HEVC/H.265 MP4s. Web browsers and operating systems have not yet fully implemented HEVC/H.265, and you should assume many your audience are using older software.
- Video in other formats such as Windows Media (WMV), WebM, Matroska (MKV), Ogg Theora (OGV), etc. will need to be converted to H.264 MP4 format before they can be uploaded.
- File Size: The video's file size must be under two gigabytes (2000 megabytes), unless the event organizers set a smaller upload limit.
- Smaller file sizes are recommended, as the file will both upload faster for you, and play back much smoother for your audience.
- A 60 minute presentation slides-only recording will typically be at 900 megabytes or less, unless the presentation includes capturing a webcam or motion video.
- Video Dimensions: The video resolution should be no larger than 1080P (1920 pixels by 1080 pixels) to provide the best viewing experience.
- If you have a long presentation, 720P (1280 pixels by 720 pixels) can be a good compromise between providing detail and keeping file size down.
- File Name: Keep your file name short and simple, with no commas, punctuation, or special characters.
- Upload Only: Unless an option is provided on the submission form by the event organizers, CATALYST® cannot accept links to video hosting services like YouTube, Vimeo, etc. as an alternative to uploading your video file.
See our Tips for recording your presentation to video.
Uploading Video Files
If uploading video files is permitted, you may drag the MP4 file into the upload box provided on the form, or click the box to browse for the file on your computer.
If you see the message "The media could not be loaded, either because the server or network failed or because the format is not supported.":
- You may have punctuation or special characters in your file name, which is interfering with the player software. Please keep your file name short and simple. You don't need to include your full session title and complete author list in the file name.
- Your MP4 may not be using the H.264 video encoder. Your file must be encoded using H.264 to be able to play back in all web browsers.
If you see the message "An unexpected error has occurred.":
- Try a different web browser. Microsoft has stopped development on Internet Explorer, and replaced it with Microsoft Edge. We are no longer able to support Internet Explorer. For the safety and security of your data, we recommend using Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple's Safari browser.
- Try a different computer. Your computer or your organization's network may have security software that is interfering with the upload.
Recording Software
The software listed below is for reference and is not meant to be a complete list of solutions. CATALYST Technical Support cannot provide support for third party video recording/editing software.
Web Conferencing
Many webinar/videoconferencing solutions have the ability to record a meeting. You will need to start a conference and share your presentation screen.
- Cisco WebEx: Record a Cisco Webex Meeting
- Google Meet: Record a video meeting
- GoToMeeting: Record a Session
- Skype for Business: Record and play back a Skype for Business meeting
- Microsoft Teams: Record a meeting in Teams
- Zoom: Zoom Local Recording
Online Screen Recorders
CATALYST provides its own online screen recording software, but you may use third party software to record your presentation. Here are a few free options:
- Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder
Click the link for instructions on how to record for free. Apowersoft also offers paid software for screen recording with more features, but it is not necessary to buy this software. - Loom Screen Recorder
Record your screen and trim video from within your browser. Requires a free account. - Vimeo Record
A free Google Chrome extension to record to a Vimeo account.
Standalone Recording Software
This software goes beyond recording, allowing you to edit your video and save in different formats.
- OBS Studio
Free professional-grade software for video recording and live streaming. Supported on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Has a higher learning curve than basic screen recorders.
Work Directly From PowerPoint
If you prefer to work exclusively in PowerPoint and do not want to use a screen recorder, it is possible to create an MP4 using the two steps below:
- Create a PowerPoint with voice over: Record a slide show with narration and slide timings
- Convert PowerPoint to MP4: Turn your presentation into a video (for Windows) or Save a presentation as a movie file or MP4 (for Mac)
Video Editing Tools
- MP4Tools
A free, open source, cross-platform pair of tools for manipulating MP4 files. MP4Joiner joins multiple MP4 files into one, often without quality loss. MP4Splitter splits MP4 files into multiple files. - Apowersoft Video Merger
An online tool to merge videos together.
Technical Support
- Do not email presentation videos to CATALYST® Technical Support, as your message may be rejected by the support ticketing software. CATALYST support cannot upload or submit your video on your behalf.
- Support does not have the authority to accept videos past deadlines or override limits set by the event organizers.
- Support is limited to general questions for your own software, and may not be able to provide specific help. If you need support for your recording software, refer to its documentation, or visit the software developer's website.