Create a Looping USB stick?

Hi Everyone

Can I create a video to Loop on a USB stick via FCPX? Client asked for a promo on a small TV using a USB input

Thanks

FCP has no looping function. You could put it on an HTML page and have the page loop it. That's a function of the web page creation software. The other option would be to encode it into a DVD format using an application that allows DVD looping.

DVD Studio has an option to create a looping video. Maybe Toast too, but not certain.

I also think there is a setting in Quicktime 7 (the old pro version) to set up a QT to loop.

Thanks Tom/Jonathan

So, i could use iDVD/Toast to burn it as a DVD to a USB? not sure if I am getting this..

Can I keep it in 1080 or do I have to lower the resolution etc?

Thanks

Gaddster,

Now that I think about it, why do you need to do this on a USB drive?

I'd think you might do better with a DVD (can also be set to loop). Is this being shown on a TV or computer. Most places would have a DVD player.

Hi Jonathon,

its a TV on a promotional stand at the front of a retail shop.. I have provided several DVDs in the past as they have used the DVD in a hidden area but they are buying a new TV and asked the question about USB formats etc.

You can't use iDVD if you want HD. Have to make a Blu-ray format.

The client may think that because the TV has a USB input it can play back video via this input. That may not be the case. I would find out what TV they are getting and see if it has that capability. You may do a lot of work to find out it just can't be done anyway.

Use QuickTime Player, use the Loop playback feature. Not going to work on a USB stick as an independent entity without some programming.

Compressor 4.1.1 also has a Blu-Ray burn option. But with this your need something that will be able to play that format.

Thanks

So I can get the format on to USB no problem But the TV doesn't recognise it as it has no player etc?

I have seen a loop setting on a samsung tv (continuos play) but its not really what I wanted.

BenB, what programming are you referring to?

Hello, your best bet is probably something like this: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0073H7LKA

I've bought loads for clients, family and friends.

It's TV USB powered, FullHD and plays almost every file type. Stick an SDHC or USB stick into it and you can set it to auto play and auto loop every time it's switched on. 10Mbps x264 mp4 through Handbrake would be my recommended file type.

They seem to be discontinued, so maybe there's a newer version? Don't have the time to find out tonight...
At £35 they were a steal. But there's plenty of tother similar options out there.

Duncan.

ahh interesting.. a media player in a case

only thing is I would still have to connect it to a TV and hide it somewhere

But your client already has the TV?

If the TV has a USB port that will power the player. The Micro 3 comes with a USB power cable.
If the TV has HDMI then just buy a 10cm HDMI cable and velcro the player to the back of the TV it's really tiny.
Otherwise you can use the included analogue cables.

Duncan.

Ahh I didn't realise it was that small (thought it may need powering too etc.

So this is a digital signage situation, eh? You won't want to go this route, but I do some of those systems, have for a long time now. If this plans to get more sophisticated a Mac Mini and a real digital signage application would work great. That way you can even upload new media via Internet from your home, schedule multiple files to play, etc. Just a thought for the future.

I know folks using an Apple TV for this type of stuff, too.

But for a USB stick, yeah, that's going to be a challenge.

Thanks BenB

yes its a promo on a stand in a retail outlet. Not sure if we can access their internet but would be great to change the promo's remotely.

Its a fine balance between cost and neccessaty really, we change the promo's 5 times a year but i can imagine we could do more adhoc promotions.

Here is the link to the type of promo (excuse my first attempt at doing the VO with an employee in their office)

Hiya. A few things to mention.

Firstly if you did setup a media player like the one I suggested, to change the video just post them a new file on a £5 USB flash drive. They plug it in. It auto plays.

Secondly, some of the text especially the legal text might well get cut off if the TV overscans. Any typical LCD TV will cut that text off I reckon, or it'll be on the very edge. You'd have to set the TV up in a mode like LG use called 'just scan'. But in my experience, none of my LG TVs remain in that mode after power cycling.

Lastly, if the video is looping you might consider how much better it will look it there was no fade from/to black at the ends. You could make a seamless loop, as you cannot control when in the presentation someone will start watching it. Maybe have the logo fully built at the 'start' and peel elements away to get into the main presentation, then have the logo build back on at the end. It'll pause momentarily (but won't go to black on the player I use) and it looks perfect. Of course you could have sound at the loop point.

Duncan.

Thanks Duncan

Great tip about the seamless start/end

Never really gave that a thought. Yes we use an LG tv on just scan mode, probably need to check it out

i have been looking for a similar media player (amazon)to test it out amazon

This works great, and is cheap. takes a minute to go through the instructions and setup, but it'll loop a video off a USB stick forever. We'vw had on running an animated log for about a year. Had to restart it maybe 3 times...

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008NO9RRM/