Random image at start of video

That's not the issue. Up until VERY recently, the first frame of the video was the image that was shown. Now, it's just some RANDOM image that can't be controlled, which is a little stupid as it conveys nothing. Why is THIS happening and how do I get rid of it?

I hope there is a quick solution to this issue...
Choosing a random image is a big enough issue, but what about a super pixelated image at that:
example
Hopefully just using the first frame of video is an easy fix in the meantime
(btw - I see the image as very pixelated - using ie7)

Hey Motionbox folks,

Since this seems to be related to the beta player, is there a parameter that people can add to force the normal hdplayer?

I've seen affiliate_name= "beta" and "aol". Are there others available to use? Thanks!

Hey everyone,

Thanks for your questions. There is no way to revert to the old player. However, once you play your video one time, the poster frame (still image shown) should encode and then display without pixelation. Garrett, I took a look at yours, and the image seems to be crisp and clear now. Have you had any further problems?

As for the image seen at the beginning, it isn't random, per se. It was chosen as the halfway point of the video, hoping that this may provide an image with context. Our product team is currently looking into having options for this, so stay tuned for more updates.

I hope this helps. If you have any other questions, please let us know!

Thanks,

Kristy K.
Motionbox Support Team

I would also like the image seen at the beginning to be the first frame of in the video.

Yes, please allow for first frame as poster frame until you can make uploading an image a user option.
People who compose videos - as either a hobby or profession - do so with intention. By adding this process, you take away from the creators ability to control their work.
I would expect something like this from a free service, but not from one for which I pay. Please don't force this process on those of us who prefer otherwise. Or at least be prepared to offer refunds for changing the service for which we paid.

I'm conflicted here, because although I'm not wild about putting a throwaway frame at the beginning of my video to get a decent preview image, I've used it a couple of times when I really did want something specific. With the new player I don't even have that option.

On the other hand, those videos that fade in from the start now have something other than black. Just not the frame I'd want if I could choose.

So, I look forward to having the option to just do it right, and upload a jpeg still for the preview.

Letting us specify the poster frame is essential!

Right now I have movies with terrible poster frames chosen; grimaces on people's faces, overexposure frames from old movies, etc.

Please, please, please let us either choose the poster frame, choose a blank frame, or go back to using the start frame. What we have now is not good!

Any progress on this? Many, MANY sites at least let you upload a still photo that would be displayed. That doesn't seem like a major deal, but there needs to be some control over the image. Personally I'd just rather having nothing than these random frames, most of which are ridiculous looking and almost unidentifable.

Please at least let us know if you do not plan on offering a solution to this problem. I would rather know what to expect and be able to plan accordingly - than to be held in limbo not knowing when improvements will come about...or if they will come about. You can keep my $30 bucks. Just please tell me if you are going to fix this or not!

I almost can't believe how bad this "poster frame" looks. Surely this issue could have been fixed by now if it was important enough. Since it hasn't been fixed, I am forced to look elsewhere for my video hosting needs.

Garrett: Am in the same boat. I think I'm going to bail as well as are several people I recommended this service to. Nobody is happy with this, and yet nothing gets changed. This just seems like a simple issue - even just revert back to the way it was before - that would be a huge improvement.

And as far as the image not being "random".... I highly doubt ANYONE edits a video so that the frame they want to present is exactly the halfway mark of the video - that's just an idiotic concept. It's still RANDOM. And it looks absolutely horrible.

The above link will no longer work - I deleted the video.

Hi guys,

I'm so sorry for the frustration. We'll have part of the problem resolved by the end of this week, by reverting back to the initial image as the poster frame. We're working on ways for you all to be able to choose your own poster frame for future releases, so that's coming down the pike as well.

Again, I'm sorry for the inconvenience. Hopefully using the initial frame will help while we figure out a longer-term solution. Let us know if you have any questions, and keep the suggestions coming.

Thanks for your patience,

Kristy K.
Motionbox Support Team

Hey again!

I just wanted to let you all know that for any videos uploaded going forward, the poster frame will be the first frame of your video. We're still working on letting you choose the poster frame, so we'll keep you posted.

Let us know if you have any questions.

Thanks!

Kristy K.
Motionbox Support Team

Kristy, how can we fix poster frames for videos which were already uploaded?

Thank you, Motionbox, for making this right. I'm glad this is resolved and I can keep using the service.
Maybe next time give a head's up - or beta version - before making a change that affects creative content.

Hey Garrett (and everyone),

Thanks so much for all your suggestions and patience as we resolve this matter. We're thrilled to have you as members!

We'll keep you posted...

Kristy K.
Motionbox Support Team

Having the 1st frame I can see is definitely better than the middle (I'm new to Motionbox).

However not being able to choose the poster frame is an inconvenience as it means have to do do extra editing with the video before I can upload each time.

I would definitely like this to be changed too! Other than that I think Motionbox has a very good service!