Resolving Continuous Workout Playback with Missing Ads on SPTV
The SPTV media player is a cornerstone of seamless workout scheduling and ad integration for studios. However, issues can arise when the video library or Ad / TVCs becomes corrupted. In these cases, the player skips ads entirely and continues playing workout programs in a loop. While the programs start on time, any previously scheduled ad slots are bypassed, leading to uninterrupted workout playback but no ad visibility.
Here’s an overview of the issue and how it can be resolved effectively.
The Problem
When the ADS or video library becomes corrupted, the SPTV defaults to prioritizing workout playback. The result:
1. Workout programs loop continuously without interruption.
2. Ads or TVCs fail to play during scheduled slots.
3. Programs still start on time, but previous instances are abruptly cut off when new ones begin.
This behavior ensures class schedules remain intact but compromises the display of promotional content during workout intervals.
Identifying Root Causes
From reviewing system logs, some common triggers for this issue include:
• Multiple Restarts: Frequent restarts during operation can disrupt the library’s functionality.
• Training/Trainer Mode Usage: Extended or repeated use of training mode can inadvertently affect playback configurations.
• Corrupted ADS Configuration: Interrupted syncing or file corruption can prevent ads from playing. This typically happens if ads fail to download properly. Ads are automatically downloaded after hours, so any internet issues at your site during the update process can disrupt the download. If this occurs, the system will resume downloading after hours the next day. This is standard operation for any online system. Please note that the ads are secondary; the primary focus is ensuring your workouts start on time.
Steps to Resolve the Issue
Here’s how we address the problem step by step:
1. Remote Access
Resolving this issue requires our team to log in remotely to the SPTV player. To proceed, no clients should be in the studio, and no active workouts should be running, as stopping playback is necessary.
2. Stop Current Program
Once logged in, we halt the looping workout playback.
3. Restore or Re-download the Video Library
After stopping the program, we restore the video library or re-download the ad content to ensure the ADS is fully functional.
4. Restart and Verify
The player is then restarted, and we verify that ads are integrated back into the schedule seamlessly.
Case Study: A Recent Resolution
In a recent instance, frequent restarts and extended use of training/trainer mode led to corrupted files on the SPTV. As a result, the player continued playing workout programs in a loop, with no ads or promotional content. By remotely accessing the system, halting playback, and restoring the video library, we resolved the issue quickly. Ads resumed as intended without disrupting future class schedules.
Conclusion
While ad playback issues can be disruptive, they are typically straightforward to resolve with the right process. By addressing root causes and maintaining best practices, studios can ensure smooth operation of their SPTV media players.
If you encounter similar issues or have concerns about your system, our support team is here to help. Let us know, and we’ll resolve any problems promptly.