Timeline previews (Beta)

Silo is in active development before 1.0. These guides are updated frequently.

Silo can show a still frame while you move through the playback timeline, so you can see where you’ll land before you let go. The server makes these previews for the libraries an administrator turns them on for.

Turn on seek previews

Edit the library under Admin > Libraries.
In its advanced settings, turn on Generate seek previews and save.
Let background generation run. Silo processes files at low priority, so a large library takes a while. The library’s row on Admin > Libraries shows a badge such as Previews 84% while it works, and Previews ready when it’s done.

Silo stores the previews in artwork storage. Turning the setting off deletes the library’s previews. Until a file has previews, each app falls back as described below.

Preview a position

In the web app, hover over or drag the playback timeline. The preview shows the frame for that position, or the chapter image while the frame loads.

On iPhone or iPad, show the video controls and drag the playback timeline. The preview bubble shows the target time and, when available, a still frame. Release the timeline to seek there.

On Apple TV, show the controls and focus the timeline. Press Select to start choosing a position, move left or right, then press Select again to jump there. A preview frame can appear above the timeline while you choose.

In the native Mac app, drag the playback timeline. A preview card appears while you drag when the player has a frame for that position.

On an Android phone or tablet, drag the playback timeline. A still frame appears above the time while you drag.

On Android TV, show the controls, move to the timeline, and hold left or right. The frame appears above the timeline while it moves. When the controls are hidden, holding left or right shows the frame above the seek speed.

Without server previews, the web app shows the chapter image for that position, when it has one. The Apple apps cut frames from the video that is already playing, so a preview far from what the player has loaded may show only the time. The Android apps show only the time, as they do for downloaded videos played offline.

Chapter images

The web player’s Chapters menu and timeline show images generated for each chapter. If they’re missing, ask the administrator; chapter navigation works without them. The chapter menus in the mobile and TV apps don’t show these images.

To pick a file version or edition before playback, see Choose a version before playback.