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Version Comparison

Compare video versions side-by-side to verify changes and track progress.

What Is Version Comparison?

A tool that lets you:

  • View two video versions simultaneously
  • Synchronized playback
  • Verify requested changes were made
  • Compare quality between versions

When to Use Comparison

After Revisions

Confirm changes from client feedback:

  • "Did they fix the audio at 1:23?"
  • "Is the new title correct?"
  • "Was the color corrected?"

Quality Checks

Compare export settings:

  • Resolution differences
  • Color grading variations
  • Audio mix changes

Internal Review

Before sending to client:

  • Director approval
  • Quality assurance
  • Final checks

Accessing Comparison

From Video Player

  1. Open the Review Videos tab
  2. Click Compare Versions
  3. Select two versions to compare

From Version List

  1. Select first version
  2. Hold Ctrl/Cmd and select second
  3. Click Compare Selected

Comparison Interface

Side-by-Side Layout

Two video players displayed together:

  • Left: Version A (usually older)
  • Right: Version B (usually newer)
  • Synchronized timeline

Playback Controls

Shared controls for both videos:

  • Play/pause (synchronized)
  • Timeline scrubbing
  • Speed adjustment

Version Labels

Clear indicators showing:

  • Version name
  • Upload date
  • Which is newer

Synchronized Playback

How It Works

Both videos play together:

  • Press play: both start
  • Pause: both stop
  • Seek: both jump to same time

Offset Adjustment

If videos don't match exactly:

  1. Click Adjust Sync
  2. Set offset in frames or seconds
  3. Videos realign

Comparison Features

Frame-by-Frame

Step through one frame at a time:

  • Use arrow keys
  • Perfect for detailed checks
  • Compare exact moments

Split Screen

Alternative to side-by-side:

  • Single frame, split down middle
  • Left half: Version A
  • Right half: Version B

Overlay Mode

Layer videos on top:

  • Opacity slider
  • See differences clearly
  • Useful for alignment checks

Use Case Examples

Example 1: Audio Fix

Client reported audio drop at 0:45:

  1. Open comparison
  2. Jump to 0:45
  3. Listen to both versions
  4. Confirm audio is fixed in new version

Example 2: Logo Change

Designer updated logo placement:

  1. Compare versions
  2. Pause at logo appearance
  3. Verify position and size
  4. Check consistency throughout

Example 3: Color Correction

Colorist adjusted footage:

  1. Open comparison
  2. Play through key scenes
  3. Compare color/brightness
  4. Note specific improvements

Best Practices

Naming Versions

Use clear names for easy comparison:

  • Yes "First Draft", "Audio Fix", "Final"
  • No "v1", "v2", "new"

Document Changes

When uploading new versions:

  • Note what was changed
  • Reference specific timecodes
  • List addressed comments

Systematic Review

Work through methodically:

  1. Start at beginning
  2. Check each flagged moment
  3. Note anything missed
  4. Confirm all issues addressed

Mobile Comparison

Limited on Mobile

Full comparison requires desktop:

  • Screen size constraints
  • Processing requirements

Mobile Alternative

On mobile:

  • Switch between versions manually
  • Use version selector
  • Take notes for later

Exporting Comparison

Screenshots

Capture comparison moments:

  • Click screenshot button
  • Shows both frames
  • Saves with timestamp

Reports

Generate comparison summary:

  • List of versions compared
  • Notes and annotations
  • Timestamps reviewed

Troubleshooting

Videos Out of Sync

  1. Check both videos have same duration
  2. Use offset adjustment
  3. Verify upload was complete

One Video Not Playing

  1. Check video source
  2. Verify access permissions
  3. Try refreshing page

Comparison Laggy

  1. Lower playback quality
  2. Close other browser tabs
  3. Use wired connection
  4. Try different browser

Video Production Management Made Simple