SongShow Plus

SSP blank black no missing background when displaying a song with a video background

4/24/2024

Applicable SongShow Plus Versions:
This article applies to all versions of SongShow Plus

* Updates correcting this issue may be available. Ensure that you are using the most current build of SongShow Plus from the Download page before proceeding. *

Symptom:
When attempting to display a song with a video background applied the operation may initially show the background, but then SSP will display a blank or black slide background. While the song may advance the video background appears to be missing or just blank. In some cases SSP may stop responding when transitioning to the next slide. (1295)

Possible Cause:
It appears that in some cases the simultaneous generation of thumbnails in the Media Control panel and the presentation output OR conflicts with transitions will cause SSP to display a blank/black background instead of the designated video. The program/song may advance but will not show the background video. The next object to be displayed may or may not work as expected.

This is under investigation.
There are several possible solutions listed below. Please review and try them all before submitting the information to us.

Possible Solution:
A possible workaround suggestion is to verify the selected media is working as expected. In some cases the source video is the problem. To check the content outside of the background use, add it to a program and ensure that it will play as expected as a program object:

Launch SongShow Plus
Create a new program to test your videos.
Add the desired background video as a standalone object in the program.
Play the video from the program and let it play all the way to the end.
Right-Click the video and select Playback Settings > Loop and Completion Options...
Check both the Fade In and Out check boxes and set the Loop Media setting to Yes.
Play the video again and allow it to loop through at least 3 times.

If the selected video will reliably loop through several times, then it should work as expected for a background video. If this does not work, select a new video. We would be interested in seeing samples of videos that do not pass this test.

Possible Solution:
A possible workaround suggestion is to verify the transition settings. In some cases the Fade transition was applied but with no option selected. The default should be "Full" but in some instances this is left blank. To check and correct this:

Launch SongShow Plus
Check both the Program and global Slide Properties settings for the Transition settings. You may also need to check other layers of Slide Properties such as the song file itself. Refer to this article for details.
If the Fade (or other) transition is set, ensure that a valid option (if there are any) is selected.

This should prevent the transition from generating incorrectly.

Possible Solution:
A possible workaround suggestion is to turn off the thumbnails in the Media Control panel.

Launch SongShow Plus
From the main toolbar select Settings > Preferences > Song Media Control
Under the Show option, select Titles Only.

This will prevent the thumbnails from being generated for Songs. You can repeat this process for Scripture and Slide Shows if needed.

If this does not resolve the issue, contact the Support Team.

(TS403)