Dropbox mp4 download and playback instructions for classroom computers

Tags dropbox

Summary

Media stored in Dropbox may easily be downloaded for playback on most computers.

These instructions are specific to podium computers maintained in classrooms and auditoriums, using the Windows 11 operating system.

Directions 

  1. Log in to Dropbox 

  2. Open the file where mp4 videos are stored

  3. Click on a selected video clip.

  • The clip will appear with a large "play" arrow in the middle of it
  • Do not play the clip until you have downloaded it to the desktop
  • Near the upper left corner of the Dropbox screen you'll see a tab marked Download

        4. Click on it and save to “Downloads”

        5.  Select the Media Player app of your choice (i.e. "VLC") and then “Always” to ensure that each file you download in this session follows suit

  • After you click "Download" the file will appear near the lower left corner of the screen

        6. Grab the downloaded file with your cursor, drag and drop to desktop 

  • Do not play the clip until you have downloaded it to the desktop

       7. Wiggle the mouse so that a time line appears near the bottom of the frame

  • This enables you to control when the clip begins 

       8. Before playing the clip, type the letter F on your keyboard

  • This should take you to full screen, eliminating the white bars at top and bottom of the frame

  • In most classrooms, playback volume is adjustable on the computer, not the podium's Crestron touch panel

       9. Press “Play” to run the clip

      10. Tapping the keyboard space bar should act as a pause button

      11. To exit clip, press Esc key and tap the X at top right with your cursor

For Assistance Call 734-615-0100 [Prompt 1]

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This article describes a potentially confusing media playback volume control issue, specific to podium computers in hybrid classrooms, with illustrated instructions for adjusting and muting audio volume when running video files that have been downloaded to the desktop.
If instead of opening, Dropbox displays a spinning icon, click the arrow marked "reload" near the top left corner of the screen. This should bring up the normal Dropbox page.