07_Navigating: Media File Functions

This blogpost will outline functions associated with the media file, including the zoom function, detaching/attaching, cross-referring the media and ELAN file and location media files.

Zoom function 

The zoom function can be used to focus in on a particular part of the video. To zoom in on the media file, right click on the video file, hover over ‘zoom’ and select your desired zoom level. Typically, the zoom scan be set at around 200-300% and focused on the interactive partners. 

In addition, in some videos, two extra boxes displaying alternative camera angles are integrated within the main media file. These are useful in cases whereby the main camera angle is not clear. Thus, the zoom function is useful here.

Note, this zoom function is different to zooming in on the density viewer; while the density viewer zoom focuses on the zoom when annotating, the media zoom focuses on the actual media file being coding. 

Figure 1: Image depicting the zoom function 

Detach/attach function 

It is possible to detach the media file from the main ELAN window. Detaching the media file is especially useful when working with two screens; whereby the video is displayed on one screen, and the coding file on another – although, this is personal preference and it is also fine to code without detaching. 

To detach the media file, right click on the media file and click ‘detach’. A new moveable window will appear which includes the media file. To reintegrate the media file into the main window, right click on the media file and select ‘attach’. Note, the media controls are still situated within the main window. 

Figure 2: Image depicting the detach function 

Checking the media file associated with the coding file

It is good practice to check the media file associated with the coding file the first time a new participant is coded. 

To do this, right click on the media file and click ‘player info…’. Once the dialog box appears, cross-reference the file name of the main ELAN file (top left of the main window) with file name within the dialogue box labelled ‘file location’. You want to ensure the participant ID and time-point match. 

Figure 3: Image depicting the player info dialogue box

Locating the media file

Usually, when you receive ELAN coding files, the media file will already be linked to that specific coding file. However, in some instances, when you open the .eaf coding file, you may be asked to locate the media. If this is the case, when you open the coding file, a dialog box will appear to select the correct media file (.mp4). Locate the media file associated with the participant and click open. The main ELAN program will open with the associated media file.

Note, it is crucial that the ID codes match between the .mp4 file and ELAN coding file currently open. This is because ELAN may direct you to another participant folder. For instance, in the below example, the coding file is associated to participant 005. However, ELAN was directed to the ID folder ‘001’ from the previous coding file (Figure 4, box 1). Thus, ID code ‘005’ needs to be located and attached (Figure 4, box 2). 

Figure 4: Image depicting the selection of media files