Embed Media

While the SiteSpinner Embed File/Media tool () may appear to be a convenient solution for adding media to your web page, it’s crucial to be aware of its limitations. For example, when a modern browser encounters the SiteSpinner embed code, it internally re-writes it as the appropriate HTML5 <video> or <audio> tag, depending on the detected media type. However, any options you use for the SiteSpinner media, such as “Auto Start,” “Continuous Play,” “Visible Controls,” and manually entered Name-Value parameters, are not detected and are not used in the converted HTML5 code. This can lead to the media not behaving as expected, potentially causing frustration. Therefore, it’s important to consider these limitations when using the SiteSpinner tool and explore using the HTML <video> and <audio> elements for a smoother user experience.

In Chromium-based browsers, such as Chrome, Edge, and Opera, the embedded object created by the SiteSpinner tool has a black background, and the media player controls are automatically visible and displayed within the width of the actual media, not the SiteSpinner embedded object.

When it comes to Firefox, the SiteSpinner Embed File/Media tool presents some unique quirks that you should know. The transparent background allows you to add a background color to the embedded object using the Shading tool button, which can be particularly useful when the media is smaller than the dimensions of the embedded object. However, the media player controls only appear when the mouse hovers over the embedded object and displays across the width of the embedded object rather than inside the media, as in Chromium-based browsers. The player controls in the Firefox mobile browser will never appear because you cannot hover. Also, since the media does not auto-start, no media will appear, so it’s essential to remember these quirks when using the SiteSpinner tool in Firefox.

By using the HTML5 <video> and <audio> elements, you can significantly enhance your users’ viewing experience. These media elements improve the user experience and give you greater control over how the media is displayed. You can even use Javascript code to customize how users interact with the media.