MediaElement.js is another free and open source HTML5 video player built by John Dyer. This player takes a more direct role than other competitors, actively upgrading less advanced browsers with the ability to take full advantage of the HTML5 Video Player without the need for a Flash alternative, using a Silverlight plugin. This is definitely not the standard approach but it certainly is a unique way of dealing with the compatibility issue between different browsers.
- Usability: MediaElement.js lands somewhere in the middle of the spectrum when it comes it’s looks, it’s definitely not the prettiest player out there, but it’s open nature makes it easy to theme and customize. The player offers the standard controls along with support for subtitles.
- Size: With multiple images, a flash player, a silverlight plugin and the jQuery framework bundled in it’s not hard to see why MediaElement.js is on the hefty side. Though it never felt slow or unresponsive, it did not feel as fast as other players such as VideoJS.
- Features: MediaElement.js offers all the features you’d come to expect from a HTML5 video player plus a few neat extras including internationalized subtitles, ambient background lighting effects and a loop button. The players best feature is the ability to present the user and viewer with a consistent “HTML5″ experience in almost every browser. MediaElement also offers a API that lets users manipulate various player control functions in both the HTML5 and Flash version of the player.
- Price: MediaElement.js is completely free and open source.
- Compatibility: Through its “Flash Forward” technique MediaElement is able to offer a consistent experience to every user. Utilizing the plugins provided, MediaElement.js was one of the most compatible HTML5 players we tested.
MediaElement.js is a sort of fickle example of an HTML5 video player that severely lacks in some locations only to make up for it with cool features like subtitle translation and backlighting effects. This is the player for you if you need these specific features and are willing to get your hands dirty. We think everyone should check out MediaElement.js when considering an HTML5 video player solution.
This is the fifth player we’ve reviewed in our series: Battle of the HTML5 Players.
Tags: html5