Is ffmpeg already setup on the server? What is the path to ffmpeg? Did you already configure this in EasySocial?

Is ffmpeg already setup on the server?

Yes

What is the path to ffmpeg?

This is what i get doing a whereis ffmpeg: ffmpeg: /usr/local/bin/ffmpeg

Did you already configure this in EasySocial?

Yes I did. I tried with /usr/local/bin/ffmpeg and /home/u494-cywuhc6tnghg/bin/ffmpeg
which my Hoster told me to use.

if you are on a server management console like runcloud have a look to this doc: https://stackideas.com/docs/easysocial/administrators/hows-to/how-to-setting-up-ffmpeg-with-%20Runcloud
or check what settings you have for "PHP functions"!

Hello Jean,

I am really sorry for the delay of this reply as it is a weekend for us here. I have checked the encoding logs for videos on the site and it looks like ffmpeg was recognized but the only problem is the ffmpeg binary was not compiled with libx264 support.

This was the error that was generated from the logs:

ffmpeg version 4.1.1 Copyright (c) 2000-2019 the FFmpeg developers

  built with gcc 8 (GCC)

  configuration: --enable-static --disable-ffplay --disable-ffprobe --disable-doc --disable-avdevice --disable-alsa

  libavutil      56. 22.100 / 56. 22.100

  libavcodec     58. 35.100 / 58. 35.100

  libavformat    58. 20.100 / 58. 20.100

  libavfilter     7. 40.101 /  7. 40.101

  libswscale      5.  3.100 /  5.  3.100

  libswresample   3.  3.100 /  3.  3.100

Unrecognized option 'crf'.

Error splitting the argument list: Option not found

FFmpeg on the server needs to be compiled with the following arguments: --enable-gpl --enable-libx264

Ok, let me check with my provider if they can do anything about this. As soon as I know more I will let you know.

Sure, let me know how this goes Jean.

So, my provider basically denied any help. They said it should work.

I am on the search for a new Hosting provider now. You can close this ticket

Thanks for updating us on this Jean. Do you mean they are reluctant to recompile ffmpeg with libx264 support?

Yes exactly, I even asked if upgrading my hosting would help. Unfortunately not even that is possible.

Hm, that is bad May I know which hosting company is this? I truly cannot understand why they do not want to install any encoders for ffmpeg because without the encoders, ffmpeg is pretty much useless as it won't be able to encode videos.

My hosting is done by SiteGround

By the way this is the reason why I subscribed with them. Otherwise I would have looked further.

To be honest, I think this is pretty misleading. I would strongly suggest that you switch to a different host that truly supports ffmpeg with proper encoders.

Offering ffmpeg without any encoders is like offering you a car without tires or engines :\

Yes its truly misleading. This is why we requested a refund and are looking for a new hosting company. The way I see it they wont even bother with refunding us.

Sorry to hear about that Jean I really wish we could help.

You already did help, and I appreciate this very much.

Thanks Jean.

Hey Supporter thanks for this information. I am out of office right now but will check this as soon as I get back.

Thanks Supporter,

I managed to make it work. Unfortunately it's not very reliable. Sometimes I can upload a video and sometimes it just get stuck while encoding. I can't seam to find out why. Size of the videos does not matter it gets stuck with a 5 MB video or a 50 MB video.

Also for the long run this might not be a good solution because of none existing support from SiteGround in this matter. I think it's best for me to look for a new Hosting Provider.

Thanks for sharing Supporter and Jean! I did not know that you could just upload a pre-compiled version. Do they actually check and does it violate their policies?

It all depends ont the chosen hosting plan....
With some plans you are not allowed to upload/run executable files it is mainly the case for very low cost shared hosting plans.
Some hosting provider(s) do have an automated scanning of directories to delete executable files.

So the question is always what are you really wanting to pay?
But Siteground becomes luxury hosting for Wordpress, (there are GB pf preinstalled files not needed for for Joomla)

Jean-Marc,
check lws.fr, I have 3 sites hosted with different hosting levels and all in all I do not have to complain about the quality is or support

a very good option is also cloud hostings with server management console services.

a very good option is also cloud hostings with server management console services.

I second this. A budget cloud instance at $20 / month would be pretty solid.

If you use a storage like AWS à cloud instance is fine
If you intend to store all images on thé server and if I am correct you are located in Switzerland then a company like lws.fr offers space and performance at very competitive pricings

Thanks for sharing Supporter!

Thanks guys for all the help I appreciate this very much

No problem Jean.