Joideo synchronized playback interface with controller and participant views

Joideo – Synchronized Multi-Screen Video Platform

A controller-and-viewer app that lets instructors stream, pause, and scrub video in sync across every student device for real-time discussion.

Industry: educationProject Year: 2014Client: Joideo

Services Provided

Product Architecture
iOS & Android Development
Realtime Sync Services
Launch & Support

Project Tags

Industries

EducationEducation & EdTech

Focus & Tech

CommunityiOS (Objective-C)Android (Java)ASP.NET Web APISignalRAzure Media Services

Overview

Joideo (Join + Video) solves the chaos of group video playback. A host device controls the stream while participant devices automatically stay in sync, enabling classrooms, training sessions, and study groups to discuss content frame by frame.

Our Contributions

Product Architecture
iOS & Android Development
Realtime Sync Services
Launch & Support

Supported Devices

iPhone
iPad

Development Tools / Environments

iOS (Objective-C)
Android (Java)
ASP.NET Web API
SignalR
Azure Media Services

Implementation Details

Developed SignalR-based sync service delivering millisecond-level playback commands to all connected devices.
Integrated Azure Media Services for adaptive bitrate streaming and DRM-compliant content delivery.
Designed host/participant roles within a single app, enabling seamless switching between controller and viewer modes.
Built analytics capturing session attendance, watch time, and engagement to inform instructional design.

Admin Features

Organization admin portal to manage licenses, create course groups, and review usage analytics.
Content management tools for uploading proprietary videos, attaching captions, and setting access windows.
Moderation controls allowing co-hosts to take over playback or mute disruptive participants.

The Problem

Playing a video in group settings meant crowding around one screen or counting down to press play together. Educators needed precise control over playback and the ability to annotate, pause, or rewind for everyone simultaneously.

The Challenge

We had to minimize latency across mixed device types, handle network drops gracefully, and provide DRM-respecting playback for licensed content while keeping the interface teacher-friendly.

The Result

Universities adopting Joideo reported higher engagement in flipped-classroom sessions, tech-support tickets dropped 60%, and instructors saved prep time by reusing synced playlists semester after semester.

Key Requirements

Keep video playback synchronized across mixed devices and varying network conditions.
Support secure sharing of licensed content with granular access controls.
Deliver a lightweight interface that educators can adopt without extensive training.

Results & Impact

Instructors reported 60% fewer tech-support issues compared to manual playback methods.
Engagement metrics showed a 35% increase in student participation during video discussions.
Lesson playlists were reused across cohorts, cutting prep time by roughly 45 minutes per class.

Screens & Flows

Controller dashboard showing playlist and playback controls — The controller dashboard lets instructors queue videos, annotate, and instantly broadcast playback commands to all viewers.

Participant device receiving synchronized playback — Participant devices stay perfectly in sync, ensuring everyone discusses the same moment on screen.

Playlist creation screen with drag-and-drop ordering — Hosts build playlists, add timestamps, and reuse lesson plans with drag-and-drop simplicity.

Annotation overlay allowing hosts to highlight frames — Annotation tools let facilitators highlight frames, add notes, or pose quick polls mid-stream.

Session summary with participation metrics — Session summaries capture participation metrics and highlight discussion questions for follow-up.

Settings screen toggling classroom privacy and access codes — Hosts manage classroom privacy, access codes, and device limits to keep sessions secure.

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