Using the J-K-L Keys for Playback
The J-K-L keys on the keyboard allow you to play and shuttle through media at varying speeds. This feature, also referred to as three-button play or variable-speed play, allows you to use three fingers to manipulate the speed of playback for greater control. While the video media plays at any speed, audio playback is muted after reaching a 4x or faster playback speed.
The playback speed is displayed in the upper right corner of the Media Viewer. For backward play, the display includes a left-pointing arrow. For forward play, the display includes a right-pointing arrow.
You can use the J-K-L keys with focus in the Media Viewer or in the Sequence Timeline area. If you are working outside of the Asset Editor, you can press the Ctrl key plus J, K, or L to control playback.
Your ability to use the J-K-L keys when playing MediaCentral Asset Management assets depends on MediaCentral Asset Management rules. The credentials you use to sign in to the MediaCentral Asset Management database determine if you are allowed to change the playback speed.
To play or shuttle through the media using the J-K-L keys on the keyboard:
Press the L key to move forward through the footage at normal speed.
Press the L key multiple times to move forward through the footage at faster speeds, as described in the following table:
Press the L Key | To Play Media At |
2 times | 2x normal speed |
3 times | 3x normal speed |
4 times | 4x normal speed |
An administrator can change the speed associated with the number of key presses in the Workflow Settings app. For more information, see the Avid MediaCentral | Cloud UX Installation Guide.
Press the J key to move backward at the same shuttle speed increments.
Press the K key to stop playback.
Press the K and L keys together for slow forward at ¼ times normal speed.
Press the K and J keys together for slow backward at ¼ times normal speed.
Press and hold the K key and tap the L key or the J key to step through footage one frame at a time.
To slow or change play direction one speed at a time:
Press Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) while you tap the J or L key.
Play slows or changes direction one speed at a time from the speed at which you are currently playing.
For example, you are shuttling backward with the J key at 2x normal speed. Press and hold Alt and tap the L key once. Play slows to backward at normal speed (1x speed). Hold Alt and tap L once again. Play stops. Continue to hold Alt and tap L once again. Play goes forward at normal speed.
