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This guide covers getting files off the platform — the download itself, the Aspera transfer, embargoes, and restricted-file requests. For the broader feature, see Downloads.

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How to download files

1

Open the asset

Find the asset and open its preview.
2

Pick language and options

At the top of the preview, choose your language and subtitle/dub option. The available files then appear in the lower half.
3

Click a file

Click any file to start downloading immediately. A progress indicator sits next to each filename; click the X to cancel, and a checkmark shows when it’s done.
An asset's file list with language and version dropdowns and download arrows
A file row showing a download in progress with pause and cancel controls
The download arrow icon next to a file
Open the Download Manager from the left navigation bar to see your history and pause, resume, cancel, or search transfers.
The Download Manager showing active and completed transfers

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How long until files are downloadable

Once the Pixwel team receives files from the localization vendor, it usually takes 60 to 90 minutes for them to appear on the platform.

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Where files download to (Aspera)

Downloads transfer via Aspera Connect and save, by default, to your system’s Downloads folder, inside a subfolder named for the studio. To change the location:
  • Mac — open Aspera Connect preferences → Transfers tab → Browse to a new location.
  • Windows — open Connect preferences (cog icon at bottom-left, or right-click the Connect icon → Preferences) → Transfers tab. Choose Save downloaded files to and browse to a directory, or Always ask me where to save downloaded files to be prompted each time.
A file-system folder tree showing where downloaded files are saved
If you’re hitting connectivity or transfer problems, Pixwel publishes Aspera technical documentation (network ports and requirements) as a PDF — ask support for the link. See also Aspera Desktop.

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Downloading without Aspera

You don’t need any Aspera software to download — Aspera just makes large transfers faster and gives you progress and pause/resume. If you have neither Aspera Desktop nor the Aspera Connect browser plugin, Pixwel automatically falls back to a standard HTTPS download through your browser, and the file still downloads. What’s different on the browser fallback:
  • Your browser’s own download manager handles the file — there’s no in-app Active Transfers entry, progress, speed, or pause/resume.
  • There’s no transfer acceleration, so very large files are slower than over Aspera.
  • Files download one at a time (no bulk/zip).
  • The download link is short-lived (about 20 minutes). Start the download promptly; if it stalls or the link expires, just click the file again to get a fresh one.
CapabilityAspera DesktopAspera Connect (plugin)No Aspera (browser)
Downloads work✓✓✓
Accelerated transfer✓✓—
In-app progress, pause, resume✓✓—
Nothing to install——✓
For large files, lots of files, or unreliable connections, install Aspera Desktop (or the Aspera Connect plugin) — you’ll get faster, resumable transfers with full progress control. For the occasional small file, the browser fallback is fine.

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Embargoed files

An embargo holds a file until a release date.
  • An embargoed file shows a padlock icon and can’t be downloaded yet.
  • Hover the filename to see the embargo date and time.
  • When the embargo lifts, the padlock becomes a download arrow and the file is available.
An asset's file list with padlock icons on embargoed files
A tooltip showing the embargo date and time on hover
Legend comparing the embargoed padlock and the downloadable arrow icons
If you believe a file was locked in error and you need it before the embargo lifts, contact support.

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Restricted OV texted / textless files

Downloading OV English texted and textless files usually needs Head Office approval. To request them, email platform@pixwel.com with:
  • The asset titles and their URLs
  • The specs — texted, textless, or both; broadcast, online, or both; and any special transcoding
  • A business justification — why you need them, who the recipient vendor/partner is, and the intended usage
Files are released only once Head Office approves.