Skip to main content
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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.