# Playing video files

When playing Video assets, you will mostly use [Video](/layers-and-layouts/stock-layer-templates/content-layer-templates/video-1.md) or [Multi-layer](/layers-and-layouts/stock-layer-templates/content-layer-templates/video.md) stock layer templates when playing back video files.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/D2CtIib9ZlW3oeZBSoRG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

However, if you double click on one of those layers you will find that there is a **Play video** node in both of these layer templates. This is the node that actually takes care of the video playback.

You will also notice that the inputs of this node correspond to the exposed Layer variables described in [Video layer template page](/layers-and-layouts/stock-layer-templates/content-layer-templates/video-1.md). Refer to that page for the explanation of the input pins of the node.

## Content framerate

To understand framerates in video playback in LightAct we need to understand the differences between **Content framerate**, **Project framerate** and **Application framerate**. *Content Framerate* is the framerate of the *Video asset*, whereas *Project framerate* and *Application framerate* are explained [here](/timelines/project-framerate.md).

{% hint style="warning" %}
In order to prevent any missed frames, **Application framerate** should always be higher or equal to the **Project framerate**. *Project framerate* should in most cases be the same as the **Content framerate**, but never lower.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="danger" %}
If **Application framerate** drops below **Content framerate**, you will get missed frames.
{% endhint %}

When LightAct executes (triggers) a **Play Video** node, it always passes the time of the frame it wants to get. This time is determined by the progression of the playhead across the timeline which is determined by the *Project framerate*.

This means for example:

* if *Project framerate* and *Content framerate* are both 30 and Application framerate is a steady 60, LightAct will request and display each frame twice.
* if *Content framerate* is 30 and *Project framerate* and *Application framerate* are both 60, it also means that each frame will be requested twice. However, if you have *Frameblending* enabled, you will get 2 frames blended every second frame.


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