Switching from Live to VOD or VOD to Live

[yashtandon113]

We will use two applications to switch from VOD to Live or Live to VOD. Let's go step by step.

Step-1:

In this example, we will use the LiveApp app for live streaming and the live app for VOD. These two applications are installed by default on the Ant Media Server. You have the option of creating your own applications.

Step-2:

First, go to the LiveApp application and create one live stream with streamId test for example.

Step-3:

Now go to the LiveApp application's Settings --> Advanced settings and set the below property:

  "hlsPlayListType": "event",

After making the changes, save the settings.

Step-4:

Switch to the live application's VOD section and upload the VOD that you want to use. Check out this document for VOD upload.

Step-5:

After uploading the VOD, switch to live application Settings --> Advanced settings and make the below changes to the properties:

  "deleteHLSFilesOnEnded": false,
  "hlsflags": "delete_segments+append_list+omit_endlist",

After making the changes, save the settings.

Step-6:

Open the Live Streams section of the live app and create a playlist with the streamId playlist, for example.

Step-7:

After creating the playlist stream, edit the playlist stream and first add the VOD that was uploaded.

NOTE: The URL should be correct and reachable; otherwise, it will not be added.

• Add the URL of the live stream that publishes to the LiveApp application with streamId test.

NOTE: The URL should be correct and reachable; otherwise, it will not be added.

• Now, after adding both the VOD URL and Live stream URL, save and update the playlist

Step-8:

Now, start the playlist and play with the below sample URL

https://domain:5443/live/play.html?name=playlist&playOrder=hls

When the playlist will be running, it will show the index that is currently running.

Suppose the Playing Index is 0, which means the VOD is running and once the VOD time is over, if the actual live stream is live in the LiveApp application, then the playlist will switch to the live. In case the actual stream is not live, then the VOD will keep playing on loop.

Please feel free to comment if any points are unclear. We will do our best to include the demonstration video as soon as possible.

[klasadoroty]

hi,
I just tested it. Good job. It works without a problem.
I will add:

• when the playlist switches to streamlive it will be there all the time until the broadcast is turned off.
• when the broadcaster ends the 'live' operation it automatically returns to 'vod'.
• when the broadcaster starts streamlive again .. the live broadcast will appear.

Note: the vod file should be a maximum of 15s /at your discretion of course/, it works in a loop /check loop/.
I have not checked, but.. you do vod1 / live / vod2 / live / vod3 / live ... etc. - then you have a playlist of vod materials, but after starting the broadcast .. live will appear.

Note: before 'live' appears the server will finish the vod file.

[yashtandon113]

Hi @klasadoroty

It is good to know you tried it and it works for you.

Also, thank you for adding the notes; I will include them in the official switching document to help users.

[klasadoroty]

Hi. One more thing: how do I make the playlist start when AMS starts? Automatically. If possible: please explain

[yashtandon113]

@klasadoroty

After a server restart, the playlist does not start automatically. However, you can start the playlist using the Rest API. Check out this API call.

I hope it helps.

[klasadoroty]

Hi, didn't help... :)
I know how to start. -the playlist does not start automatically- this is a problem.