Explore options for video streaming

[Natkeeran]

Uploading and playing large video files does not provide a good user experience.

One possible solution is to use m3u8 playlists. This will involve generating m3u8 derivatives and storing them and using a player that can handle them.

Another approach is to consider using an open source media streaming platform, let it handle those logistics and embed that video in Drupal as a Remote Video. If so, what possible open source systems are suitable for that task?

Resource:

• https://www.drupal.org/project/entity_extra_field
• https://github.com/ableplayer/ableplayer/issues/28
• https://www.drupal.org/project/islandora_mirador

[gerbie-goober]

Findings:

• Upon testing HLS streaming with a given 25-minute video (i.e. Legend_of_Ponnivala-Episode01-EN_0.mp4), we found that the time to play the video was not significantly faster than the video player on the site currently. In addition, a downside to HLS streaming were the additional .ts files that were created as a result of converting .mp4 files to .m3u8 files. (e.g. if we were to split the .mp4 file into 25 stream segments, then 25 .ts files would be created)
• Thus, since the time to load the video and play it was not noticeably delayed nor slow, we concluded that the video streaming issue was not a large one.
• However, as part of the scoping research, I found some other solutions that might help the video player in the overall improvement of loading time:
  • CDN (Content Delivery Network) --> CDN module for integration: https://www.drupal.org/project/cdn
  • Progressive Download: (according ngnix website) Progressive download is a technique used to stream media from a web server to a client such as a video player on a laptop or mobile phone. Without progressive download, a client has to download the entire media file before video playback can start.