pckg_m3u8_program_date_time
The `pckg_m3u8_program_date_time` directive specifies whether to include program date and time in generated HLS playlist files.
Description
The pckg_m3u8_program_date_time directive is a configuration option within the Kaltura Media Framework module for NGINX that determines if the program date and time should be appended to the playlists generated in the HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) format. When enabled, the directive will modify the output of the .m3u8 files to include a specific line with the program date and time, which can be useful for clients consuming the stream to understand the timing of the media content being delivered.
This directive can be placed in the http, server, or location contexts, allowing for flexible configuration based on the scope of your NGINX setup. The directive takes a single argument, which is expected to be a value that toggles the program date and time inclusion — typically either on (to enable the feature) or off (to disable it). The behavior of this directive can affect how streaming clients interpret the playlist; therefore, it is essential to understand the intended use case.
When the directive is set to on, the server will generate an HLS playlist with the additional metadata for date and time, thereby allowing playback clients to display more accurate timing information alongside the streamed content. This can enhance the user’s experience by providing context around the broadcast, especially in live streaming scenarios where timing can be crucial.
Config Example
location /live {
pckg_m3u8_program_date_time on;
# Additional configuration for HLS streams
}Ensure that the server time is correctly synchronized, as this will affect the accuracy of the program date and time.
If using on, verify the compatibility of client players with HLS metadata, as not all players may utilize this information effectively.