vod_force_continuous_timestamps
The `vod_force_continuous_timestamps` directive ensures that VOD timestamps are continuous during streaming.
Description
The vod_force_continuous_timestamps directive is used within the NGINX-based VOD Packager module to manage timestamps in video on demand (VOD) processes. When set to 'on', this directive enables the streaming server to force timestamps to be continuous, irrespective of the underlying media file's inherent timestamps. This is particularly useful for situations where discrepancies in timestamps could lead to playback issues, especially when different segments or files are being served, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted playback experience for users.
The directive takes a single argument, which is a boolean-like value indicating whether to enable continuous timestamps (typically 'on' or 'off'). If enabled, any segments being processed will be adjusted to ensure a seamless transition from one to another, effectively maintaining a uniform playback experience. This behavior is crucial when multiple files are stitched together for a seamless playback experience in adaptive bitrate streaming, as it eliminates potential gaps and offsets caused by file metadata.
This directive can be set in different contexts including http, server, and location, providing flexibility in configuration depending on the hierarchy of your NGINX setup. Proper application of this directive can significantly enhance user experience during video streaming, particularly when dealing with a combination of local and remote resources or dynamically-generated playlists.
Config Example
http {
vod_force_continuous_timestamps on;
server {
location /videos {
# other video configurations
}
}
}Ensure that the directive is compatible with other timestamp-related configurations in your VOD setup.
Using this directive without properly understanding the underlying media source may lead to unexpected playback artifacts.