vod_force_sequence_index
The vod_force_sequence_index directive forces the video on demand (VOD) packaging process to use sequence indexes for media files.
Description
The vod_force_sequence_index directive is utilized within the NGINX-based VOD Packager module to dictate the behavior of video segment indexing during the VOD packaging process. When enabled, this directive instructs the server to generate and utilize a sequence index for the video output, rather than allowing the default behavior. This is particularly useful in scenarios where a fixed sequence of media segments is required for correct playback, such as in adaptive bitrate streaming formats like DASH and HLS. The sequence index serves as a consistent reference point for clients requesting media data, ensuring that they retrieve segments in a predictable order, thus enhancing user experience in playback scenarios.
When the directive is set to "on", the server will enforce the use of sequential indexing, which may also involve recalculating timestamps and segment lengths to align with the specified request parameters. This can result in performance improvements since clients can retrieve segments directly based on the sequence they expect, rather than relying on variable indexes. However, it's critical to ensure that all media files are properly structured for sequential playback, as disordered segments can lead to playback issues and buffering delays.
Config Example
server {
listen 80;
location /vod/ {
vod_force_sequence_index on;
# additional configuration...
}
}Forcing sequence indexing may require additional processing time during packaging, impacting initial load times.
Ensure media files are correctly sequenced prior to enabling this directive to prevent playback interruptions.