Any idea on how to obtain server error events for videojs-http-streaming?

Tech QnA
1

How do I obtain events when the server stops pushing streams while playing HLS live video streams based on videojs and videojs-http-streaming?

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2

When watching HLS live video streams, you can use Video.js and videojs-http-streaming to handle events when the server stops pushing streams. These libraries provide events that you can use. In particular, the error event is frequently used to identify problems that arise during playback, such as when the stream stops.

Here’s a perfect example of how to use Video.js’ error event:

// Assuming you have included the necessary scripts for Video.js and videojs-http-streaming

// Initialize Video.js player
var player = videojs('my-video');

// Listen for the error event
player.on('error', function (e) {
  // Check if the error code indicates the stream stopped
  if (e && e.target.error().code === 2) {
    console.log('HLS stream stopped or encountered an error.');
    // Perform actions or handle the event as needed
  }
});

// Set up the HLS source
player.src({
  src: 'your-hls-stream-url.m3u8',
  type: 'application/x-mpegURL'
});

// Play the video
player.play();

The Video.js player in this example has the error event attached to it. When an error happens, it looks to see if the error code equals 2, which usually means that there’s a problem or the stream has halted.

Remember that the error codes can change depending on the particular error conditions and the underlying videojs-http-streaming library. To learn more about the error and respond appropriately to various error conditions, you may wish to investigate the error object (e.target.error()).

Furthermore, in case you possess authority over the server-side implementation, you may think about incorporating personalized logic to transmit signals or events in the event that the server ceases pushing streams. This would enable the client-side application to react to such occurrences with greater grace.

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3

Thank you! and how can you differentiate between different types of errors that might occur during HLS playback?

4

When using video.js to distinguish between various problem kinds during HLS playing, you may access the error object and examine its code attribute. Here’s an easy-to-understand example:

var player = videojs('my-video');

player.on('error', function (e) {
  var errorCode = e.target.error().code;

  switch (errorCode) {
    case 1:
      console.error('Media source not supported.');
      break;
    case 2:
      console.error('Network or HLS stream issue.');
      break;
    case 3:
      console.error('Video decoding error.');
      break;
    case 4:
      console.error('Source buffer issue.');
      break;
    default:
      console.error('Unknown error.');
  }
});

Depending on the error code, this code snippet logs particular messages for various error types. Depending on what your application requires, modify the messages or add handling logic.

Do let me know if you have further questions on this query.