How does this work?

When we run FFmpeg coversion function it convets .mp4 file into an HLS format, it generate 2 types of file.

.m3u8 file

What is this 🤔:

• An .m3u8 file is a playlist file used in HLS streaming.
• It is a text file written in the M3U format, extended with UTF-8 encoding (hence the .m3u8 extension).
• It contains metadata and references to the .ts files (video segments) that make up the video stream.

Purpose 🤨:

• The .m3u8 file acts as an index or manifest for the video player.
• It tells the player where to find the .ts files and in what order to play them.
• Example

#EXTM3U
#EXT-X-VERSION:3
#EXT-X-TARGETDURATION:10
#EXT-X-MEDIA-SEQUENCE:0
#EXTINF:10.000,
segment0.ts
#EXTINF:10.000,
segment1.ts
#EXTINF:10.000,
segment2.ts
#EXT-X-ENDLIST

• #EXTM3U: Indicates the file is an extended M3U playlist.
• #EXT-X-TARGETDURATION: The maximum duration (in seconds) of each segment.
• #EXTINF: The duration of each segment. segment0.ts, segment1.ts, etc.: References to the .ts files.

.ts Files

What They Are 🤔:

• .ts files are video segments in the MPEG-TS (Transport Stream) format.
• Each .ts file contains a small chunk of the video, typically 10 seconds long (or the duration specified in the FFmpeg options).

Purpose 🤨:

• These files are streamed sequentially to the video player. The player downloads and plays one segment at a time, allowing for adaptive streaming and reduced buffering.

Why .ts Format? 🤔:

• The MPEG-TS format is designed for streaming and can handle errors better than other formats.
• It allows for seamless playback even if some packets are lost during transmission.

How They Work Together🤔 ?

• The .m3u8 file is loaded by the video player.
• The player reads the .m3u8 file to determine the order and location of the .ts files.
• The player downloads and plays the .ts files one by one, ensuring smooth playback.

How to run this programme

• Prerequisites :
  • Nodejs
  • Code Editor
• Get the project .

  git clone https://github.com/Adityasinghvats/Node-HLS-Example.git 
  cd Node-HLS-Example
  npm install

• Add video of your choice with name video.mp4 to new folder videos under src folder .
• Run conversion operation .

  cd src
  node ffmpeg.js

  After running this you will find many .ts files under videos folder .
• Run the app .

  node app.js

• Access the playback at http://localhost:8000/ .

For any queries contact me 🫡