0

Many players with differnt schedule should playback a video at a specific UDP event

Lennard Walt

February 25, 2025 09:41

None

Follow

Hey,
on my project I have about 40 HD225/XT1144 players running on a local network with a specific presentation and timetable. At a specific UDP event the customer wants to show a video on all players synchronized. 

What are your ideas how to realize that? 

My first aproach is to add in every presentation a video zone that is hidden by default and triggered by the UDP event to show the zone and start the video playback. At the video end, the zone disappears and the default presentation shows up again.

What do you think?

• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn

2 comments

• -1
  
  vera goodin March 05, 2025 04:34

  You've got a good foundation with your approach! Let's refine it to ensure robust synchronization and address potential challenges.

  Your Initial Approach Analysis:

  • Pros: Official Site
    • Simple to implement within the existing presentation structure.
    • Utilizes the player's built-in video zone capabilities.
    • Allows for a straightforward return to the default presentation.
  • Cons:
    • Potential for slight timing discrepancies due to network latency and processing delays.
    • Managing 40 individual presentations can become unwieldy.
    • Network bandwidth limitations could impact synchronized playback.

  Enhanced Approach and Ideas:

  1. Precise UDP Event and Synchronization:

     • Centralized Timing:
       • Designate a single, reliable device to send the UDP event. This minimizes timing variations.
       • Include a precise timestamp within the UDP packet. Players can then synchronize their start times based on this timestamp.
     • Multicast UDP:
       • Utilize multicast UDP for efficient distribution of the synchronization signal. This reduces network load compared to sending individual UDP packets to each player.

  2. Optimized Video Management:

     • Centralized Video Storage:
       • Host the video file on a dedicated network share or server. This ensures all players access the same source and simplifies file management.
     • Pre-Caching (If Needed):
       • If network bandwidth is a concern, implement pre-caching. Players download the video to their local storage before the scheduled playback.
     • Video Encoding:
       • Optimize the video encoding for the HD225/XT1144 players, considering resolution, codec, and bitrate.

  3. Advanced Presentation Logic:

     • Dedicated BrightScript Script:
       • Create a dedicated BrightScript script to handle the UDP event, video playback, and state management. This provides greater control and flexibility.
     • State Management:
       • Implement state variables within the script to track the playback status (e.g., "idle," "playing," "finished").
       • This enables robust error handling and recovery.
     • Feedback Mechanism:
       • Implement a feedback system where players send UDP messages back to the central device, confirming their playback status. This allows for monitoring and troubleshooting.

  4. Robust Error Handling:

     • Network Error Handling:
       • Implement timeouts and retry mechanisms to handle potential network disruptions.
     • Playback Error Handling:
       • Monitor video playback and handle errors such as file not found or codec issues.
     • Player Status Monitoring:
       • Establish a system to monitor the status of all players and identify any errors.

  5. Testing and Deployment:

     • Rigorous Testing:
       • Conduct thorough testing in a controlled environment before deploying to the production network.
     • Phased Deployment:
       • Implement a phased deployment, starting with a small subset of players and gradually expanding.
     • Remote Monitoring:
       • Utilize remote monitoring tools to track player performance and synchronization.

  Implementation Notes:

  • Use BrightScript's roDatagramSocket and roMessagePort objects for UDP communication.
  • Employ the roVideoPlayer object for video playback control.
  • Utilize the roFileSystem object for file management.

  Key Considerations:

  • Network Bandwidth: Ensure sufficient bandwidth for simultaneous video playback.
  • Player Performance: Consider the processing power of the players.
  • Synchronization Accuracy: Determine the required level of synchronization accuracy.

  By incorporating these enhancements, you can create a highly reliable and synchronized video playback system.

• 0
  
  Bright Scripters March 06, 2025 03:44

  Sounds like your plan is in the right direction.

  You got this!