Configuring DVR with NextGen Live

DVR functionality allows viewers to pause, rewind, and replay portions of your live stream, providing a more flexible viewing experience. NextGen Live offers robust DVR capabilities designed to ensure optimal performance and user experience.

After completing this guide, you should be able to:

• Understand DVR window limitations in NextGen Live
• Configure DVR settings for your live channels
• Optimize DVR settings for the best viewer experience

Audience

Publishers who need to configure DVR functionality for their live streaming channels using NextGen Live.

DVR Limitations and Considerations

• Maximum DVR Window: NextGen Live supports a maximum DVR window of 28,800 seconds (8 hours).
• Longer DVR windows may impact player performance and user experience.

Steps to configure DVR

To configure DVR for your live channel, you will complete the following tasks:

• Create a new live channel with DVR enabled.
• Configure DVR window settings.
• Test DVR functionality.

Creating a live channel with DVR

1. Log in to Studio.
2. Open the Live module.
3. Click the Create Channel button to create a new channel.
4. Enter a Channel Name.
5. If your account has been configured with required custom fields, make sure the custom fields are assigned values.
6. Select a Live Ingest Profile from the dropdown list.
7. In the Advanced Options section, locate the DVR Window setting.

   

8. Enter your desired DVR window duration in seconds (maximum 28,800 seconds / 8 hours).
9. Configure other channel settings as needed.
10. Click Save to create the channel with DVR enabled.

Configuring DVR window settings

The DVR window determines how far back viewers can rewind in your live stream. Consider these factors when setting your DVR window:

1. Content Type: News broadcasts may need shorter windows (30-60 minutes), while sports channels might benefit from longer windows (2-4 hours).
2. Viewer Behavior: Analyze how your audience typically interacts with live content.
3. Technical Considerations: Longer DVR windows require more resources and may impact performance.

Testing DVR functionality

After configuring DVR, it's important to test the functionality to ensure it works as expected:

1. Start your live stream as normal.
2. Wait for the stream to be active and processing.
3. Open the published player in a browser.
4. Test the rewind functionality by clicking and dragging the playhead backward.
5. Test seeking to different points within the DVR window.
6. Click the "Live" button to return playhead to the live edge.