HLS Pre-roll Ad Segmentation for Reduced Startup Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) protocols face challenges in reducing the time from a play request to the start of streaming media, particularly due to the inability to embed manifest files, which increases startup latency when delivering ad-supported content to devices like the iPad, leading to potential viewer loss.
Innovation Solution
The technology processes and plays the pre-roll ad independently while processing the remaining content and ads, allowing for separate manifest files to reduce startup latency by dividing the stream into two subsets, one for the pre-roll ad and another for the content and remaining ads, thereby minimizing the time required to prepare the entire media program for playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the entire media program including pre-roll ad is processed as a single HLS stream, then the manifest file structure remains simple, but the startup latency increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the media program into two separate HLS streams: one containing only the pre-roll ad and another containing the main content and subsequent ads. This segmentation allows the pre-roll ad to be processed and delivered independently, reducing the startup latency for ad-supported content while maintaining manageable manifest file structures for each segment.
2Loss of time
If the pre-roll ad is processed independently with a separate manifest file, then the startup latency is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by creating separate manifest files for the pre-roll ad and the main content. This approach reduces startup latency by allowing independent processing of the pre-roll ad, while the increased system complexity is managed through standardized HLS protocol operations and automated manifest generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal HLS protocol mechanisms that can handle multiple manifest files and stream segments. The media player's existing HLS compatibility is leveraged to process the segmented streams, reducing the need for custom complex handling logic while achieving reduced startup latency.
3Reliability
If all content and ads are processed together before playback, then the manifest file is complete and accurate, but the processing time increases startup latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by processing and preparing the pre-roll ad stream in advance with its own manifest file before the main content needs to be delivered. This allows the pre-roll ad to be ready for immediate playback, reducing the overall processing time impact on startup latency while maintaining manifest file accuracy for each segment.
Data Source
AI summary
Technology for processing an ordered sequence of frames of a media program intended for play in an HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) player. Processing a first ordered subset of frames of the sequence. Processing a second ordered subset of frames of the sequence separate from the first subset. The second subset following on the first forms a third ordered subset of frames of the media program. Processing the second subset includes creating a manifest file of the subset. The playing time of processed frames of the first subset is at least equal to the processing time of the second subset. Processing the first subset can include creating a manifest file of the subset. The media program can include ads (at least a pre-roll ad) and content. The first ordered subset can be the pre-roll ad. The second ordered subset can be the content and remaining ads (e.g., mid-roll and post roll).