Variable Substitution in Video Playlist Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Content delivery networks face inefficiencies in managing and generating unique media playlists for video delivery, leading to high computing resource usage and storage requirements due to the need for multiple unique playlists for various presentations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multi-variant playlist system that uses variable substitution, where a single media playlist with variables is used for multiple requests, allowing clients to generate unique segment sequences from A and B versions of media content, reducing the need for storing multiple unique playlists.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the content delivery network generates a unique media playlist for each unique video presentation, then the video delivery can provide customized content sequences, but the computing resources and storage requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The video content is segmented into multiple versions (e.g., Version A and Version B) with different characteristics. Each version contains segments that can be selectively combined to create unique presentations. This segmentation allows the system to generate variety through combination rather than creating entirely separate playlists for each variation.
Solution Approach 2:
A single media playlist structure serves multiple functions by incorporating variables that can be substituted with different values. The same playlist template can generate multiple unique playlists by substituting variables with different version identifiers, eliminating the need for separate playlists for each variation while maintaining customization capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the content delivery network stores multiple unique media playlists for different video presentations, then unique content delivery is enabled, but the storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of storing complete unique playlists for each variation, the system stores a single template playlist with variable placeholders. The actual unique playlists are generated on-demand by substituting variables with specific values, effectively copying the template structure rather than storing multiple complete versions.
Solution Approach 2:
The media playlist is designed as a universal template that can generate multiple unique playlists through variable substitution. This single template serves the function of multiple specific playlists, dramatically reducing storage requirements while maintaining the ability to deliver unique content for different presentations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the content delivery network manages a large number of unique media playlists, then diverse video presentations are supported, but the management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The playlist management is segmented into a template level and an instance level. The template defines the structure and variable placeholders, while specific instances are generated by substituting variables. This segmentation simplifies management by operating at the template level rather than managing numerous individual playlists.
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal playlist template manages the complexity by serving as the source for all unique playlists. The template incorporates variable substitution mechanisms that automatically generate specific playlists when needed, eliminating the need for manual management of multiple unique playlists while supporting diverse video presentations.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a method sends a playlist that includes links to segments of media content. At least a portion of the links include a variable, and a presentation of the media content that is attributable to a request for the media content is created by insertion of values for variables in the playlist. The values are associated with a first version of the media content or a second version of the media content. The method receives a request for a segment and the request contains information from a link included in the playlist. The information includes data based on a value provided for insertion into the link as a substitution for a variable included in the link. The value is associated with the first version of the media content or the second version of the media content. The segment that corresponds to the link is sent.