If your video stream isn't playing as expected, the first step is confirming that you're using a supported streaming format and that your hardware is compatible.
Appspace supports two primary streaming methods:
- HTTP Live Streaming (HLS)
- Multicast (IPTV)
Understanding the differences between these formats can help you choose the right deployment method and troubleshoot playback issues.
Supported Streaming Types
| Streaming Type | Description | Example Format | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) | Internet-based streaming that works with most Appspace-compatible devices. | https://sampledomain.com/sample/samplename.m3u8 | Internet streaming, broad device compatibility, and simple deployments. |
| Multicast (IPTV) | Streams IPTV content across a managed corporate network using on-premise infrastructure. | udp://239.1.1.255:1234 | Large-scale deployments where many devices play the same stream. |
HTTP Live Streaming (HLS)
HLS is an internet-based streaming format supported by most Appspace-compatible devices.
Typical examples include:
- YouTube Live streams
- Internet-hosted streams, such as the Bloomberg News HLS stream:
https://www.bloomberg.com/media-manifest/streams/phoenix-us.m3u8 - An internal (on-premises) or external (cloud-based) video streaming server managed by your organization or a third party.
Multicast (IPTV)
Multicast delivers IPTV streams across a local corporate network and requires specialized on-premise infrastructure.
A typical multicast deployment includes:
- A Headend
- One or more Encoders
- A managed corporate network
The Encoder converts a physical video source into a multicast stream that Appspace devices can consume.
Appspace does not configure or manage Headends or Encoders. This infrastructure is typically deployed by an AV integrator or managed by an organization's networking or AV team.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Possible Cause | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| My HLS stream isn't playing. |
|
|
| My Multicast (IPTV) stream isn't playing. |
|
|
| My stream works on some devices but not others. | Not every Appspace-compatible device supports Multicast playback. | Verify your hardware supports the streaming format you're using. |
Bandwidth Considerations
The streaming method you choose can significantly affect network utilization.
| Streaming Type | Bandwidth Characteristics |
|---|---|
| HLS | Each player creates its own connection, so bandwidth increases as additional devices play the stream. |
| Multicast (IPTV) | A single network stream is shared by all players. Network bandwidth remains nearly constant regardless of the number of devices playing the stream. |
Device Compatibility
| Streaming Format | Supported Devices |
|---|---|
| HLS | Most Appspace-compatible devices |
| Multicast (IPTV) | BrightSign, LG webOS (including Pro:Idiom support), Samsung SSSP, and MediaVue/Assured Systems |
For a complete list of supported operating systems and devices, see the Supported Content & Device Capabilities article.
Important Limitations
- Appspace does not support encrypted HLS streams out of the box.
- Appspace does not support encrypted Multicast streams out of the box.
Quick Reference
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does Appspace support HLS? | Yes. |
| Does Appspace support IPTV? | Yes, on supported devices. |
| Do all devices support Multicast? | No. |
| Does Appspace configure Headends or Encoders? | No. |
| Does Appspace support encrypted HLS streams? | No. |
| Does Appspace support encrypted Multicast streams? | No. |