The current implementation of TV Station Channels with NginxRtmp is powered by Liquidsoap video capabilities. This technology is still relatively new and has its limitations. Mainly it is important that the video broadcast is consistent in its audio and video format. Inconsistency in format may cause problems with the service such as disconnecting, trouble switching between playlist and live, or a short disconnect between content.
Resolution
Ensure that both the uploaded video files, and your encoder formats are consistent:
- Video Codec - H.264 ONLY
- Video Resolution - i.e., 720p, 1080p etc
- Audio Format - MUST be AAC (AC3, MP3 or others will cause errors)
- Audio Frequency / Samplerate - 48 kHz recommended
- Video Framerate
There is a guide available for Managing your media files, including converting to the correct format.
Why must the video be H.264 and audio AAC only?
To ensure a consistent broadcast, we apply ffmpeg bitstream filters that require an h.264 broadcast with AAC audio. Liquidsoap does not have capabilities to detect the incoming format and adjust accordingly, so we have selected the most compatible and popular format (H.264 with AAC).
How to troubleshoot
Typically if there is an issue with the content then the error message will be written to the log file. By default logging is disabled to avoid quick disk fill however can be enabled (See Enabling Liquidsoap Logs for NginxRtmp).
- Enable Logging for NginxRtmp TV Channels
- Replicate the issue occurring
- Search the log file for messages such as 'is not supported by the bitstream filter' or 'failed while streaming'. You may need to read the messages around this line to determine which file or source this relates too
- Make sure to disable nginx-rtmp logging after troubleshooting to prevent disk fill
