Would there be a way to make it so the user can increase the size of the playback buffer prior to starting the stream? I think this would help with some "lag" issues I have noted if I could increase the buffer locally so that if there is lag, then it could work off of there to act as a safety net.
The client determines the playback buffer -- not the server. It is the buffering logic on your device that needs to be improved. We have lobbied all the major DLNA device manufacturers to improve their client buffering logic, but it would of course be helpful if our users also did the same.
PlayOn Administrator
Is it not possible to override the client requested buffer, or even make an optional (non-standard) setting since this seems to be such a very troublesome issue. It would clearly set you apart, and as long as its an optional or advanced setting that is off by default... would it really be an issue for compliance/interoperability?
We have no control over the logic on the clients/devices. The only thing we can do (and continually do) is to suggest to device manufacturers that they improve their buffering logic.
PlayOn Administrator
Guess I dont understand,
you are receiving a feed from the network, transcoding it and forwarding it to the player device.
In the process of transcoding, are you not able to buffer some locally before forwarding it to the device?
enlighten me.
We are sending the transcoded output to the device as quickly as possible once it can be created (which is milliseconds after it starts arriving from the Internet). If we instead buffered it inside PlayOn instead of sending it immediately upon receipt, it would only increase the on-screen delay. We would be hoarding the video and then suddenly opening the floodgates later -- all while the user would be in the dark for even longer.
Remember -- it's the playback device (that renders to the screen) that needs to show some sort of buffering state. Some devices are better at this than others. For example, the Xbox 360 shows a loading graphic, but the PS3 shows nothing.
You can read a little more about this in the FAQ:
Why can't PlayOn show a "loading" graphic while waiting for the video to start?
PlayOn Administrator