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Data Source Configuration

The PlayerDataSource class defines all necessary information for a single video source within your application.

Source Types​

Better Player supports three primary source types:

  1. Network: Streams video from an external URL.
  2. File: Plays a video file stored locally on the device.
  3. Memory: Plays a video from a byte array.

Factory Methods​

We recommend using the provided factory methods for initialization:

  • PlayerDataSource.network(url, ...)
  • PlayerDataSource.file(url, ...)
  • PlayerDataSource.memory(bytes, ...)

Configuration Parameters​

Core Parameters​

  • type: The DataSourceType (Network, File, or Memory).
  • url: The path or URL of the video source.
  • subtitles: A list of PlayerSubtitlesSource objects.
  • headers: A map of custom HTTP headers for network requests.
  • bytes: The byte array for memory sources.
tip

When using PlayerDataSource.memory, providing a videoExtension (e.g., "mp4") is highly recommended. It helps the underlying player engine correctly identify the media type when the byte stream is processed.

Adaptive Streaming (ASMS)​

  • useAsmsSubtitles: Enables HLS/DASH manifest-based subtitles.
  • useAsmsTracks: Enables HLS/DASH manifest-based video tracks.
  • useAsmsAudioTracks: Enables HLS/DASH manifest-based audio tracks.
  • hlsTrackNames: Custom names for HLS tracks.
tip

You can programmatically control adaptive tracks. Use controller.betterPlayerAsmsTracks to retrieve available qualities and controller.setTrack(track) to force a specific one. For multi-language content, use controller.betterPlayerAsmsAudioTracks and controller.setAudioTrack(audioTrack).

Features & Metadata​

  • liveStream: Flag indicating the source is a live stream.
  • resolutions: Alternative resolutions for standard video files.
  • cacheConfiguration: Caching settings for network sources.
  • notificationConfiguration: Settings for native platform notifications.
  • overriddenDuration: A custom duration to return instead of the actual video length.
  • videoFormat: A hint for the video format (e.g., .m3u8, .mp4).
  • drmConfiguration: Digital Rights Management settings.
  • placeholder: A source-specific placeholder widget.