Stream Preview
In-browser stream and channel preview with MPEG-TS playback support.
Stream Preview Features
- VideoPlayer Component - Native MPEG-TS playback using mpegts.js library
- Preview Modal - Click any stream or channel to preview in browser
- Three Preview Modes:
- Passthrough - Direct proxy (fastest, may fail on AC-3/E-AC-3 audio)
- Transcode - FFmpeg transcodes audio to AAC for browser compatibility
- Video Only - Strip audio for silent quick preview
- Channel Preview - Preview channel output through Dispatcharr's TS proxy
- Preview Mode Indicator - Shows current mode in the modal with icon and tooltip
- Alternative Options - Open in VLC, Download M3U, Copy URL (for streams)
- Stream Metadata Display - Shows stream name, TVG-ID, channel group, and M3U provider
VLC Integration
- VLC Protocol Handler Scripts - One-click "Open in VLC" from any stream
- Cross-Platform Support - Scripts for Windows (PowerShell), Linux (Bash), and macOS
- Protocol Registration - Registers
vlc://URL scheme with your operating system - VLC Protocol Helper Modal - Download scripts and view setup instructions in Settings → Advanced
Settings
- Stream Preview Mode - Settings → Maintenance → Stream Preview
- Choose preview mode (Passthrough/Transcode/Video Only)
- Transcode and Video Only modes require FFmpeg (included in Docker image)
- VLC Protocol Helper - Settings → Advanced
- Download platform-specific scripts
- View installation instructions
Testing
- Frontend unit tests for VideoPlayer and PreviewStreamModal components
- Backend integration tests for stream preview API endpoints
- E2E tests for stream preview feature