How to optimize HLS playback?

To optimize HLS playback, you can leverage the enhanced media performance metrics available in iOS 18, as discussed in the session "Discover media performance metrics in AVFoundation." Here are some key strategies:

1. Access Client-Side Metrics: Use access logs, error logs, and AV player notifications to gather insights into playback performance. This can help identify issues such as long startup times or playback stalls.

2. Analyze Playback Events: Events such as fetching media segments, content keys, and playlist events can provide detailed insights into the playback process. For example, if startup time is high, you might need to improve key server performance or preload keys.

3. Monitor Playback Health: Use the summary event at the end of a session to track key performance indicators (KPIs) like token switch count. This helps in monitoring media playback health at scale.

4. Troubleshoot Stalls: If playback stalls, examine the timeline for events like HTTP errors in media segment requests. This can help identify network issues or the need for variant switching.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the session Discover media performance metrics in AVFoundation (01:10).