Unveiling the Power of Multiple Layout Mixes

We’re delighted to announce an exciting addition to our Communications APIs: the Multiple Layout Mixes. This innovative feature brings forth two major improvements that further strengthen the capability of our API, signifying a substantial step forward in our continuous dedication to enhancement.

Instant Access to Recordings

In the past, access to recordings was available only as a single merged file post-conference. However, we’ve made improvements and removed this waiting period by providing instant access to recordings as they generate. Listen to the new Recordings.Available webhook to get notified when the recording becomes available.

We recognize that some customers might favor a single, consolidated recording to simplify consumption and post-processing. To accommodate these preferences, we continue to merge recordings after the conference. Now, whether you want access to recordings instantaneously or a consolidated recording after the conference, we offer the flexibility to meet your needs.

Customization and Flexibility in Layouts

You’ve asked for more adaptable conference mix layouts, and we’ve listened. Now you can create various mixes, each with its own logic, aspect ratio, and resolution that is no longer limited to the rigid 1080p.

This feature isn’t just for multiple layouts. If you prefer a unique resolution for a single layout, the APIs let you customize it.

Streamlining webhook and API Experience

To complement the new feature, we’re simplifying our webhook offerings. The Recording.MP4.Available webhook is replaced with a consolidated Recordings.Available webhook. In the future, we aim to unify both the Recording.MP4.Available and Recording.Audio.Available under this single, intuitive version. Rest assured, your existing webhook listener for Recording.MP4.Available will continue to function as we’ve ensured compatibility. However, we recommend migrating to the new webhook at your earliest convenience to benefit from our latest advancements. 

Additionally, the Monitor API v2 offers a new response format to support the feature, making your recording management even more seamless.

How to Use the Multiple Layout Mixes Feature

To take advantage of the Multiple Layout Mixes feature, you’ll need to turn to the v2 recording API. Here, you can provide the mixId to identify your unique layout, and then specify your ideal resolution. The v2 Monitor API response includes references to mixId for you to correlate the recording files against a unique layout.

Also, this feature isn’t limited to just the recording; it also supports RTMP, Real-time Streaming and Remix. This expansion allows for the crafting of numerous layouts, particularly useful for conferences streaming to a variety of live streaming destinations.

Get the latest version of our server SDKs (Python and Node.js) to add the Multiple Layout Mixes feature to your projects.

curl --request POST \
     --url https://comms.api.dolby.io/v2/conferences/mix/{CONFERENCE_ID}/recording/start \
     --header 'accept: application/json' \
     --header 'authorization: Bearer {OMITTED_TOKEN}' \
     --header 'content-type: application/json' \
     --data '
{
  "height": 1080,
  "width": 720,
  "mixId": "mobile-layout"
}'

import asyncio
from dolbyio_rest_apis import authentication
from dolbyio_rest_apis.communications import streaming

loop = asyncio.get_event_loop()

# Request an API Token
task = authentication.get_api_token(
    APP_KEY, APP_SECRET,
    600,
    scope=['comms:record:write']
)
at = loop.run_until_complete(task)

# Start the RTMP stream
task = streaming.start_rtmp(
    at.access_token,
    CONFERENCE_ID,
    RTMP_URL,
    width=720,
    height=1080,
    mix_id='mobile-rtmp-layout'
)
loop.run_until_complete(task)

const dolbyio = require('@dolbyio/dolbyio-rest-apis-client');

const APP_KEY = 'YOUR_APP_KEY';
const APP_SECRET = 'YOUR_APP_SECRET';
const CONF_ID = 'Conference ID';

// Request an API Token
const api_token = await dolbyio.authentication.getApiAccessToken(
    APP_KEY,
    APP_SECRET,
    600,
    ['comms:record:write']
);

// Start the conference recording
await dolbyio.communications.recording.start({
    accessToken: api_token,
    conferenceId: CONF_ID,
    resolution: {
        width: 720,
        height: 1080,
    },
    mixId: 'mobile-layout'
});

Pricing Details

In line with its advanced capabilities, each individual layout recording created will incur an extra charge under the Video Recording Mix SKU. Similarly, RTMP, Real-time Streaming will be charged accordingly if multiple mixes are used for those scenarios.

Powering Ahead

The introduction of the Multiple Layout Mixes feature represents our commitment to enhancing your video collaboration experience, promoting greater flexibility and efficiency. We can’t wait for you to experience the benefits of this feature and look forward to your feedback. Stay tuned for more exciting updates!