Hi everyone…If you use the MRSS feed file, I’d like to let you know that I have written a program that makes it easier to create and maintain the feed file. I wrote it to reduce the number of syntactical errors I was getting when I first started. Additionally, it makes adding a new item much faster. If you’re interested, you can watch a screen cast at www.rokurowingchannel.com/Feed Updater.
Cool, nice job. I was thinking something like that would come in handy when I was creating mine. A data entry field submission.
Outside of language & syntax type stuff, is there much difference from json & MRSS? They both seem roughly the same concept, sample feed & data entry replacement?
Thanks. You are correct in that the major differences between JSON (Java Script Object Notation) and the MRSS XML (eXtensible Markup Language) is the syntax. JSON is the newer of the two frameworks. Both are data interchange formats. I chose MRSS because of the type of content I stream. The content is not ‘show’ oriented with ‘episodes’.
JSON feeds include richer metadata. The two main benefits in a JSON feed over MRSS are:
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Support for additional mediaTypes other than shortForm, such as series, seasons, and movies. These additional mediaTypes also exhibit different channel behavior, namely they launch into a springboard screen with additional information about the content before clicking into video playback.
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Support for the “Continue Watching,” “Most Popular,” and “Recently Added” auto-generated categories
RokuTomC, thanks for the further clarification. But, can you also verify that JSON can be used for short videos (less than 20 minutes)? If that’s the case, I’ll definitely try to update my code to support JSON sooner than later.
“Baradanikto” wrote:
RokuTomC, thanks for the further clarification. But, can you also verify that JSON can be used for short videos (less than 20 minutes)? If that’s the case, I’ll definitely try to update my code to support JSON sooner than later.
My site is predominantly shortform videos. Works fine with JSON. The ads seem to only be preroll with RAF. I’m ok with it, but to answer your question JSON works with videos less than 20 minutes.
“Pasnow” wrote:
“Baradanikto” wrote:
RokuTomC, thanks for the further clarification. But, can you also verify that JSON can be used for short videos (less than 20 minutes)? If that’s the case, I’ll definitely try to update my code to support JSON sooner than later.
My site is predominantly shortform videos. Works fine with JSON. The ads seem to only be preroll with RAF. I’m ok with it, but to answer your question JSON works with videos less than 20 minutes.
Pasnow (and Baradanikto), only pre-roll ads will be served by default in a Direct Publisher channel. However, when using a JSON feed, you can include the optional adBreaks field to designate breakpoints for mid-roll ads. Note that this is another benefit of the JSON feed format over MRSS.
“RokuTomC” wrote:
Pasnow (and Baradanikto), only pre-roll ads will be served by default in a Direct Publisher channel. However, when using a JSON feed, you can include the optional adBreaks field to designate breakpoints for mid-roll ads. Note that this is another benefit of the JSON feed format over MRSS.
We have the adBreaks key, but mid-rolls still never run for us.
nabeards, what is the name of your channel? We are actively investigating a similar issue on other channels and can include you in a list of channels known to be affected.
“RokuTomC” wrote:
nabeards, what is the name of your channel? We are actively investigating a similar issue on other channels and can include you in a list of channels known to be affected.
PCR On Demand (you may already have it on your list, not sure)
Ahh yes, your issue is still under active investigation. We will followup with you via the ongoing thread with our Partner Success team. If there are any mandatory edits/updates required on your end (and, thus, on any publisher’s end who’s experiencing similar problems), then I will comment here as well for posterity.
A week ago I didn’t know which way was up or down when it came to code and feeds. I can verify that Baradanikto’s utility program works and it’s idiot proof. He helped me out a lot with some very basic questions I had as well. I have my channel up in private mode now doing some testing but the program was a life saver for me. For whatever that’s worth for someone who may be in my position looking to get started.
Looking forward to the JSON version of this utility.. The MRSS format is very restrictive, and not really suitable for anything other then simple short clip collections with DP.
For those asking for a companion software program for Json feeds, your wait is over. Please see the post “New Software to Create and Manage Json Feed Files!”.
