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Control External Screens from Web Apps with the Remote Playback API in JavaScript

Last updated: December 13, 2024

With the growing popularity of multimedia content, apps are increasingly required to interact with external screens and display devices such as smart TVs or projectors. This is where the Remote Playback API comes into the scene. This API enables web applications to control the playback of media on devices that support the Remote Playback API.

In this article, we will explore how to use the Remote Playback API in JavaScript to control external screens from web apps. We'll provide ample examples to ensure you can implement this API into your projects effortlessly.

Introduction to Remote Playback API

The Remote Playback API is a browser-based API designed for internet connectivity-enabled devices to facilitate media playback on remote screens. It includes features for querying remote playback devices, connecting devices, setting up media sessions, and controlling playback remotely.

Initial Setup

Before we dive into coding examples, make sure your environment is set up properly. Support for the Remote Playback API may vary between browsers, so check for compatibility and enable any necessary flags in your browser preferences.

Basic Implementation

Let's start with a simple example of how to set up and use the Remote Playback API.

<video id="videoElement" src="video.mp4" controls></video>

Here’s how you handle the video element in JavaScript:

document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', (event) => {
  const videoElement = document.getElementById('videoElement');

  if (videoElement.remote) {
    console.log('Remote Playback API is supported.');

    videoElement.remote.watchAvailability((available) => {
      console.log(`Remote availability: ${available}`);
    });

    videoElement.addEventListener('connected', () => {
      console.log('Connected to remote device.');
    });
  }
});

Inspecting Remote Playback Availability

One crucial feature of the Remote Playback API is checking whether a compatible remote playback device is available for use. This is done using the watchAvailability method:

videoElement.remote.watchAvailability((availability) => {
  console.log(`Remote device available: ${availability}`);
});

Connecting to a Remote Device

Once you’ve confirmed that a remote playback device is available, you can attempt to connect:

videoElement.remote.prompt().then(() => {
  console.log('Prompted for device connection.');
}).catch((error) => {
  console.error('Failed to initiate connection:', error);
});

When the user is prompted, they have the option to select their preferred external device for screen playback.

Controlling Playback Remotely

Once connected, controlling playback is straightforward. Basic controls include play, pause, and seeking, accomplished using standard HTMLMediaElement methods:

videoElement.play(); // Start playback remotely
videoElement.pause(); // Pause playback remotely

Here’s how you might seek to a certain time:

videoElement.currentTime = 60; // Seeks to 1 minute

Disconnection from Remote Device

Eventually, you might want to disconnect from a remote device. This can be initiated by the user’s action or another event.

videoElement.remote.cancel();

This call terminates the remote session, reverting playback to the original browser.

Conclusion

The Remote Playback API expands the capabilities of web-based applications, enabling them to control how media is viewed on external devices seamlessly. While you may encounter device restrictions and compatibility issues, its integration possibilities can enhance user experiences significantly.

With the examples provided, you're now better equipped to add remote playback functionalities to your web applications. Remember to check browser support and continuity of API interface changes over new releases.

Next Article: Allow Seamless Device Switching Using JavaScript Remote Playback

Previous Article: Connect to Smart TVs and Speakers via JavaScript Remote Playback

Series: Web APIs – JavaScript Tutorials

JavaScript

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