SourceBuffer.changeType()

This is an experimental technology
Check the Browser compatibility table carefully before using this in production.

Non-standard
This feature is non-standard and is not on a standards track. Do not use it on production sites facing the Web: it will not work for every user. There may also be large incompatibilities between implementations and the behavior may change in the future.

The changeType() method of the SourceBuffer interface sets the MIME type that future calls to appendBuffer() should expect the new media data to conform to. This makes it possible to change codecs or container type mid-stream.

One scenario in which this is helpful is to support adapting the media source to changing bandwidth availability, by transitioning from one codec to another as resource constraints change.

Syntax

sourceBuffer.changeType(type);

Parameters

type
A DOMString specifying the MIME type that future buffers will conform to.

Return value

undefined.

Exceptions

TypeError
The specified string is empty, rather than indicating a valid MIME type.
InvalidStateError
The SourceBuffer is not a member of the parent media source's sourceBuffers list, or the buffer's updating property indicates that a previously queued appendBuffer() or remove() is still being processed.
NotSupportedError
The specified MIME type is not supported, or is not supported with the types of SourceBuffer objects present in the MediaSource.sourceBuffers list.

Usage notes

If the parent MediaSource is in its "ended" readyState, calling changeType() will transition the media source to the "open" readyState and fire a simple event named sourceopen at the parent media source.

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobile
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung Internet
changeType
Non-standard
Chrome Full support 70
Full support 70
No support 69 — 70
Disabled
Disabled From version 69 until version 70 (exclusive): this feature is behind the MediaSourceExperimental preference (needs to be set to true). To change preferences in Chrome, visit chrome://flags.
Edge Full support 79Firefox Full support 63
Full support 63
No support 61 — 63
Disabled
Disabled From version 61 until version 63 (exclusive): this feature is behind the media.mediasource.experimental.enabled preference (needs to be set to true). To change preferences in Firefox, visit about:config.
IE ? Opera ? Safari ? WebView Android Full support 70Chrome Android Full support 70
Full support 70
No support 69 — 70
Disabled
Disabled From version 69 until version 70 (exclusive): this feature is behind the MediaSourceExperimental preference (needs to be set to true). To change preferences in Chrome, visit chrome://flags.
Firefox Android No support NoOpera Android ? Safari iOS No support NoSamsung Internet Android Full support 10.0

Legend

Full support
Full support
No support
No support
Compatibility unknown
Compatibility unknown
Non-standard. Expect poor cross-browser support.
Non-standard. Expect poor cross-browser support.
User must explicitly enable this feature.
User must explicitly enable this feature.

See also