1.4.0 The goat of an update

Devlog: Minecraft Video Sync System - Version 1.4.0

THIS IS JUST AN EARLY VERSION, UP TO 1.4.2 ARE PRODUCTION READY BUT ARE NOT RELEASED DUE TO THE BAD IMPACT THEY CAN MAKE ON THE POPULARITY OF THIS PROJECT BECAUSE OF THE MASS RELEASE, THEY WILL BE RELEASED 3 AND 4 DAYS (1.4.1 AND 1.4.2) LATER, THEY INCLUDE PERFORMANCE UPGRADES AND COSMETIC UI UPGRADES. YOU WON'T BE MISSING OUT ON FEATURES. READ DISCUSSIONS FOR MORE INFO

Overview

This major update transforms the Minecraft Video Sync System from a simple synchronized video player to a comprehensive media management platform with playlist support and administrative controls.

Key Improvements

1. Admin Control Panel (admin.html)

Major Feature Addition:

• Complete administrative interface for managing media files and playlists
• File browser that dynamically loads available videos from the server
• Playlist management with drag-and-drop style interface
• Ability to set a "main video" with custom start time
• Remote control functionality for centralized playback management

Technical Implementation:

• Dynamic file loading through new API endpoint (/api/files) So no longer need to rename files to filmeva.mp4

2. Enhanced Server Capabilities (server.js)

New Features:

• RESTful API endpoint for file discovery
• Playlist management system with state persistence
• Support for both mp4 and mp3
• Enhanced Socket.IO events for playlist synchronization
• Separate handling for admin vs. client control events
• "Main" videos that preload while other videos or music play to eliminate desync caused by internet speeds

Technical Improvements:

• Structured playlist object with current index tracking
• Main video designation with custom start time support
• Preloading mechanism for smoother transitions
• Better error handling for file operations

3. Client Enhancements (index.html)

User Experience Improvements:

• Waiting state with friendly message when no playlist is active
• Dynamic video loading based on playlist position
• Automatic progression to next video on completion
• Hidden preload video element for smoother main video transitions
• Improved error handling for failed video loads

4. Setup Script Upgrade (start.bat)

Operational Improvements:

• Added admin panel URL to startup information display
• Enhanced error messaging and user guidance
• Better handling of firewall configuration scenarios
• More robust path and dependency checking

Technical Architecture Changes

Frontend Structure

Client (index.html)          Admin (admin.html)
├── Video Player             ├── File Browser
├── Sync Controls            ├── Playlist Manager
├── Touch Controls           ├── Remote Control
└── Status Display           └── Configuration UI

Data Flow

1. Admin builds playlist through web interface
2. Server receives and validates playlist data
3. Playlist broadcast to all connected clients
4. Clients load appropriate videos based on playlist position
5. Synchronized playback controls maintained across all clients

Notable Technical Challenges Solved

1. Dynamic Video Loading: Implemented seamless transition between videos in playlist without a whole restart thanks to playlists
2. Dual Control Systems: Separated admin remote controls from client touch controls without conflict (client controls are still there)
3. Preloading Mechanism: Hidden video element for preloading main video to ensure smooth playback start
4. Cross-Platform File Handling: Robust file extension detection for various media formats
5. State Synchronization: Maintained video sync while adding playlist functionality

Compatibility & Requirements

Supported Media Formats: .mp4, .mp3
Server Requirements: Node.js, optional FFmpeg for broader format support

Upgrade Impact

This transformation significantly expands the system's capabilities:

• From single video to multi-video playlists
• From basic sync to comprehensive media management
• From client-only controls to admin-controlled experience to eliminate desync caused by the limitations of the WebDisplays mod
• From fixed media to dynamic file discovery and loading

1.3.4 Host QoL and Sync Redo

Some bugs have been fixed for the cost of less but new bugs

Sync between players have been redone
Manager now tells you where it currently is stopped/played/skipped to
Manager IDs clients

various bug fixes

1.3.3 The Bug fix of 87

just general sync problems and config problems
also make sure every client either tells you that the video autoplayed or they have unpaused it

1.3.1 Hotfix

I am VERY SORRY for the 1.3 sync bug, but i have fixed it in this hotfix. Enjoy!

Also this MIGHT be missing the promised features of the 1.3 update, so tell me if you find one in discussions!

DONT FORGET TO UNZIP, ALSO ADD THE FFMPEG.EXE INTO THE SAME FOLDER.

P.S.
Use AV1 codec or any optimized codec in file size if you want high quality not thousands of bitrate in h.264 because the file size gets too big and people might stay behind of the server because they cant load the video fast enough, or, connect fiber to your friends' houses

1.3 NO SYNC

DEVLOG FOR 1.3

# WebDisplays Video Player - Development Log

## v1.3 - Current Version (2025-06-29)
### Core Improvements
- Configurable settings (port, install options)
- Auto-reconnect feature
- Public IP display in launcher
- Better handling of network disruptions
- Enhanced synchronization algorithm

### Technical Updates
- Rewritten video streaming handler
- Range header validation
- Error prevention for headers-sent issues
- Improved configuration parsing
- Memory optimization for multiple clients
- High Bitrate support via ffmpeg

### Quality of Life
- Clearer console messages
- Automatic dependency installation
- Video file verification
- Admin privilege detection
- One-click setup for new users

## Future Plans
### v1.4 (Upcoming)
- Multiple video support
- Playlist functionality
- Bandwidth throttling options
- Password protection
- Mobile device optimization


DONT FORGET TO UNZIP, ALSO ADD THE FFMPEG.EXE INTO THE SAME FOLDER.

1.0 Player

Probably first and last release, contact me at [email protected] (obviously not my real name) me if you want something added

UNZIP ALL THIS

THE 1.1 UPDATE

BIG NEWS!!! 1.0 wasnt the last release

📦 WebDisplays Video Player – Update v1.1 Devlog
Release Date: June 1, 2025
Version: 1.1

Smart Setup:
Makes it so when you first launch, you dont have to deal with installing node dependencies and just have to download node.js onto your computer and launch start.bat

IP Display:
You can now see the exact link you need to go to, this also support Hamachi startups and Public IPs

Config.txt:
Added a config.txt so you won't have to mess around in the start.bat or server.js
Not recommended but you can now set a custom port in config.txt

contact me at [email protected]

UNZIP IT