Media Types in Eyeson
Eyeson organizes all visual media into two categories, based on how they are rendered and updated. Understanding these distinctions help developers optimize performance and maintain predictable layouts.
Static Content
Static content consists of images that do not change continuously. These are typically added via the Layers endpoint. In the Prebuilt-UI, static image files can also be presented directly without any coding, making it easy to display consistent visuals.
For example, in an overview layout, a map can be used as a background layer, while additional data or icons are overlaid to provide contextual information. This setup is ideal for situational awareness, as all participants see the same consistent visuals throughout the session.
Some images require periodic refreshes or updates when the underlying data changes. This is achieved by updating the image at defined intervals.
This approach is especially useful when live data is not a video stream, such as GPS coordinates, IoT sensor readings, or JSON-based dashboards. It allows the content to stay current.
Dynamic Content
Dynamic content covers all continuously updating video sources. Developers can integrate such content either programmatically using on-demand playbacks or by presenting video files directly through the Prebuilt-UI.
Additionally, using the Ghost Client, external RTMP or RTSP sources can be integrated directly into a live session.
Dynamic content is ideal for scenarios such as streaming a live camera feed from a drone during a virtual site inspection or showing pre-recorded training videos to participants, where smooth motion and real-time updates are critical.
Choosing the Right Media Type
| Question | Static | Pseudo Dynamic | Dynamic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Use Case | branding, background map, overlay text, etc. | live GPS data, json-based structure, countdowns, etc. | video on-demand, rtmp/rtsp sources (drones, ip-cams, etc.) |
| Does the content move continuously? | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Does it update occasionally? | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Refresh interval < 250 ms? | ⚠️ | ✅ | ❌ |
This table provides guidance for selecting the appropriate media type based on content behavior and update frequency, helping developers choose the most efficient and effective approach for their use case.