Solving the Streaming Delay for m3u8 Video Streams on Echo Show with My Video Skill

If you’ve been using the My Video skill to stream live content from m3u8 video streams on your Echo Show, you may have noticed an unexpected delay. By default, Echo Show’s video player starts m3u8 streams with a 0 offset, resulting in a lag — often around 2 hours — compared to real-time playback on players like VLC.

I recently implemented a fix for this issue! Now, My Video skill can play m3u8 streams in real time, matching the playback timing with VLC and other up-to-date players. Here’s how you can use this feature.

How the Solution Works

The fix leverages My Video’s Custom Task Handler, which allows you to add an offset parameter when requesting a video. This offset dynamically adjusts playback to sync with the current stream timing, bringing your Echo Show in line with the real-time broadcast.

Thank you @Francesc Guallar for inspiring this solution!

Get Started with My Video’s Custom Task Feature

Try out the My Video Custom Task setup as described below to ensure you’re watching the latest content. Screenshots and additional guidance are included below.

1. Go to your Alexa mobile app and create new routine.
2. Give it a name, for example, "24 News".

3. Add WHEN event. It could be a timer or a voice prompt. In this example I chose Voice. Provide a voice command, for example, "play news" and click Next:

4. Add an Action. Select Skills:

5. Select Your Skills:

6. Select My Video skill:

7. Select Custom Task — "Play a video or a video playlist by name from your Dropbox"

8. Enter a name for a video or a playlist:

9. Provide a m3u8 file name, followed by the # and an offset interval based on the ISO-8601 duration format. My Video supports the following formats: PT10M (10 minutes), PT5H (5 hours), PT45S (45 seconds).
In following example, the offset set to 120 minutes.
Click Next.

10. Finally, don't forget to save your routine by clicking Finish button:

11. Your routine is ready to use. To call it, say:

Alexa, play news.

Alternative Way to Sync the Stream

Another option is to ask, “Alexa, skip forward 120 minutes” to manually adjust the timing of your stream. This method works, though the Custom Task option provides a more seamless and automated experience.

Why This Matters

For those who follow 24-hour news, live sports, or any real-time events, this feature is essential. By syncing playback, you can enjoy live streaming on your Echo Show without delay.

Enjoy seamless streaming with My Video on Alexa!