DCR Ireland Video iOS SDK: Difference between revisions
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{{Breadcrumb|}} {{Breadcrumb|Digital}} {{Breadcrumb|International DCR}} {{CurrentBreadcrumb}} | {{Breadcrumb|}} {{Breadcrumb|Digital}} {{Breadcrumb|International DCR}} {{CurrentBreadcrumb}} | ||
[[Category:Digital]] | [[Category:Digital]] | ||
__TOC__ | |||
== Overview == | == Overview == | ||
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{{iOS_Prerequisites_and_Implementation_Overview}} | {{iOS_Prerequisites_and_Implementation_Overview}} | ||
== Setting up your Development Environment == | == Setting up your Development Environment == | ||
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<blockquote>'''Note''': All communications between the SDK and the Census (Collection Facility) use HTTPS.</blockquote> | <blockquote>'''Note''': All communications between the SDK and the Census (Collection Facility) use HTTPS.</blockquote> | ||
=== Special Note for Static Framework === | |||
Starting from 8.2.0.0 release framework is build from the mixed (swift + objc) source code. | |||
If [[iOS_Static_Framework_Setup|static (xc)framework is integrated additional settings]] should be applied to fix build or runtime issues. | |||
=== Download Framework === | === Download Framework === | ||
Line 49: | Line 53: | ||
@import NielsenAppApi; | @import NielsenAppApi; | ||
</syntaxhighlight> | </syntaxhighlight> | ||
==== xCode 12 building errors ==== | |||
Developers who uses "fat" framework in their apps started reporting the following error that they get building the app in xCode 12.3+: | |||
<blockquote>Building for iOS Simulator, but the linked and embedded framework 'MyFramework.framework' was built for iOS + iOS Simulator.</blockquote> | |||
The binary framework contains different code for the same architecture in multiple places, and Xcode doesn’t know how to handle it. There is workaround that people recommend to use in such cases: | |||
* https://stackoverflow.com/questions/63267897/building-for-ios-simulator-but-the-linked-framework-framework-was-built | |||
* https://stackoverflow.com/questions/63932158/xcode12-issus-ld-building-for-ios-simulator-but-linking-in-object-file-built | |||
==== IPA processing failure ==== | |||
<code>Assertion failed: Expected 4 archs in otool output:</code> | |||
The error above is due to the "fat" (simulator+device) framework which will not appear if you have not enabled Bitcode. To build your app with full Bitcode support, it is recommended that you use a [[DCR_Video_iOS_SDK_xcframework|XCFramework]] to avoid the 4 archs in otool output message. | |||
== Create SDK Instance == | == Create SDK Instance == | ||
Line 213: | Line 229: | ||
| program || name of program (100 character limit) || custom || Yes | | program || name of program (100 character limit) || custom || Yes | ||
|- | |- | ||
| title || name of | | title || name of episode (100 character limit) || custom || Yes | ||
|- | |- | ||
| length || length of content in seconds || | | length || length of content in seconds || Length of content in seconds (86400 seconds for live stream (24/7). For Event-Live streams planned length. For VoD video length) || Yes | ||
|- | |- | ||
| airdate || the airdate in the linear TV || YYYYMMDD HH24:MI:SS || Yes | | airdate || the airdate in the linear TV || YYYYMMDD HH24:MI:SS || Yes | ||
Line 226: | Line 242: | ||
|| <code>'2'</code> - DCR measures content with dynamic ads | || <code>'2'</code> - DCR measures content with dynamic ads | ||
|| Yes | || Yes | ||
|- | |||
| segB || custom segment for the clients granular reporting within a brand | |||
|| Example: ChannelName | |||
|| Optional | |||
|- | |||
| segC || custom segment for the clients granular reporting within a brand | |||
|| Example: PlayerName | |||
|| Optional | |||
|} | |} | ||
Line 264: | Line 287: | ||
@ "airdate": @ "20200321 10:05:00", | @ "airdate": @ "20200321 10:05:00", | ||
@ "adloadtype": @ "2" | @ "adloadtype": @ "2" | ||
@ "segB": @ "ChannelName", //optional | |||
@ "segC": @ "PlayerName" //optional | |||
} | } | ||
Line 288: | Line 313: | ||
"length":"3600", | "length":"3600", | ||
"airdate":"20171020 10:05:00" | "airdate":"20171020 10:05:00" | ||
"segB": "ChannelName", //optional | |||
"segC": "PlayerName" //optional | |||
] | ] | ||
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{{iOS_Airplay}} | {{iOS_Airplay}} | ||
== Test your player by yourself == | == Test your player by yourself == | ||
=== Guide === | === Guide === |
Latest revision as of 09:18, 11 October 2023
Overview
The Nielsen SDK is one of the multiple framework SDKs that Nielsen provides to enable measuring linear (live) and on-demand TV viewing using TVs, mobile devices, etc. The App SDK is the framework for mobile application developers to integrate Nielsen Measurement into their media player applications. It supports a variety of Nielsen Measurement Products like Digital Content Ratings (DCR), and Digital Ad Ratings (DAR). Nielsen SDKs are also equipped to measure static content and can track key life cycle events of an application like:
- Application launch events and how long app was running
Special Notes regarding iOS14
Permission to Track
Apple recently released a new policy on consent requirements, that require the user's permission, to track them using their device's advertising identifier (IDFA). To request the user's permission, use the AppTrackingTransparency framework. The ID for Vendors (IDFV), may be used for analytics across apps from the same content provider. The IDFV may not be combined with other data to track a user across apps and websites owned by other companies unless you have been granted permission to track by the user.
For more information, see:
More detailed information on how the Nielsen SDK versions work with the AppTrackingTransparency framework is located on our DCR Video iOS14 Migration page.
App store privacy questionnaire
As of April 22nd, 2021, any app submitted to the app store will need to provide information about your app's privacy practices, including the practices of third-party partners such as Nielsen, through App Store Connect. Nielsen has created a guide which is titled, User Privacy and Data Use to make information about Nielsen’s data collection practices available to clients who use the Nielsen Digital SDK and Nielsen tags. The guide is organized using headings of the App privacy details on the App Store (as of December 7th, 2020) webpage for convenience.
Prerequisites
Before you start the integration, you will need:
Item | Description | Source |
---|---|---|
App ID (appid) | Unique ID assigned to the player/site and configured by product. | Provided by Nielsen |
Nielsen SDK | Includes SDK frameworks and sample implementation; See iOS SDK Release Notes | Download |
If need App ID(s) or our SDKs, feel free to reach out to us and we will be happy to help you get started. Refer to Digital Measurement Onboarding guide for information on how to get a Nielsen App SDK and appid.
Implementation
Version 8 of the Nielsen App SDK will come in three versions. One that is enabled to work with the App Tracking Transparency Framework, another version that does not use the Ad Framework, and a version for Kids Apps or where noID is required.
SDK Flavor | Description |
---|---|
iOS Ad Version | * Opt-In and Opt-Out functionality managed by the AppTrackingTransparency framework . (Preferred approach) * The Nielsen SDK will attempt to collect the IDFA (Id for Advertisers) on the device. * For iOS14+, if the value returned is ATTrackingManager.AuthorizationStatus.authorized .* If the device is running iOS12 or iOS13, the Limit Ad Tracking setting is requested. |
iOS No Ad Framework | * Without the Ad Framework, the Nielsen SDK cannot read the IDFA, so it will attempt to retrieve the IDFV. * The ID for Vendors (IDFV), may be used for analytics across apps from the same content provider. * The developer is required to present the User Choice Opt Out page which is described in the Privacy Section. |
iOS SDK noID | * This version of the Nielsen SDK is perfect for Kid apps, or where no ID is required. * Please review the Opt Out Requirement. |
How to obtain the NielsenAppApi.Framework
The Nielsen AppSDK can either be downloaded directly or can be integrated directly within an application through the use of CocoaPods. We recommend using the CocoaPods-based integration whenever possible to ensure you maintain the most recent changes and enhancements to the Nielsen libraries.
- iOS Package Dependency Guides (CocoaPods, Carthage, Swift Package Manager)
- Select to Download Directly
- Using the XCFramework bundle
Setting up your Development Environment
Prior to SDK Version 6.2.0.0 the IOS framework has been distributed as a static library packaged into framework bundle format. Apple recommends to use dynamic framework, it has some benefits over static libraries like less executable file size of an app, faster startup time and native support in xCode IDE. Nielsen AppSDK has been transformed into dynamic framework in this release (static framework is still available).
If migrating from the static library to this new dynamic framework, once implemented, unless your specific application requires, you can remove the following Frameworks that were once required: [AdSupport, JavascriptCore, SystemConfiguration, Security, AVFoundation, libc++]
The Dynamic framework is created as a fat framework. It means that it contains slices required for devices (armv7, arm64) as well as slices required for simulators (i386, x86_64). Simulator slices are needed to let clients build and debug their app on the simulators, but they should be removed before sending the app to the AppStore. The example of the shell script that should be added as a Run Script phase in the application can be found below.
XCFramework is solution for the problems described above Apple recommends to use XCFrameworks. In XCFramework, we no longer build a single framework with multiple architectures. Instead, we build one small framework for each combination of architecture and target and store it in its own folder. The top-level XCFramework folder have folders like ios-arm64, ios-arm64-simulator, etc. Each of these folders is its own framework, complete with headers, modules, and binary.
Configuring Xcode Development Environment
Starting with SDK version 6.0.0.0, the Nielsen App SDK is compatible with Apple iOS versions 8.0 and above. In addition, when using the dynamic framework, all the required frameworks are linked automatically as the are needed. More details can be found here: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/24902787/dont-we-need-to-link-framework-to-xcode-project-anymore
Note: All communications between the SDK and the Census (Collection Facility) use HTTPS.
Special Note for Static Framework
Starting from 8.2.0.0 release framework is build from the mixed (swift + objc) source code. If static (xc)framework is integrated additional settings should be applied to fix build or runtime issues.
Download Framework
The first step is to download and copy the NielsenAppApi.framework bundle to the app project directory. (Not required if using CocaPods)
Add Framework
In the General tab for app configuration add NielsenAppApi.framework in the list of Embedded Binaries. (Not required if using CocaPods)
Add Path
Add path to the NielsenAppApi.framework in the Framework Search Paths build setting. (Not required if using CocaPods)
Import Framework
Add NielsenAppApi.framework module in the source file of your app:
Using Swift
Add the following:
import NielsenAppApi
Using Objective-C
@import NielsenAppApi;
xCode 12 building errors
Developers who uses "fat" framework in their apps started reporting the following error that they get building the app in xCode 12.3+:
Building for iOS Simulator, but the linked and embedded framework 'MyFramework.framework' was built for iOS + iOS Simulator.
The binary framework contains different code for the same architecture in multiple places, and Xcode doesn’t know how to handle it. There is workaround that people recommend to use in such cases:
- https://stackoverflow.com/questions/63267897/building-for-ios-simulator-but-the-linked-framework-framework-was-built
- https://stackoverflow.com/questions/63932158/xcode12-issus-ld-building-for-ios-simulator-but-linking-in-object-file-built
IPA processing failure
Assertion failed: Expected 4 archs in otool output:
The error above is due to the "fat" (simulator+device) framework which will not appear if you have not enabled Bitcode. To build your app with full Bitcode support, it is recommended that you use a XCFramework to avoid the 4 archs in otool output message.
Create SDK Instance
The latest version of the Nielsen App SDK allows instantiating multiple instances of the SDK object when needed, which can then be used simultaneously. For the general use case where only one video is played at the same time in the App, a single instance of SDK object can then be used to play back and measure all watched streams one after another.
The following table contains the list of arguments that can be passed via the AppInfo JSON schema.
Parameter / Argument | Description | Source | Required/Obligatory? | Example |
---|---|---|---|---|
appid | Unique id for the application assigned by Nielsen. It is GUID data type. | Nielsen-specified | Yes | "PXXXXXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXXXXXXXXXX" |
appname | Name of the application | Client-defined | Yes | "Nielsen Sample App" |
appversion | Current version of the app used | Client-defined | Yes | "1.0.2" |
sfcode | Nielsen collection facility to which the SDK should connect. | Nielsen-specified | Yes | "ire" |
nol_devDebug | Enables Nielsen console logging. Only required for testing | Nielsen-specified | Optional | "DEBUG" |
Debug flag for development environment
Player application developers / integrators can use Debug flag to check whether an App SDK API call made is successful. To activate the Debug flag,
Pass the argument @"nol_devDebug":@"DEBUG"
, in the JSON string.
- DEBUG: Debug logs, used by the developers to debug more complex issues.
Once the flag is active, it logs each API call made and the data passed. The log created by this flag is minimal.
Note: DO NOT activate the Debug flag in a production environment.
Sample SDK Initialization Code
Initialize the Nielsen App object within the viewDidLoad view controller delegate method using initWithAppInfo:delegate:
If App SDK is initialized using init or new methods, it will ignore the API calls resulting in no measurement. The SDK will not return any errors.
Using Objective-C
#import "NlsAppApiFactory.h"
#import <NielsenAppApi/NielsenAppApi.h>
@implementation NlsAppApiFactory
+ (NielsenAppApi *)createNielsenAppApiWithDelegate:(id<NielsenAppApiDelegate>)delegate;
{
NSDictionary *appInformation = @{
@"appid": "PXXXXXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXXXXXXXXXX",
@"appversion": "1.0",
@"appname": "app name here",
@"sfcode": "ire",
@"nol_devDebug": @"DEBUG"
};
return [[NielsenAppApi alloc] initWithAppInfo:appInformation delegate:delegate];
}
@end
The following would be the NlsAppApiFactory.h
file:
#import <Foundation/Foundation.h>
@class NielsenAppApi;
@protocol NielsenAppApiDeligate;
@interface NlsAppApiFactory : NSObject
+ (NielsenAppAPI *) createNielsenAppApiWithDelegate:(id<NielsenAppApiDelegate>)delegate;
@end
Using Swift
NielsenInit.swift
class NielsenInit: NSObject {
class func createNielsenAppApi(delegate: NielsenAppApiDelegate) -> NielsenAppApi?{
let appInformation:[String: String] = [
"appid": "PXXXXXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXXXXXXXXXX",
"appversion": "1.0",
"appname": "app name here",
"sfcode": "ire",
"nol_devDebug": "DEBUG"
]
return NielsenAppApi(appInfo:appInformation, delegate:delegate)
}
}
Sample code using AVPlayer.
ViewController.swift
class ViewController: UIViewController, NielsenAppApiDelegate, AVPictureInPictureControllerDelegate, CLLocationManagerDelegate {
let avPlayerViewController = AVPlayerViewController()
var avPlayer:AVPlayer?
var nielsenAppApi: NielsenAppApi!
override func viewDidLoad() {
super.viewDidLoad()
self.nielsenAppApi = NielsenInit.createNielsenAppApi(delegate: self)
NSLog("Nielsen SDK initialized")
}
}
APP SDK Error & Event Codes
To view the Error and Event codes for iOS and Android, please review the App SDK Event Code Reference page.
Life cycle of SDK instance
The life cycle of SDK instance includes four general states:
- Initial state – The SDK is not initialized and hence, not ready to process playing information. Once the SDK is moved out of this state, it needs instantiation of the new SDK instance in order to get the instance in the Initial state.
- Idle state – The SDK is initialized and is ready to process playing information. Once Initialized, the SDK instance is not processing any data, but is listening for the play event to occur.
- Processing state – The SDK instance is processing playing information. API calls "play" and "loadMetadata" move the SDK instance into this state. In this state, the SDK instance will be able to process the API calls (see below)
- Disabled state – The SDK instance is disabled and is not processing playing information. SDK instance moves into this state in one of the following scenarios.
- Initialization fails
appDisableApi
is called
@property (assign) BOOL appDisableApi;
Create Metadata Objects
The parameters passed must be either a JSON formatted NSString or a NSDictionary object. The JSON passed in the SDK must be well-formed.
- NSDictionary object
- If an object of unexpected type is passed to the method, the error message will be logged.
- If string has invalid JSON format, the error message will be logged.
- JSON value must be string value.
- This includes boolean and numeric values. For example, a value of true should be represented with "true", number value 123 should be "123".
- All the Variable Names like appid, appname, dataSrc, title, type etc. are case-sensitive. Use the correct variable name as specified in the documentation.
- JSON string can be prepared using either raw NSString or serialized NSDictionary.
Create channelName Metadata
channelName should remain constant throughout the completion of an episode or live stream.
Key | Description | Values | Required |
---|---|---|---|
channelName | Any string representing the channel/stream | custom | Yes |
Create Content Metadata
Content metadata should remain constant throughout the entirety of an episode/clip including when ads play.
Keys | Description | Values | Required |
---|---|---|---|
type | type of asset | 'content' |
Yes |
assetid | unique ID assigned to asset (32 Character limit) | custom (no Special Characters) | Yes |
program | name of program (100 character limit) | custom | Yes |
title | name of episode (100 character limit) | custom | Yes |
length | length of content in seconds | Length of content in seconds (86400 seconds for live stream (24/7). For Event-Live streams planned length. For VoD video length) | Yes |
airdate | the airdate in the linear TV | YYYYMMDD HH24:MI:SS | Yes |
isfullepisode | full episode flag | 'y' - full episode, 'n' - non full episode |
Yes |
adloadtype | type of ad load:
|
'2' - DCR measures content with dynamic ads
|
Yes |
segB | custom segment for the clients granular reporting within a brand | Example: ChannelName | Optional |
segC | custom segment for the clients granular reporting within a brand | Example: PlayerName | Optional |
Create Ad Metadata
The Ad Metadata (if applicable) should be passed for each individual ad.
Keys | Description | Values | Required |
---|---|---|---|
type | type of Ad | 'preroll' , 'midroll' , 'postroll' |
Yes |
assetid | unique ID assigned to Ad | custom (no Special Characters) | Yes |
Note: All metadata values should be passed as UTF-8 strings.
URL Character Limit: There is a URL character limit of 2K characters due to browser limitations. Exceeding this value could impair data delivery on particular browsers.
MetaData Example
Using Objective-C
NSDictionary *channelInfo = @
{
@"channelName":@"My Channel Name 1",
}
NSDictionary *contentMetadata = @
{
@ "type": @ "content",
@ "assetid": @ "88675545",
@ "title": @ "Program S3, EP1",
@ "isfullepisode": @ "y",
@ "program": @ "Program Name",
@ "length": @ "3600",
@ "airdate": @ "20200321 10:05:00",
@ "adloadtype": @ "2"
@ "segB": @ "ChannelName", //optional
@ "segC": @ "PlayerName" //optional
}
NSDictionary *adMetadata = @
{
@"type" : "postroll",
@"assetid" : "AD-ID123"
}
Using Swift
let channelInfo = [
"channelName": "My Channel Name 1",
]
let contentMetadata = [
"type": "content",
"assetid": "88675545",
"title": "Program S3, EP1",
"isfullepisode":"y",
"adloadtype":"2",
"program":"Program Name",
"length":"3600",
"airdate":"20171020 10:05:00"
"segB": "ChannelName", //optional
"segC": "PlayerName" //optional
]
let adMetadata = [
"type": "preroll",
"assetid" : "ad123"
]
Start the Measurement
Overview of SDK API Calls
play
The play method prepares the SDK for reporting once an asset has loaded and playback has begun. Use play to pass the channel descriptor information through channelName parameter when the user taps the Play button on the player. Call play only when initially starting the video.
Using Objective-C
[self.nielsenAppApi play:channelInfo];
Using Swift
self.nielsenAppApi?.play(channelInfo);
loadMetadata
Needs to be called at the beginning of each asset, pass JSON object for relevant content or ad. Make sure to pass as 1st loadMetadata for content at the begining of playlist - see below API call sequence examples.
Using Objective-C
[self.nielsenAppApi loadMetadata:metadataDict];
Using Swift
self.nielsenAppApi?.loadMetadata(metadataDict)
playheadPosition
Pass playhead position every second during playback. for VOD: pass current position in seconds. for Live: current Unix timestamp (seconds since Jan-1-1970 UTC) - if it is possible to seek back in Live content, then pass related Unix time (not current). Pass whole number that increments only by 1 like 1,2,3..
Using Objective-C
[self.nielsenAppApi playheadPosition:pos];
Using Swift
self.nielsenAppApi?.playheadPosition(pos);
stop
Call when
- ads complete playing
- when a user pauses playback
- upon any user interruption scenario - see bellow chapter Interruption scenario
Using Objective-C
[self.nielsenAppApi stop];
Using Swift
self.nielsenAppApi?.stop;
end
Call when the content asset completes playback. Stops measurement progress.
Using Objective-C
[self.nielsenAppApi end];
Using Swift
self.nielsenAppApi?.end
API Call Sequence
Use Case 1: Content has no Ads
Call play() with channelName JSON as below.
{
"channelName": "ChannelName"
}
Call loadMetadata() with JSON metadata for content as below.
{
"type": "content",
"assetid": "vid345-67483",
"program": "ProgramName",
"title": "Program S3, EP1",
"length": "3600",
...
}
Call playheadPosition() every one second until a pause. Use the sample API sequence below as a reference to identify the specific events that need to be called during content playback without ads.
Type | Sample code | Description |
---|---|---|
Start of stream | mAppSdk.play(channelName); |
// channelName contains JSON metadata of channel/video name being played |
mAppSdk.loadMetadata(contentMetaDataObject); |
// contentMetadataObject contains the JSON metadata for the content being played | |
Content | mAppSdk.playheadPosition(playheadPosition); |
// position is position of the playhead while the content is being played |
End of Stream | mAppSdk.end(); |
// Content playback is completed. |
Use Case 2: Content has Ads
Call play() with channelName JSON as below.
{
"channelName": "ChannelName"
}
Call loadMetadata() with JSON metadata for ad as below.
{
"type": "preroll",
"assetid": "ad_123",
...
}
Note: In case the individual ad details are not available, send ad pod (presence) details through the loadMetadata and playhead position through playheadPosition.
Call playheadPosition() every one second until a pause / another loadMetadata() is called. Playhead should be passed for the entire duration of ad pod, if the ad pod details are passed as part of loadMetadata().
The sample API sequence can be used as a reference to identify the specific events that need to be called during content and ad playback.
Type | Sample code | Description |
---|---|---|
Start of stream | mAppSdk.play(channelName); |
// channelName contains JSON metadata of channel/video name being played |
mAppSdk.loadMetadata(contentMetaDataObject); |
// contentMetadataObject contains the JSON metadata for the content being played | |
Preroll | mAppSdk.loadMetadata(prerollMetadataObject); |
// prerollMetadataObject contains the JSON metadata for the preroll ad |
mAppSdk.playheadPosition(playheadPosition); |
// position is position of the playhead while the preroll ad is being played | |
mAppSdk.stop(); |
// Call stop after preroll occurs | |
Content | mAppSdk.loadMetadata(contentMetaDataObject); |
// contentMetadataObject contains the JSON metadata for the content being played |
mAppSdk.setPlayheadPosition(playheadPosition); |
// position is position of the playhead while the content is being played | |
Midroll | mAppSdk.loadMetadata(midrollMetaDataObject); |
// midrollMetadataObject contains the JSON metadata for the midroll ad |
mAppSdk.playheadPosition(playheadPosition); |
// position is position of the playhead while the midroll ad is being played | |
mAppSdk.stop(); |
// App moves to background(midroll pauses) | |
mAppSdk.loadMetadata(midrollMetaDataObject); |
// App moves to foreground (midroll resumes) | |
mAppSdk.playheadPosition(playheadPosition); |
// playheadPosition is position of the playhead while the midroll ad is being played | |
mAppSdk.stop(); |
// Call stop after midroll occurs | |
Content (End of stream) | mAppSdk.loadMetadata(contentMetaDataObject); |
// contentMetadataObject contains the JSON metadata for the content being played |
mAppSdk.playheadPosition(playheadPosition); |
// position is position of the playhead while the content is being played | |
End of Stream | mAppSdk.end(); |
// Call end() at the end of content |
Postroll | mAppSdk.loadMetadata(postrollMetaDataObject); |
// postrollMetadataObject contains the JSON metadata for the postroll ad |
mAppSdk.playheadPosition(playheadPosition); |
// position is position of the playhead while the postroll ad is being played | |
mAppSdk.stop(); |
// Call stop after postroll occurs |
Note: Each Ad playhead should reset or begin from 0 at ad start. When content has resumed following an ad break, playhead position must continue from where previous content segment was left off.
Stop/Resume the Measurement for video Playback Interruptions
As part of integrating Nielsen App SDK with the player application, the Audio / Video app developer needs to handle the following possible interruption scenarios:
- Pause / Play
- Network Loss (Wi-Fi / Airplane / Cellular)
- Call Interrupt (SIM or Third-party Skype / Hangout call)
- Alarm Interrupt
- Content Buffering
- Device Lock / Unlock (Video players only, not for Audio players)
- App going in the Background/Foreground (Video players only, not for Audio players)
- Channel / Station Change Scenario
- Unplugging of headphone
In case of encountering one of the above interruptions, the player application needs to
- Call
stop
immediately (except when content is buffering) and withhold sending playhead position. - Once the playback resumes, start sending pings
playheadPosition
for the new viewing session.
Please see the Digital Measurement FAQ for more details
Review SDK Integration Architecture Diagram
For Content Playback
For Ad Playback
Privacy and Opt-Out
The Irish Market build of the Nielsen SDK automatically Opt's Users out of the collection of any User Identifiable information or any Device Advertising ID.
When building your app:
- Ensure that you are using the NoID version of the Nielsen SDK Framework.
- Immediately following the initialization of the Nielsen SDK ensure you call the userOptOut API with Opt out selection:
NielsenAppApi?.userOptOut("nielsenappsdk://1"); // User opt-out
Required Privacy Links
Users must either have access to the "About Nielsen Measurement" page, or have similar text available within the native app. Include "About Nielsen Measurement" and "Your Choices" link in the Privacy Policy / EULA or as a button near the link to the app's Privacy Policy.
In addition, the following text must be included in your app store description.
"Please note: This app features Nielsen’s proprietary measurement software which contributes to market research, like Nielsen’s TV Ratings. Please see https://global.nielsen.com/legal/privacy-principles/digital-measurement-privacy-statement/
Retrieve current Opt-Out preference
Whether the user is opted out via OS-level Opt-out or via User Choice Opt-out, the current Opt-Out status as detected by the SDK is available via the optOutStatus property in the Nielsen SDK API
@property (readonly) BOOL optOutStatus
AirPlay
To implement OTT measurement, report OTT changes to the SDK using public API interface: updateOTT
In order to detect AirPlay and mirroring changes we use AVAudioSessionPortDescription properties that are different on different iOS versions. We found that on iOS versions 8 - 10 AVAudioSessionPortDescription
has the following values:
AirPlay: type = AirPlay; name = Apple TV 4K; UID = DC:56:E7:53:72:85-airplay
Mirroring: type = AirPlay; name = Apple TV 4K; UID = DC:56:E7:53:72:85-screen
For iOS 11+ some parameters like name and UID have different values:
AirPlay: type = AirPlay; name = AirPlay; UID = 0eb63aae-5915-45f1-b0f7-0102a0e50d53
Mirroring: type = AirPlay; name = Apple TV 4K; UID = 4335E8A9-1C0A-4251-9000-28CA5FA2F3CF-192731714653291-screen
The following code snipped is suggested for AirPlay / mirroring detection on iOS devices.
Swift
nielsenSdk.updateOTT(currentStatus)
Subscribe to AVAudioSessionRouteChangeNotification
NotificationCenter.default.addObserver(self, selector: #selector(handleRouteChanged(_:)), name: NSNotification.Name.AVAudioSessionRouteChange, object: nil)
Handle AVAudioSessionRouteChangeNotification and prepare OTT dictionary:
func handleRouteChanged(_ notification: Notification) {
var currentStatus: [String: String] = ["ottStatus": "0"]
let session = AVAudioSession.sharedInstance()
let currentRoute = session.currentRoute
for outputPort in currentRoute.outputs {
if outputPort.portType == AVAudioSessionPortAirPlay {
currentStatus["ottStatus"] = "1"
currentStatus["ottDeviceModel"] = outputPort.portName
currentStatus["ottDeviceID"] = outputPort.uid
if outputPort.portName == "AirPlay" {
currentStatus["ottDevice"] = "airplay"
currentStatus["ottType"] = "airplay"
}
else {
if outputPort.portName.contains("Apple TV") {
currentStatus["ottDevice"] = "appleTV"
}
else {
currentStatus["ottDevice"] = "other"
}
if outputPort.uid.hasSuffix("airplay") {
currentStatus["ottType"] = "airplay"
}
else if outputPort.uid.hasSuffix("screen") {
currentStatus["ottType"] = "mirroring"
}
else {
currentStatus["ottType"] = "other"
}
}
}
}
// report OTT status update to Nielsen SDK
self.reportOTTUpdate(currentStatus)
}
Report OTT update to the Nielsen SDK
func reportOTTUpdate(_ ottDict: [String: String]) {
if let nielsenSdk = self.nielsenAppApi {
nielsenSdk.updateOTT(currentStatus)
}
}
Objective C
– (void)updateOTT:(id)ottInfo;
Subscribe to AVAudioSessionRouteChangeNotification
[[NSNotificationCenter defaultCenter] addObserver:self selector:@selector(handleRouteChanged:) name:AVAudioSessionRouteChangeNotification object:nil];
Handle AVAudioSessionRouteChangeNotification and prepare OTT dictionary:
- (void)handleRouteChanged:(NSNotification *)notification
{
NSMutableDictionary *ottDict = [NSMutableDictionary dictionaryWithDictionary: @{@"ottStatus": @"0"}];
AVAudioSession *audioSession = [AVAudioSession sharedInstance];
AVAudioSessionRouteDescription *currentRoute = audioSession.currentRoute;
for (AVAudioSessionPortDescription *outputPort in currentRoute.outputs) {
if ([outputPort.portType isEqualToString:AVAudioSessionPortAirPlay]) {
ottDict[@"ottStatus"] = @"1";
ottDict[@"ottDeviceModel"] = outputPort.portName;
ottDict[@"ottDeviceID"] = outputPort.UID;
if ([outputPort.portName isEqualToString:@"AirPlay"]) {
ottDict[@"ottDevice"] = @"airplay";
ottDict[@"ottType"] = @"airplay";
}
else {
if ([outputPort.portName containsString:@"Apple TV"]) {
ottDict[@"ottDevice"] = @"appleTV";
}
else {
ottDict[@"ottDevice"] = @"other";
}
if ([outputPort.UID hasSuffix:@"airplay"]) {
ottDict[@"ottType"] = @"airplay";
}
else if ([outputPort.UID hasSuffix:@"screen"]) {
ottDict[@"ottType"] = @"mirroring";
}
else {
ottDict[@"ottType"] = @"other";
}
}
}
}
// report OTT status update to Nielsen SDK
[self reportOTTWithDict:ottDict];
}
Report OTT update to the Nielsen SDK
- (void)reportOTTWithDict:(NSDictionary *)ottDict
{
[self.nielsenSDK updateOTT:ottDict];
}
Test your player by yourself
Guide
1. Connect your PC and test device (tablet or phone) via same router.
2. PC side: run Proxy sw (like Charles) and get local IP
3. Test device: modify Wifi setting to pass through Proxy IP from step 2.
4. Test device: run your player, launch video
5. PC side: filter traffic by "nmrodam" and confirm presence of SDK pings
Example of SDK ping (https call)
https://secure-ire.nmrodam.com/cgi-bin/gn?prd=dcr&ci=se-910685&ch=se-910685_c01_P&asn=defChnAsset&fp_id=a2nfmy17lyvkhlxqstvmgypqly90m1629966210&fp_cr_tm=1629966210&fp_acc_tm=1629966210&fp_emm_tm=1629966210&ve_id=20A7CFD5-9860-4256-A6CE-45C251F4C243&sessionId=yvx0rtsxydmaxueji8zgfzj0f2f1w1629966209&tl=&prv=1&c6=vc,c01&ca=se-910685_c01_51HERB1501&cg=Play%20%3E%20Webbtv%20%3E%20Nyheter&c13=asid,P3D8D326A-2DBC-486A-8FD8-9AF4452B2A41&c32=segA,NA&c33=segB,NA&c34=segC,NA&c15=apn,Aftonbladet&plugv=&playerv=&sup=1&segment2=&segment1=&forward=0&ad=1&cr=4_00_99_D1_00000&c9=devid,12b9377cbe7e5c94e8a70d9d23929523d14afa954793130f8a3959c7b849aca8&enc=true&c1=nuid,12b9377cbe7e5c94e8a70d9d23929523d14afa954793130f8a3959c7b849aca8&at=timer&rt=video&c16=sdkv,ai.8.1.0&c27=cln,15&crs=&lat=&lon=&c29=plid,16299662096458868&c30=bldv,ai.8.1.0.0_gsxaoni&st=dcr&c7=osgrp,&c8=devgrp,&c10=plt,&c40=adbid,&c14=osver,iOS14.6&c26=dmap,1&dd=&hrd=&wkd=&c35=adrsid,&c36=cref1,&c37=cref2,&c11=agg,1&c12=apv,5.47.83.0.25245&c51=adl,15&c52=noad,1&sd=15&pc=NA&c53=fef,n&c54=oad,&c55=cref3,&c57=adldf,2&ai=51HERB1501&c3=st,a&c64=starttm,1629966240&adid=51HERB1501&c58=isLive,false&c59=sesid,iqal6k21r0de8gm901kif5xznar7q1629966240&c61=createtm,1629966255&c63=pipMode,&ci_userid=&is_auto_play=&pl_title=&is_prem=&is_prog=&ad_origin=&adidx=1%2F1&is_tpad=&ci_passthr=&c62=sendTime,1629966255&c68=bndlid,se.aftonbladet.Aftonbladet&c69=cvw,&nodeTM=&logTM=&c73=phtype,&c74=dvcnm,&c76=adbsnid,&uoo=&c44=progen,&davty=1&si=&c66=mediaurl,&sdd=retry,0~~retryreason,~~devmodel,iPhone9%2C4~~devtypid,iPhone9%2C4~~sysname,iOS~~sysversion,14.6~~manuf,Apple&cat_id=a6f7fb13-8801-484c-9692-6db6dfb470aa&vtoff=0&rnd=1629966255319
Provide your app for certification
Once ready please send your application to Nielsen local staff for certification.
Going Live
Following Nielsen testing, you will need to:
- Disable Debug Logging: Disable logging by deleting
{nol_devDebug: 'DEBUG'}
from initialization call. - Notify Nielsen: Once you are ready to go live, let us know so we can enable you for reporting. We will not be able to collect or report data prior to receiving notification from you.