Test AES encryption for Apple HLS streams from Wowza Streaming Engine

This article describes how to test AES-128 encryption for a Wowza Streaming Engine™ media server software video-on-demand stream delivered over HLS to HLS compatible devices that support AES-128 encryption. You can test AES encryption by playing a chunk (a .ts file) from the encrypted stream in VLC media player. If AES encryption is working correctly, the chunk can't be played in VLC.

Note: For instructions on configuring AES-128 encryption, see Secure Apple HLS with AES-128 external encryption in Wowza Streaming Engine.

1. In a web browser, enter the URL of an Apple streaming playlist (.m3u8) file. For example:

2. Save the playlist file to your computer. The file contents will be similar to the following:
   
   #EXTM3U
   #EXT-X-VERSION:3
   #EXT-X-STREAM-INF:PROGRAM-ID=1,BANDWIDTH=572079,CODECS="avc1.66.30, mp4a.40.2",RESOLUTION=424x240
   chunklist_w1776170579.m3u8

3. Open the playlist file in a text editor and copy the chunklist file information. For example. chunklist_w1776170579.m3u8.
4. In a web browser, append the copied chunklist file information to the base stream name URL. For example:

7. In a web browser, append the copied .ts file URL to the base stream name URL. For example:

http://[wowza-ip-address]:1935/myApplication/mp4:sample.mp4/media_w1776170579_13821.ts

8. Save the .ts file to your computer.
9. Open the saved .ts file in VLC media player. If the file is encrypted correctly, VLC won't be able to play the file and the following error message will be displayed:
   
   No suitable decoder module:
   VLC does not support the audio or video format "undf". Unfortunately there is no way for you to fix this.
   
    
10. Review the contents of the playlist file to validate what encryption method information is present. For AES-128 bit encryption, the information will be similar to the following:

    #EXTM3U
    #EXT-X-VERSION:3
    #EXT-X-TARGETDURATIO
    #EXT-X-MEDIA-SEQUENCE:1
    #EXT-X-KEY:METHOD=AES-128,URI="http://[wowza-ip-address]/myApplication/_definst_/mp4:sample.mp4/key_w1776170579.m3u8key"