Shaka Packager MCP Server

The Shaka Packager MCP Server turns an AI assistant such as Claude into a full‑featured media processing companion. By exposing Shaka Packager’s powerful transcoding, packaging, and DRM capabilities through the Model Context Protocol, developers can ask an assistant to analyze a local video file, convert it into HLS or DASH streams, and even apply Widevine or PlayReady encryption—all without leaving the chat interface. This eliminates the need to manually invoke command‑line tools or write custom scripts, streamlining workflows that would otherwise require a mix of video editing software and command‑line expertise.

At its core, the server bridges two key concerns: file access and video processing. It works hand‑in‑hand with the MCP Filesystem Server, which gives Claude a secure view of local files. Once a file path is resolved, the Shaka Packager MCP Server parses the video, extracts codec and bitrate information, and presents a concise summary. If the user wants to deliver content to an adaptive streaming platform, the server can generate HLS or DASH manifests on demand, automatically handling segmenting, encryption key generation, and ad‑insertion markers. For live streams, it can set up the appropriate packaging configuration with minimal input.

Key capabilities are expressed in plain language for ease of use:

• Video Analysis – “Show me the codec and bitrate details for video.mp4.”
• Media Packaging – “Package this file as HLS with Widevine DRM.”
• Advanced Options – “Insert ad markers at 00:10 and 00:20, convert to MP4.”
• Path Translation – The server automatically reconciles Docker and host paths, so the assistant can reference files regardless of environment.
• Error Guidance – When a command fails, the server returns diagnostic messages and suggestions, reducing trial‑and‑error cycles.
• Command Assistance – The assistant can offer templated Shaka Packager commands, ensuring correct flag ordering and syntax.

Real‑world scenarios that benefit from this integration include media studios automating batch packaging pipelines, content creators preparing videos for streaming platforms, and developers building AI‑driven video analytics tools. In a typical workflow, an engineer uploads a raw footage file via the filesystem server, asks Claude to “transcode to 1080p HLS with FairPlay,” and receives a ready‑to‑deploy package in seconds. The assistant can also generate detailed reports that include segment durations, encryption keys, and manifest URLs, which are invaluable for QA or compliance reviews.

The standout advantage of the Shaka Packager MCP Server is its end‑to‑end AI orchestration. By coupling Claude’s conversational interface with Shaka Packager’s command‑line engine, developers can iterate on video processing tasks in a natural language loop—asking for adjustments, reviewing outputs, and re‑executing commands—all while keeping the entire process auditable through MCP logs. This synergy not only speeds up development but also democratizes complex media workflows, making advanced packaging and DRM accessible to teams that may not have deep video engineering expertise.