# Origins

An origin is a manifest URL that a channel monitors for ad markers. When [break detection](https://docs-preview.optiview.dolby.com/pr-860/ads/concepts/marker-detection.md) is enabled, OptiView Ads fetches the channel's enabled origins and parses their manifests for markers. A channel can have multiple origins so that detection keeps working when one source goes offline.

## Origin identity

Every origin has an `id` that is unique within its channel. The `id` is optional when creating an origin: if you omit it, OptiView Ads generates one for you. When you supply your own, we recommend using a UUID. For a human-readable label, use the `name` property instead — it is shown in the dashboard.

## Enabling and disabling origins

An origin can be enabled or disabled at any time. Disabling an origin removes it from detection immediately; the origin itself is kept, so you can re-enable it later without recreating it.

## How multiple origins are used

Only enabled origins are considered for detection. Enabled origins are ordered by `priority`, and detection uses the **first online origin**: the first one whose manifest is fetched and parsed successfully.

* **Lowest `priority` value first.**
* **First online wins.** An origin counts as online when its manifest can be fetched and parsed. A manifest that is reachable but currently advertises no markers still counts as online, so lower-priority origins are not consulted. If an origin cannot be fetched or parsed, detection falls back to the next enabled origin in priority order.

This lets you configure a primary origin and one or more lower-priority backups: when the primary source is unreachable, detection automatically falls back to a backup.

> **Supported origin types**
>
> Origins can be `HLS`, `DASH`, or `HESP`, but automatic break detection currently parses **HLS** manifests only. Use `HLS` for origins you expect to drive automatic breaks.

## Related resources

| Resource                                                                                           | Relationship                                                              |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Channels](https://docs-preview.optiview.dolby.com/pr-860/ads/concepts/channels.md)                | The parent of an origin. An origin always belongs to one channel.         |
| [Break detection](https://docs-preview.optiview.dolby.com/pr-860/ads/concepts/marker-detection.md) | Configure marker rules to turn ad markers in your stream into breaks.     |
| [Templates](https://docs-preview.optiview.dolby.com/pr-860/ads/concepts/templates.md)              | Reusable break presets that marker rules schedule when a marker matches.  |
| [Breaks](https://docs-preview.optiview.dolby.com/pr-860/ads/concepts/breaks.md)                    | The breaks created when detection matches a marker against a marker rule. |