Category: Coding

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How To Use AI in Your Livestream

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly popular in the live streaming industry as a tool for enhancing the viewer experience and streamlining workflows. AI can help to automate tasks, analyze data, and personalize the viewer experience. Here are some tips on how to use AI in your live stream effectively.

  1. Choose the right AI tools: There are many AI tools available, each with its own strengths and limitations. It’s important to choose the right AI tools for your specific needs and goals. Consider using tools that offer features such as natural language processing, image recognition, and sentiment analysis.
  2. Personalize the viewer experience: AI can help to personalize the viewer experience by analyzing viewer data and previous interactions. Use AI to personalize content recommendations, chatbot responses, and other elements of your live stream. Personalization can help to increase engagement and viewer loyalty.
  3. Improve content recommendations: AI can help to improve content recommendations by analyzing viewer data and preferences. Use AI to recommend relevant content to viewers, such as related videos or products. This can help to increase viewer engagement and drive conversions.
  4. Optimize production workflows: AI can help to streamline production workflows by automating tasks such as video editing, captioning, and transcription. Use AI to automate repetitive tasks and free up time for more creative work. This can help to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
  5. Monitor and analyze performance: AI can help to monitor and analyze live stream performance in real-time. Use AI to track viewer engagement, sentiment, and feedback. Use this data to make real-time adjustments to your live stream and improve the viewer experience.
  6. Enhance accessibility: AI can help to enhance accessibility by providing real-time captioning and translation. Use AI to provide captions and translations in multiple languages, making your live stream accessible to a wider audience.

AI can be a powerful tool for enhancing the viewer experience and streamlining workflows in live streaming. To use AI effectively, it’s important to choose the right tools, personalize the viewer experience, improve content recommendations, optimize production workflows, monitor and analyze performance, and enhance accessibility. By incorporating AI into your live stream, you can improve efficiency, increase engagement, and achieve your marketing objectives.

101, Coding, Collaboration, Content Delivery Networks, Digital Platforms, Learning, Mentoring, Streaming, Technology

101: How to Create SCTE 35 & 224 Markers for HLS, JSON, XML, Python, JavaScript, & Ruby

To create SCTE markers for DAI (Dynamic Ad Insertion) for live streaming, you can use a variety of scripting languages and tools. Here are a few examples:

SCTE-35 is a standard for signaling ad insertion opportunities in live streams. It uses MPEG-2 Transport Stream packets to insert “cue” messages that indicate the start and end of ad breaks. To create SCTE-35 markers, you can use tools like SCTE-35 Commander or SCTE-35 Injector. These tools allow you to create SCTE-35 messages and insert them into your live stream.

1. HLS: HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) is a streaming protocol that allows for dynamic ad insertion in live streams. To create SCTE markers for HLS, you can use the EXT-X-CUE-OUT and EXT-X-CUE-IN tags. These tags indicate the start and end of an ad break and can be used to trigger the insertion of ad content. Here is an example of an HLS manifest with SCTE markers:

“`m3u8
#EXTM3U
#EXT-X-VERSION:3
#EXT-X-TARGETDURATION:10
#EXT-X-MEDIA-SEQUENCE:0
#EXT-X-CUE-OUT:DURATION=30
#EXTINF:10.0,
https://example.com/live/stream_720p/chunk_00001.ts
#EXTINF:10.0,
https://example.com/live/stream_720p/chunk_00002.ts
#EXT-X-CUE-IN
#EXTINF:10.0,
https://example.com/live/ad_720p/chunk_00001.ts
#EXTINF:10.0,
https://example.com/live/ad_720p/chunk_00002.ts
#EXT-X-CUE-OUT:DURATION=30
#EXTINF:10.0,
https://example.com/live/stream_720p/chunk_00003.ts
#EXTINF:10.0,
https://example.com/live/stream_720p/chunk_00004.ts
#EXT-X-CUE-IN
#EXTINF:10.0,
https://example.com/live/ad_720p/chunk_00003.ts
#EXTINF:10.0,
https://example.com/live/ad_720p/chunk_00004.ts
#EXT-X-ENDLIST
“`

In this example, the SCTE markers are represented by the EXT-X-CUE-OUT and EXT-X-CUE-IN tags. These tags indicate the start and end of an ad break, and the ad content is inserted between them.

2. JSON: SCTE-224 is a standard for signaling ad breaks in live streams using JSON metadata. To create SCTE markers using SCTE-224, you can use tools like the SCTE-224 Event Scheduler or the SCTE-224 Event Injector. These tools allow you to create JSON metadata that signals the start and end of ad breaks in your live stream.

3. XML: Like JSON, SCTE-224 also supports XML metadata for signaling ad breaks in live streams. You can use XML tags to specify the start and end of ad breaks and other metadata. For example:

“`xml
<ADI>
<Asset>
<Metadata>
<SCTE35>
<SpliceInfoSection>
<SpliceInsert>
<SpliceEvent>
<SpliceEventId>12345</SpliceEventId>
<SpliceOutOfNetworkIndicator>false</SpliceOutOfNetworkIndicator>
<SpliceImmediateFlag>true</SpliceImmediateFlag>
<BreakDuration>30000</BreakDuration>
</SpliceEvent>
</SpliceInsert>
</SpliceInfoSection>
</SCTE35>
</Metadata>
</Asset>
</ADI>
“`

In this example, an SCTE-35 splice event is specified using XML tags within an Asset Description and Metadata Interface (ADI) file.

4. Python: You can also use Python scripts to generate SCTE-35 messages for DAI. For example, the SCTE-35 Python library allows you to create SCTE-35 messages using Python code. Here’s an example Python script that creates an SCTE-35 message:

“`python
from scte35 import SpliceInfoSection, SpliceInsert

splice_event = SpliceInsert(
splice_event_id=12345,
out_of_network=False,
immediate=True,
break_duration=30
)

splice_info_section = SpliceInfoSection(
splice_insert=splice_event
)

scte35_message = splice_info_section.to_bytes()
“`

This script creates a splice event with ID 12345, a break duration of 30 seconds, and other parameters, and then generates an SCTE-35 message using the scte35 library.

5. JavaScript: If you’re working with web-based live streaming technologies like HLS or DASH, you can use JavaScript to manipulate the manifest files and insert SCTE markers. For example, you could use JavaScript to modify the EXT-X-CUE-OUT and EXT-X-CUE-IN tags in an HLS manifest file to indicate ad breaks.

6. Ruby: Ruby is another scripting language that can be used to generate SCTE-35 messages for DAI. The SCTE35 gem is a Ruby library that allows you to create and parse SCTE-35 messages. Here’s an example Ruby script that creates an SCTE-35 message:

“`ruby
require ‘scte35’

splice_event = SCTE35::SpliceInsert.new(
splice_event_id: 12345,
out_of_network: false,
immediate: true,
break_duration: 30
)

splice_info_section = SCTE35::SpliceInfoSection.new(
splice_insert: splice_event
)

scte35_message = splice_info_section.to_binary_s
“`

This script creates a splice event using the SCTE35 gem, sets its parameters, and generates an SCTE-35 binary message.

Overall, the choice of scripting language and tool depends on the specific requirements of your live streaming setup. These examples show some common options for creating SCTE markers for DAI in live streaming.

101, Best Practices, Coding, Content Delivery Networks, Digital Platforms, HLS Streaming, Project & Production Management, Streaming, Technology

101: What is ESAM Scripting for YouTube & SCTE DAI?

First, what is SCTE? (pronounced scut-e). The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) is a professional association that offers education, certification, and standards for the telecommunications industry. SCTE serves as a technical and applied science leader, providing training and certification programs in broadband, cable networks, and digital video. It has a diverse membership of professionals, including engineers and technicians, who work in the cable and telecommunications industries.

Next, what is ESAM? ESAM stands for Event Signaling and Management. It is a protocol used in cable networks to provide advanced notification and management of network events. ESAM allows for the delivery of messages that can be used to signal events such as program start and end times, emergency alerts, and other network events. It is an important component of the CableLabs Enhanced Content Specification, which is a set of technical specifications used in digital TV networks. ESAM is designed to enhance the functionality and interoperability of networks, improving the viewing experience for subscribers.

ESAM scripting for SCTE:

1. Identify the video content that needs to be marked up with SCTE markers. These could be ad breaks, chapter markers, or other significant events in the video.

2. Use an ESAM editor tool to create the ESAM script. There are several tools available, such as ESAM Creator and ESAM Builder. These tools allow you to create, edit, and validate the ESAM script.

3. Define the SCTE markers in the ESAM script. Each marker should include the timecode, duration, and type of event. For example, an ad break marker could be defined as a “cue-in” event with a duration of 30 seconds.

4. Validate the ESAM script to ensure that it is compliant with the SCTE specification. Use the ESAM editor tool to run the validation process and check for any errors or warnings.

5. Save the ESAM script and upload it to your YouTube account. You can do this by selecting the video content in your YouTube Studio dashboard, navigating to the “Advanced” tab, and uploading the ESAM script in the “Content ID” section.

6. Review the video content to ensure that the SCTE markers are working correctly. You can use the YouTube player to test the markers and make any necessary adjustments to the ESAM script.

By following these steps, you can create an ESAM script for YouTube SCTE that will help you manage and monetize your video content more effectively.

An ESAM script is an XML-based file that contains information about events or markers that occur in video content. These markers can be used for a variety of purposes, such as indicating ad breaks, chapter markers, or other significant events in the video.

Here is an example of an ESAM script for a dynamic commercial SCTE marker in XML format:

“`xml
<?xml version=”1.0″ encoding=”UTF-8″?>
<ESAM xmlns=”urn:ietf:params:xml:ns:esam:1.0″>
<EventSignal Time=”00:05:00.000″ Duration=”00:00:30.000″ Type=”Commercial”>
<Metadata>
<MetadataItem Name=”AdType”>Dynamic</MetadataItem>
<MetadataItem Name=”AdID”>1234</MetadataItem>
<MetadataItem Name=”AdTitle”>Example Ad</MetadataItem>
<MetadataItem Name=”Advertiser”>Acme Corp</MetadataItem>
</Metadata>
</EventSignal>
</ESAM>
“`

In this example, the ESAM script includes a “Commercial” event signal that occurs at the 5-minute mark of the video and lasts for 30 seconds. The metadata associated with the event signal includes information about the ad type, ID, title, and advertiser.

By using ESAM scripts like this one, video content creators and distributors can manage and monetize their content more effectively, while providing a better experience for viewers.

More scripting tomorrow…. stay tuned!

101, AI, Best Practices, Career, Coding, Collaboration, Digital Platforms, Mentoring, Moving Forward, Project & Production Management, publishing, Quality Control, SQL, Success, Teamwork, Technology

Quick Overview: Checksum / How it’s Utilized & How to Use Them

A checksum is a value that is computed from a block of data using a specific algorithm. The purpose of a checksum is to provide a way to verify the integrity of the data. When a sender transmits data, it can compute a checksum and include it with the data. The receiver can then compute a checksum on the received data and compare it to the transmitted checksum. If the two values match, it is likely that the data was transmitted without errors.

Checksums are used in a variety of applications, including network protocols, file transfers, and software updates. They are particularly useful in situations where data corruption or errors are likely to occur, such as over unreliable network connections.

In network protocols, checksums are often used to detect errors in data packets. For example, the Mo of each IP packet. If the checksum indicates that the packet is corrupted, it can be discarded and a new packet can be requested.

In file transfers, checksums are used to verify that the file was transferred correctly. After a file is transferred, the sender can compute a checksum on the file and include it with the file. The recipient can then compute a checksum on the received file and compare it to the sender’s checksum. If the two values match, it is likely that the file was transferred without errors.

In software updates, checksums are used to verify that the update was downloaded correctly. After a software update is downloaded, the user can compute a checksum on the downloaded file and compare it to the checksum provided by the software vendor. If the two values match, it is likely that the update was downloaded correctly.

Overall, checksums are an important tool for ensuring the integrity of data in a variety of applications.

In broadcasting, checksums are often used in conjunction with SCTE markers to ensure the integrity of the video and audio streams. For example, SCTE-35 markers are used to signal ad insertion points in a video stream. When an ad break is signaled, the receiver can use a checksum to verify the integrity of the video data before and after the ad break. If the checksum indicates that the video data has been corrupted, the receiver can request a retransmission of the video data.

Similarly, checksums can be used to verify the integrity of audio data in a broadcast stream. For example, if an audio stream includes a checksum value, the receiver can use the checksum to verify that the audio data has not been corrupted during transmission.

Overall, checksums are an important tool for broadcasters to ensure the quality and integrity of their broadcast streams. By using checksums in conjunction with SCTE markers, broadcasters can provide a more reliable and consistent viewing experience for their audiences.

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Quick Overview: API Calls-What Are They & What Is The Workflow?

API stands for Application Programming Interface. An API call is a request made by one software application to another application’s API in order to retrieve or manipulate data. APIs enable different software applications to communicate with each other, allowing developers to integrate different services and functionalities into their own applications.

API calls work by sending a request to the API, specifying the endpoint and any required parameters. The API processes the request and returns a response back to the calling application. The response can include data, metadata, or error messages, depending on the specific API.

APIs are used in a variety of applications, including web and mobile applications, IoT devices, and enterprise software. For example, social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook provide APIs that allow developers to access and manipulate user data, such as posts or tweets. E-commerce platforms like Shopify provide APIs that enable developers to build custom applications that interact with the platform’s inventory and customer data.

APIs are also used to integrate different software applications in enterprise settings. For example, an API can be used to connect a customer relationship management (CRM) system to a marketing automation platform, allowing marketing teams to access customer data and automate targeted campaigns.

Overall, APIs are a powerful tool for software developers, enabling them to build more complex and sophisticated applications by integrating different services and functionalities. Users can select GPT-3.5(ChatGPT) or GPT-4 to interact with me.

Building an API from scratch typically involves several steps. Here’s a general overview of the process:

1. Define the API endpoints: Determine the specific functionality and data that will be exposed through the API. This includes identifying the specific endpoints that will be used to access the data.

2. Choose a programming language: Select a programming language that is well-suited for building APIs, such as Python, Ruby, or Node.js.

3. Choose a web framework: Choose a web framework that supports building APIs, such as Flask, Django, or Express.

4. Design the API data model: Create a data model that defines the data that will be exchanged through the API, including the data types and relationships between different data entities.

5. Implement the API endpoints: Use the chosen web framework and programming language to implement the API endpoints, including handling request and response data.

6. Test the API: Use API testing tools to verify that the API endpoints are working as expected and returning the correct data.

7. Deploy the API: Deploy the API to a server or cloud hosting service so that it can be accessed by other applications.

8. Document the API: Create documentation that describes the API endpoints, parameters, and data structures so that other developers can use the API.

Overall, building an API from scratch can be a complex process that requires a solid understanding of programming, web frameworks, and data modeling. However, there are many resources available online that can help guide you through the process. Users can even utilize AI, ChatGPT 3.5/4 to assist the process.