Category: Learning

Learning, Life Choices, Mentoring, Moving Forward

Show up and Show out

I love when reading even one line, I’m inspired. The following is the result. Hopefully, some inspiration for you too. Please ~ Share it, Like it, Comment – it’s free!

“Show up and show out” is a powerful phrase that can inspire us to take action, to face challenges head-on, and to exceed expectations. It’s a call to courage, an invitation to step out of our comfort zone, and an acknowledgement that we have the potential to do great things.

But what does it really mean to show up and show out? Let’s break it down.

First, showing up means being present, both physically and mentally. It means showing up to work, to school, to meetings, to appointments, and to life in general. It means being reliable, dependable, and trustworthy. It means being there for others when they need us, and being willing to lend a helping hand.

Showing up also means facing whatever comes our way, even if it’s difficult or uncomfortable. It means being willing to confront our fears, to challenge our assumptions, and to learn from our mistakes. It means being resilient in the face of adversity, and refusing to give up when things get tough.

Second, showing out means surpassing expectations, excelling, and shining in ways others didn’t think were possible. It means bringing our A-game, and putting forth our best effort. It means going above and beyond what’s expected of us, and pushing ourselves to achieve more than we ever thought possible.

Showing out is about having the courage to be ourselves, to express our unique talents and abilities, and to make a positive impact on the world around us. It’s about taking risks, trying new things, and daring to dream big.

So why is it important to show up and show out? For one, it can help us grow and develop as individuals. When we show up, we gain experience, knowledge, and skills that can help us in the future. When we show out, we build confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of accomplishment that can inspire us to do even more.

Showing up and showing out can also have a positive impact on those around us. When we show up, we demonstrate our commitment, dedication, and loyalty. When we show out, we inspire others to do the same, and we create a culture of excellence, where everyone is encouraged to strive for their best.

“Show up and Show out” is more than just a catchy phrase. It’s a call to action, a reminder of our potential, and an invitation to be our best selves. So let’s embrace it, let’s live it, and let’s show the world what we’re capable of.

101, Editing, events, Learning, Mentoring, Project & Production Management, Social Media, Technology, Training

UGC – What Is it? Why Is It Important?

What is UGC?

User-generated content (UGC): This is content that is created by users or fans of a particular brand or product, often shared on social media or other online platforms. UGC can include photos, videos, reviews, and other types of content that are created by consumers rather than professionals.

Why Is UGC Important?

UGC is a powerful tool for businesses and content creators looking to engage with their audience and create authentic content. Editing UGC can be a bit different than editing other types of footage, as the footage is often shot on a mobile device and may not be of professional quality. However, with the right approach, UGC can be edited into a compelling final product.

Here are some steps involved in the UGC editing process:

1. Gathering footage: The first step in editing UGC is to gather the footage from your audience. This could involve asking your followers to submit videos or photos that relate to a particular theme or topic.

2. Reviewing footage: Once you have gathered the footage, you will need to review it to identify the best clips to use in your final edit. This could include footage that is well-shot and on-topic, as well as footage that evokes a strong emotional response.

3. Organizing footage: Once you have identified the best clips, you will need to organize them in a way that tells a compelling story. This could involve creating a rough storyboard or timeline to map out the flow of the video.

4. Enhancing footage: Depending on the quality of the footage, you may need to enhance it to improve its visual quality. This could include color correction, noise reduction, or other techniques to improve the look of the footage.

5. Adding music and sound effects: Once you have organized and enhanced the footage, you can add music and sound effects to create a more immersive viewing experience. This could include selecting music that complements the mood and tone of the video, as well as sound effects that add texture and depth.

6. Finalizing the edit: Once the editing process is complete, the final product is reviewed and approved by the creative team. Any necessary changes are made, and the final edit is exported for distribution.

Editing UGC can be a powerful way to engage with your audience and create authentic content that resonates with viewers. By gathering, reviewing, and organizing footage, enhancing it with music and sound effects, and finalizing the edit, you can create a compelling final product that showcases the best of what your audience has to offer.

101, Career, Employment, Learning, Life Choices, Mentoring, Training

Digging Out of A Career Black Hole

No matter profession you’re in.  One day you might find yourself here…..But where is here?

A career is an essential aspect of one’s life. It is not only a source of livelihood but also a means of personal growth and fulfillment. However, many people find themselves in a career “black hole” at some point in their lives. This is a situation where they feel stuck in a job that does not offer any prospects for growth, development, and advancement. If you are in a career black hole, you may feel unfulfilled, demotivated, and frustrated. However, there are solutions to get out of it.

Here are some signs that you may be in a career black hole:

1. You are not growing professionally

If you are not learning or growing in your job, it could be a sign that you are in a career black hole. A good job should offer you the opportunity to learn new skills and develop professionally. If you are not getting any training, promotions, or opportunities to take on new challenges, it could be a sign that you are in a dead-end job.

2. You are not challenged

If your job is too easy or repetitive, you may not be challenged enough. A good job should offer you the opportunity to use your skills and abilities to the fullest. If you are not being challenged, you may feel bored and unfulfilled.

3. You are not happy

If you dread going to work every day, it could be a sign that you are not happy in your job. A good job should offer you some degree of job satisfaction. If you are not happy, it could affect your mental and emotional well-being.

If you identify with any of these signs, you may be in a career black hole. Here are some solutions to get out of it:

1. Evaluate your skills and interests

Start by evaluating your skills and interests. Identify the skills that you have and the ones that you would like to develop. Think about the type of work that interests you and the industries that you would like to work in. This will help you to identify the type of job that would be a good fit for you.

2. Update your resume and cover letter

Update your resume and cover letter to highlight your skills and experience. Make sure that they are tailored to the type of job that you are interested in. This will increase your chances of getting a job interview.

3. Network

Networking is a great way to find job opportunities. Attend industry events, job fairs, and conferences. Connect with people on LinkedIn and other professional networks. Let people know that you are looking for a job. You never know when an opportunity may arise.

4. Consider further education

Further education can help you to develop new skills and improve your job prospects. Consider enrolling in a course or a program that is relevant to your career goals. This will not only improve your skills but also demonstrate your commitment to your career.

5. Take on new challenges

If you are not being challenged in your current job, seek opportunities to take on new challenges. Volunteer for new projects or take on additional responsibilities. This will not only help you to develop new skills but also demonstrate your initiative and commitment to your job.

Being in a career black hole can be demotivating and frustrating. However, there are solutions to get out of it. Start by evaluating your skills and interests, update your resume and cover letter, network, consider further education, and take on new challenges. With these strategies, you can break free from a career black hole and find a job that offers you growth, development, and fulfillment.

Please share your experiences. It’s free!

AI, AWS, Career, Cloud Editing, Collaboration, Digital Platforms, Employment, Learning, Life Choices, Mentoring, Teamwork, Technology

New Experiences

What are your challenges?  Do you challenge yourself daily?

With over 33 years of broadcast experience, I have seen the industry evolve and change in significant ways. When I heard about the opportunity to join a large media client’s Digital Video Engineering team, I knew this was a chance to once again put my skills to the test.

As I started the contract just over a month ago, I was eager to learn and contribute to the team. The small team I joined communicates regularly to ensure we were all on the same page and working towards the same goals. I quickly learned that I had a lot to learn, but my previous experience would be an asset to the team.

I am responsible for maintaining core technologies, workflows, and systems vital to live-video and file-based digital workflows. I support the engineering solutions for video editing, transcoding, video streaming, and publishing across multiple properties. I have experience with video routers and Vantage Telestream from my previous roles, which has helped me handle these tasks.  Learning all the new systems and their acronyms has been equally challenging at times, but going with the flow and adapting are essential.

Working within an AWS cloud environment, I am tasked with setting up virtual machines and ensuring that the digital workflow deliveries are met. My experience with S3 and FSX has been crucial in managing Windows file systems that run in the cloud.

Although I have not worked extensively with Python or JSON, I am eager to learn and expand my knowledge in these areas. I have a background in edit post-production, specifically Adobe Premier, and have experience with Linux OS and file acceleration.  So, as a support person, I get to help users that are not only having editing issues, but cloud creation, and connectivity issues.

Throughout my career in broadcasting and digital streaming, I have learned the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and techniques. I am committed to continuing to learn and grow in this field, and I am excited that this opportunity to brought some of my experience and skills into play and new skill sets to the table.

33 years of experience have provided me with the expertise to tackle any challenge that comes my way. I am confident that my skills and background make me a valuable asset to the team, and I look forward to contributing to the team’s success even more. I’m on-call this holiday weekend, which had already tested my knowledge base, and with the stellar help of my teammates I have been able / we have been able to support the news divisions, while maintaining the level of support and service they not only want, but is essential to produce the news.

I am grateful for every challenge that comes my way. I am grateful to learn and grow everyday. It keeps life and my career fresh and I’m perspective everyday.

101, Learning, Mentoring, SME, Technology

Become a SCTE SME

Where to start?

Do you want to become a SCTE (Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers)  subject matter expert (SME)?  You can take the following steps:


1. Gain a foundational understanding of SCTE technologies: Start by learning the basics of SCTE technologies, including SCTE-35, SCTE-104, and SCTE-224. This can be done by reading articles, whitepapers, and technical documentation available on the SCTE website and other industry resources.

2. Attend SCTE training courses: SCTE offers a range of training courses on various SCTE technologies, including SCTE-35, SCTE-104, and SCTE-224. These courses cover the fundamentals of the technology, best practices, and practical applications. Attending these courses can help you gain a deeper understanding of SCTE technologies and prepare you for certification.

3. Pursue SCTE certification: SCTE offers certification programs for various SCTE technologies, including SCTE-35 and SCTE-104. These programs are designed to validate the knowledge and skills of professionals working with SCTE technologies. Pursuing certification can help you establish your expertise in SCTE technologies and advance your career.

4. Participate in SCTE events and communities: SCTE hosts various events, including conferences, webinars, and workshops, where professionals can learn about the latest developments in SCTE technologies and network with other experts. Additionally, SCTE has a community forum where professionals can ask questions, share knowledge, and collaborate with other experts in the field.

By taking these steps, you can become a subject matter expert in SCTE technologies. It’s also important to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field by reading industry publications, attending conferences, and participating in online communities.

Need more info?  Sure! 

Some of the latest developments in the field of SCTE include advancements in DOCSIS 4.0 technology, the deployment of 5G networks, the adoption of cloud-based technologies, and the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in cable networks. Industry publications like Broadband Library and Cablefax, as well as conferences like SCTE Cable-Tec Expo and online communities like SCTE Connect, are great resources to stay up-to-date on these developments.

101, Best Practices, Collaboration, Digital Platforms, Learning, Mentoring, Project & Production Management, Sports, Streaming, Technology

101: Troubleshooting SCTE-35 DAI A Quick Guide

Sometimes things just don’t work. You’ve rebooted, run reports, and you just need to pause. Here are some steps to troubleshoot SCTE-35 DAI issues:

1. Check for SCTE-35 markers: The first step in troubleshooting SCTE-35 DAI issues is to check if the SCTE-35 markers are being inserted into the video stream correctly. You can use a tool like SCTE-35 Analyzer to check if the markers are being sent at the appropriate times and if their contents are correct.

2. Check your ad server: If the SCTE-35 markers are being sent correctly, the next step is to check your ad server. Ensure that the ad server is sending ad inventory to the video player at the appropriate times and that the ad creative is correct.

3. Check your video player: If the ad server is sending ad inventory correctly, the issue may be with your video player. Ensure that your video player is configured correctly to receive SCTE-35 markers and that it is capable of processing them correctly. Check the video player logs for any errors or warnings related to SCTE-35 processing.

4. Check for network issues: If the SCTE-35 markers, ad server, and video player are all working correctly, but the ads are still not showing up, there may be a network issue. Check for any network issues that may be preventing the video player from receiving the ad inventory correctly.

5. Test with different devices and platforms: If the issue is only occurring on certain devices or platforms, test with different devices and platforms to identify if it is a device-specific issue.

6. Contact your ad server or video player provider: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, contact your ad server or video player provider for further assistance. They may be able to provide more targeted troubleshooting steps or identify any issues specific to their platform.

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, Career, Collaboration, Learning, Technology, Training

Building A Stack for Your Business: 101

What does building a stack mean?

Building a stack refers to the process of selecting and integrating different software tools and technologies to create a customized software solution that meets your specific business needs.

1. Identify your business needs: The first step in building a stack is to identify your business needs. Determine what problems you are trying to solve and what goals you want to achieve.

2. Research available tools: Once you have identified your business needs, research different software tools and technologies that can help you meet those needs. Look for tools that are reputable, well-supported, and have a track record of success in your industry.

3. Evaluate tools: Evaluate the tools you have identified by looking at their features, pricing, ease of use, and compatibility with your existing systems. Consider factors such as scalability, security, and customization options.

4. Select tools: Based on your research and evaluation, select the tools that best meet your needs and fit within your budget. Make sure to consider how the different tools will work together and integrate with your existing systems.

5. Integrate tools: Once you have selected your tools, work on integrating them to create a seamless and cohesive software stack. This may involve customizing the tools, creating APIs, or developing other integration solutions.

6. Test and refine: After you have integrated your tools, test the stack to ensure it is working as expected. Refine the stack as necessary to optimize performance and ensure it is meeting your business needs.

7. Maintain and update: Finally, maintain and update your software stack over time to ensure it remains up-to-date and continues to meet your business needs. Keep an eye on emerging technologies and be willing to make changes as needed to stay competitive and efficient.

101, Best Practices, Digital Platforms, gaming, Learning, Mentoring, Streaming

Broadcasting: Mux or Demux? What The Heck Is That About?

In broadcasting, muxing and demuxing are essential processes that allow for the transmission and distribution of audio and video streams.

Muxing, or multiplexing, is the process of combining multiple audio and video streams into a single stream. This combined stream can be transmitted over a network or broadcast through traditional media channels like television or radio. Muxing is commonly used in live streaming, video editing, video conferencing, and IPTV.

A mux works by taking multiple input streams and interleaving them into a single output stream, which can be encoded and transmitted over a network using a specific protocol. The output stream is typically optimized for transmission efficiency, so that it can be transmitted with minimal delay and bandwidth requirements.

10 use cases for a mux:

1. Live streaming: A mux can be used to combine multiple live audio and video feeds into a single stream for real-time broadcast.

2. Video editing: A mux can be used to combine multiple video tracks into a single output file for editing or post-production.

3. Video surveillance: A mux can combine multiple video feeds from surveillance cameras into a single stream for monitoring and recording.

4. IPTV: A mux can be used by IPTV providers to combine multiple TV channels into a single stream for distribution over the internet.

5. VoIP: A mux can be used to combine multiple voice streams into a single output stream for voice over IP (VoIP) applications.

6. Music production: A mux can be used to combine multiple audio tracks into a single output file for music production or mixing.

7. Video conferencing: A mux can be used to combine multiple audio and video feeds from participants in a video conference into a single output stream.

8. Digital signage: A mux can be used to combine multiple video feeds for display on digital signage screens.

9. Sports broadcasting: A mux can be used to combine multiple audio and video feeds from different cameras and microphones at a sports event into a single broadcast stream.

10. Online gaming: A mux can be used to combine multiple audio and video streams from players in an online multiplayer game into a single stream for spectators to watch.

Conversely….

Demuxing, or demultiplexing, is the opposite process of separating the combined stream back into its individual audio and video streams. This allows for the decoding and processing of the individual streams separately. Demuxing is commonly used in media playback, video editing, audio processing, and network monitoring.

A demux works by analyzing the input stream and separating it into its constituent parts based on the underlying format and structure of the stream. The output streams can then be decoded or processed separately using appropriate software or hardware.

10 use cases for demuxing:

1. Media playback: A media player uses a demux to separate the audio and video tracks of a media file, so that they can be decoded and played back separately.

2. Video editing: A demux can be used to separate multiple video tracks from a single media file for editing or post-production.

3. Audio processing: A demux can be used to separate multiple audio tracks from a media file for processing or analysis.

4. Closed captioning: A demux can be used to separate the closed captioning data from a video file, so that it can be displayed separately.

5. Subtitles: A demux can be used to separate the subtitle data from a video file, so that it can be displayed separately.

6. Video transcoding: A demux can be used to separate the audio and video tracks of a media file for transcoding into a different format or resolution.

7. Network monitoring: A demux can be used to analyze network traffic and separate different types of data packets for monitoring or analysis.

8. Digital forensics: A demux can be used to extract individual files or data streams from a larger disk image or data file for forensic analysis.

9. Compression: A demux can be used to separate different data streams for compression or archiving purposes.

10. Streaming: A demux can be used to separate audio and video streams from a network broadcast for playback on different devices, or for further processing and analysis.

Both muxing and demuxing are critical processes in broadcasting that allow for efficient transmission and distribution of audio and video streams. These processes are used in a wide range of applications, from live sports broadcasting to online gaming, and are essential for ensuring high-quality audio and video transmission.

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#cloud, 101, AWS, Digital Platforms, Learning, Mentoring, Streaming, Success, Technology, Training

What is S3? Buckets? SDKs? A Quick Overview

Amazon S3, or Simple Storage Service, is a cloud-based storage service provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It allows users to store and retrieve any amount of data from anywhere on the web, making it a popular choice for individuals and businesses alike.

At its core, Amazon S3 is an object storage system. This means that data is stored as objects, rather than in a traditional file hierarchy. Objects can be of any size, from a few bytes to terabytes, and are stored in containers called buckets. Users can create, manage, and delete buckets through the AWS Management Console or with the AWS SDKs.

Oh riiiiight …What are SDKs? 😊

SDK stands for Software Development Kit. It is a collection of software development tools that allow developers to create applications for a specific software package, hardware platform, operating system, or programming language. SDKs usually include libraries, APIs, documentation, and other utilities that help developers to build software applications that integrate with existing systems or platforms.

Now Back to S3…..

One of the key benefits of S3 is its scalability. It can handle an infinite amount of data and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. This is achieved through a distributed architecture, where data is stored across multiple servers and locations. This also means that data is highly available and durable, with multiple levels of redundancy and built-in error correction.

Amazon S3 also offers a range of features for managing data. Users can set up access controls, encryption, and versioning to ensure that their data is secure and accessible only to authorized users. They can also use lifecycle policies to automatically move data to lower-cost storage tiers or delete it after a certain period of time.

Under the hood, S3 uses a combination of technologies to provide its high performance and scalability. It uses a distributed system architecture, with data stored across multiple servers and locations. It also uses a highly optimized network stack, with low-latency connections to AWS services and the internet.

In addition, S3 uses advanced algorithms and caching techniques to optimize data retrieval. For example, it uses parallel processing to retrieve multiple objects at once, and it caches frequently accessed data for faster retrieval times.

Overall, Amazon S3 is a powerful and flexible storage solution that offers a range of features for managing and securing data. It is a popular choice for businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises, and is used for a wide range of applications, from backup and archiving to content delivery and data analytics.

Do you use S3? Comment & Let me know how – it’s free!