Tag: 101

101, Content Delivery Networks, Mentoring, Streaming, Technology

What Is The Difference Between CDN & P2P Streaming?

When it comes to streaming media content, there are two main methods that are commonly used – content delivery networks (CDN) and peer-to-peer (P2P) streaming. While both methods have the same end goal of delivering content to the viewer, they differ significantly in terms of how they operate. In this post, we will explore the differences between CDN and P2P streaming.

First, let’s start with an overview of CDN. A CDN is a network of servers that are distributed across the globe, with the purpose of delivering content to users in the most efficient way possible. When a user requests content, the CDN server closest to the user’s location will deliver the content, which ensures faster load times and improved user experience. CDN can handle large volumes of users without any loss of quality, making it ideal for live streaming events and popular video on demand (VOD) content.

On the other hand, P2P streaming operates on a different model. Rather than relying on a centralized server, P2P streaming leverages the collective resources of viewers to distribute content. In this model, viewers who are watching the content simultaneously become part of the distribution network. As they watch, they also upload parts of the content to other viewers, making the content available to stream without the need for a centralized server.

One of the key benefits of P2P streaming is that it can handle large volumes of users without the need for expensive server infrastructure. This makes it ideal for smaller content creators and platforms with limited resources. Additionally, P2P streaming can be more resilient to traffic spikes and network disruptions, as the content is distributed across a large number of viewers.

However, P2P streaming also has some downsides. For instance, it can suffer from latency issues, as the content is distributed across multiple viewers, rather than being served directly from a centralized server. Additionally, P2P streaming can be more difficult to manage and monitor than traditional CDN streaming, as content is distributed across multiple sources.

Both CDN and P2P streaming have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. CDN is ideal for large-scale streaming events and popular VOD content, while P2P streaming is better suited for smaller content creators and platforms with limited resources. Ultimately, the choice between CDN and P2P streaming will depend on the specific needs of the content creator or platform.

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, 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, Collaboration, Content Delivery Networks, Digital Platforms, Learning, Mentoring, Technology, Training

Short Tutorial: UNC Paths in Broadcasting & Digital Streaming

Who May Need Them in Broadcasting & Digital Streaming?

UNC paths are commonly used in broadcasting to facilitate the transfer of large video or audio files between production facilities. This is because broadcasting often involves collaboration between multiple teams and locations, and UNC paths provide a standardized method of accessing shared resources on a network.

In broadcasting, UNC paths may be created by various professionals, including video editors, audio engineers, and IT staff. For example, a video editor may use a UNC path to access a shared folder containing footage that another editor has uploaded from a remote location. Meanwhile, an IT staff member may use a UNC path to connect broadcasting equipment to a shared storage device or backup system.

Overall, UNC paths are an essential tool for broadcasting professionals who need to collaborate on media production across a network.

What’s An UNC Path?

Creating an UNC (Universal Naming Convention) path is a method of identifying a network resource, such as a shared folder or printer, on a computer network. It uses a format that starts with two backslashes followed by the name of the computer and the name of the shared resource.

For Example:

For example, if a computer named “FILESERVER01” has a shared folder named “SharedDocs”, the UNC path to access it would be: \\FILESERVER01\SharedDocs

UNC paths are used when accessing network resources across different operating systems, such as Windows and Linux. They are also used in web addresses to access shared resources using a web browser. 

How-To Create One:

You can input a UNC path in various ways depending on the task you are trying to accomplish. Here are a few examples:

1. To access a shared folder on a network: Open File Explorer and type or paste the UNC path in the address bar at the top of the window. Press Enter to access the shared folder.

2. To map a network drive: Open File Explorer and click on “Map network drive” in the ribbon at the top of the window. In the “Drive” drop-down menu, choose a drive letter to assign to the mapped drive. In the “Folder” field, enter the UNC path of the shared folder you want to map. Click “Finish” to create the mapped network drive.

3. To reference a file in a UNC path in a script or program: Use the UNC path as you would any other file path, but include the double backslash at the beginning. For example, to reference a file named “Data.txt” in a shared folder named “Data” on a computer named “Server1”, the UNC path would be: \\Server1\Data\Data.txt

It’s important to note that UNC paths require proper permissions and authentication to access the shared resources.

Why You Need Them

UNC paths are necessary because they provide a standardized and consistent way of identifying and accessing network resources on a computer network. They allow users to access shared resources from any computer on the network, regardless of the computer’s operating system or location.

Without UNC paths, users would have to manually navigate to the network resource by IP address or hard-coded network path, which can be difficult and error-prone. UNC paths simplify the process by providing a unified naming convention that is easy to remember and use. They also provide security features that limit access to shared resources, ensuring that unauthorized users cannot access sensitive information.

How Do You Use Them? Please Comment.

101, Agile, Best Practices, Career, Digital Platforms, Employment, Mentoring, Technology

Broadcast Streaming Technology 101: The Basics

Broadcast streaming technology has revolutionized the way we consume media content. It has made it possible to distribute audio and video content to a large audience across the globe in real-time. In this blog, we’ll explore the basics of broadcast streaming technology and how it works.

Broadcast streaming technology is a way of transmitting audio or video content over the internet in real-time. It allows users to access live content from anywhere in the world, using a variety of devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs. In essence, broadcast streaming technology makes it possible to deliver live content to a global audience with minimal latency.

To understand how broadcast streaming technology works, we must first understand the difference between streaming and downloading. When we download a file, we save it to our local device and can access it at any time, even without an internet connection. On the other hand, when we stream content, we access it in real-time, typically through a browser or app, without downloading it to our device.

One of the broadcast streaming technologies uses a protocol called Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) to transmit live content from the source to the end-user. The RTMP protocol is a low-latency protocol, which means that it minimizes the delay between the time the content is broadcast and the time it reaches the end-user.

To broadcast content using RTMP, a video encoder is used to capture the audio and video content and convert it into a digital format. The encoded content is then sent to a streaming server, where it is stored and distributed to the end-users.

One of the key benefits of broadcast streaming technology is its ability to scale. Streaming servers can handle large amounts of traffic and distribute content to a large number of users in real-time. This makes it possible to broadcast live events, such as sports matches, concerts, and conferences, to a global audience.

Another benefit of broadcast streaming technology is its ability to personalize content. Streaming technology allows for targeted advertising, which means that advertisers can deliver ads to specific audiences based on their interests and demographics. This makes advertising more effective and helps content creators monetize their content.

In recent years, broadcast streaming technology has become more accessible to content creators and businesses of all sizes. Many streaming platforms, such as YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and Twitch, offer free or low-cost streaming services that allow users to broadcast live content to their audiences. This has made it easier for small businesses, influencers, and content creators to reach a global audience.

In conclusion, broadcast streaming technology has transformed the way we consume media content. It has made it possible to broadcast live content to a global audience in real-time, making it easier for businesses and content creators to reach their target audience. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect broadcast streaming technology to become even more accessible and user-friendly, allowing for more personalized and engaging content experiences.