Tag: #encoding

101, Bandwidth, Mentoring, publishing, Streaming, Technology

Crucial Keys: Live-stream Encoding & CDNs

Encoding 101:

The encoding process is a crucial step in live streaming, as it allows the video and audio content to be transmitted over the internet. Encoding is the process of converting the raw analog audio and video signals into digital format that can be transmitted over the internet. This process compresses the data to minimize the amount of bandwidth required to transmit the content.

There are two types of codecs used in the encoding process: lossy and lossless codecs. Lossy codecs are used to compress the data by removing unnecessary information that the human eye and ear cannot detect. This type of compression results in a smaller file size, but it also means that some of the original data is lost. Lossless codecs, on the other hand, compress the data without losing any information, resulting in a larger file size.

The encoding process begins with the video and audio signals being captured by the camera and microphone. The signals are then digitized and compressed using a codec. The codec analyzes the data and determines which parts can be safely removed without affecting the quality of the content.

There are several popular codecs used in live streaming, including H.264, VP8, and VP9. H.264 is the most widely used codec and is supported by most streaming platforms. It offers high-quality compression with low latency, making it ideal for live streaming. VP8 and VP9 are open-source codecs developed by Google and offer similar compression quality to H.264, but with the added benefit of being royalty-free.

Once the content has been encoded, it’s ready to be transmitted over the internet. The encoded data is broken up into small packets, which are transmitted over the internet to the streaming platform. The platform then uses a content delivery network (CDN) to distribute the content to viewers around the world.

The encoding process is a crucial step in live streaming, as it allows the video and audio content to be transmitted over the internet. The process involves compressing the data using a codec, which removes unnecessary information to minimize the amount of bandwidth required to transmit the content. Once the content has been encoded, it’s broken up into small packets and transmitted over the internet to the streaming platform, which uses a CDN to distribute the content to viewers.

CDNs 101:

A content delivery network (CDN) is a group of servers located in various geographic locations that work together to deliver content to viewers around the world. CDNs are used in live streaming to distribute the content efficiently and reduce the load on the streaming platform’s servers. In this article, we’ll explain how CDNs work and offer tips on how to choose the right one for your needs.

CDNs work by caching the content on servers located in different regions around the world. When a viewer requests the content, the CDN responds with the server that’s closest to the viewer, reducing the amount of time it takes for the content to load. This helps to improve the viewing experience and reduce buffering.

When choosing a CDN for your live stream, there are several factors to consider:

  1. Geographic Coverage: Choose a CDN that has servers located in the regions where your viewers are located. This will help to ensure that the content is delivered quickly and with minimal latency.
  2. Scalability: Make sure that the CDN can scale to handle the number of viewers you expect to have. Look for a CDN that offers flexible pricing plans that can adjust based on your usage.
  3. Reliability: Choose a CDN with a strong track record of reliability and uptime. Look for a CDN with multiple redundant servers and network connections to minimize the risk of downtime.
  4. Security: Make sure that the CDN has strong security measures in place to protect your content from unauthorized access and piracy.
  5. Cost: Consider the cost of the CDN when choosing a provider. Look for a provider that offers transparent pricing and no hidden fees.

Some popular CDNs used in live streaming include Akamai, Cloudflare, and Amazon CloudFront. Each of these CDNs offers different features and pricing plans, so it’s important to do your research and choose the one that’s right for your needs.

A CDN is a crucial part of any live streaming setup, as it helps to distribute the content efficiently and reduce the load on the streaming platform’s servers. When choosing a CDN, consider factors like geographic coverage, scalability, reliability, security, and cost. Look for a provider with a strong track record of performance and uptime, and choose a plan that’s flexible and transparent. With the right CDN, you can deliver high-quality content to viewers around the world and provide a seamless viewing experience.

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.

#cloud, 101, AI, Bandwidth, Best Practices, Cloud Editing, Cloud Providers, Collaboration, Content Delivery Networks, Digital Platforms, Mentoring, Project & Production Management, publishing, Streaming, Technology, Training

Overview: 30 Cloud Security Companies

Cloud security is a hot topic as streaming, processing, editing in the cloud is growing at a brakefast speed, not to leave out AI learning for meta data, closed captioning, transcribing, and DAI (Dynamic Ad Insertion). Keeping information secure is essential.

Below are 30 cloud security companies and the specific services they provide:

1. Microsoft Azure: Provides cloud security services such as identity and access management, threat protection, and security management.

2. Amazon Web Services (AWS): Offers security services such as identity and access management, data protection, network security, and compliance.

3. Google Cloud Platform (GCP): Provides security services such as identity and access management, data encryption, and threat detection.

4. Palo Alto Networks: Offers cloud security services such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, and threat intelligence.

5. Symantec: Provides cloud security services such as data protection, threat detection, and compliance.

6. IBM Cloud: Offers security services such as access management, data protection, and threat intelligence.

7. Cisco Cloud Security: Provides cloud security services such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, and threat intelligence.

8. McAfee: Offers cloud security services such as data protection, threat detection, and compliance.

9. CrowdStrike: Provides cloud security services such as endpoint protection, threat detection, and incident response.

10. Akamai Technologies: Offers cloud security services such as web application firewall, bot management, and DDoS protection.

11. Fortinet: Provides cloud security services such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, and threat intelligence.

12. Check Point Software: Offers cloud security services such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, and threat intelligence.

13. Trend Micro: Provides cloud security services such as data protection, threat detection, and compliance.

14. F5 Networks: Offers cloud security services such as web application firewall, bot management, and DDoS protection.

15. Zscaler: Provides cloud security services such as web security, DNS security, and cloud firewall.

16. Cloudflare: Offers cloud security services such as DDoS protection, web application firewall, and bot management.

17. Sophos: Provides cloud security services such as endpoint protection, email security, and web security.

18. Rapid7: Offers cloud security services such as vulnerability management, threat detection, and incident response.

19. Tenable: Provides cloud security services such as vulnerability management, threat detection, and compliance.

20. Alert Logic: Offers cloud security services such as intrusion detection and prevention, log management, and compliance.

21. Qualys: Provides cloud security services such as vulnerability management, threat detection, and compliance.

22. Carbon Black: Offers cloud security services such as endpoint protection, threat detection, and incident response.

23. Netskope: Provides cloud security services such as data loss prevention, web security, and cloud access security broker.

24. Bitdefender: Offers cloud security services such as endpoint protection, email security, and cloud security.

25. Barracuda Networks: Provides cloud security services such as email security, web security, and cloud security.

26. CipherCloud: Offers cloud security services such as data protection, threat detection, and compliance.

27. FireEye: Provides cloud security services such as threat intelligence, incident response, and forensics.

28. Imperva: Offers cloud security services such as web application firewall, bot management, and DDoS protection.

29. Qualys: Provides cloud security services such as vulnerability management, threat detection, and compliance.

30. Skyhigh Networks: Offers cloud security services such as cloud access security broker, data protection, and threat detection.

Overall, these cloud security companies provide a range of cloud security services, including identity and access management, data protection, threat detection, and compliance.

Agile, AI, Best Practices, Career, Collaboration, Content Delivery Networks, Digital Platforms, Employment, events, gaming, Golf, Mentoring, Moving Forward, Project & Production Management, publishing, Quality Control, Safety, Smartsheets, Sports, Success, Teamwork, Technology

Production Tips: Flawless Live Television Events

Every live televised event has its challenges. Whether you’re producing sports, news, gaming events, each has different, and similar demands. If you keep the following in mind during the pre through post process, it can be a flaw-free event and a fantastic experience for not only the audience, but your crew and stakeholders.

1. Plan ahead and create a comprehensive rundown of the event: This means taking the time to plan out every aspect of the event, from the content to the technical requirements. Creating a comprehensive rundown of the event helps ensure that everything is accounted for and that everyone is on the same page.

2. Hire experienced professionals for the technical crew and production team: Hiring experienced professionals ensures that the technical and production aspects of the event are handled by people who know what they’re doing. This helps reduce the likelihood of technical issues and ensures a high-quality production.

3. Select the right equipment and cameras for the event: The right equipment and cameras can make a big difference in the quality of the production. Make sure to select equipment that is appropriate for the size and scope of the event.

4. Conduct a site survey to ensure proper lighting and sound: A site survey helps identify any potential issues with lighting and sound, and allows you to make adjustments before the event.

5. Prepare contingency plans for possible technical issues or emergencies: No matter how well you plan, technical issues and emergencies can still arise. It’s important to have contingency plans in place to ensure that the event can continue even if something goes wrong.

6. Rehearse the event with the crew and talent: Rehearsing the event helps ensure that everyone knows their roles and responsibilities, and that the event runs smoothly.

7. Assign clear roles and responsibilities to the crew and talent: Clear roles and responsibilities help ensure that everyone knows what they’re supposed to be doing, which helps reduce confusion and mistakes.

8. Use a production script to ensure smooth transitions and timing: A production script helps ensure that the event runs smoothly and that everything is timed properly.

9. Have backup equipment on hand: Backup equipment helps ensure that the event can continue even if something goes wrong with the primary equipment.

10. Use a dedicated communication system for the crew: A dedicated communication system helps ensure that everyone can communicate with each other quickly and easily.

11. Use multiple camera angles to capture different perspectives: Multiple camera angles help provide a more dynamic viewing experience and allow the production team to capture different perspectives.

12. Use graphics and lower-thirds to provide context and information: Graphics and lower-thirds can help provide context and information to the audience, which can enhance their understanding and enjoyment of the event.

13. Use music and sound effects to enhance the viewing experience: Music and sound effects can help enhance the viewing experience and make the event more engaging and entertaining.

14. Use pre-produced video packages to break up the live content: Pre-produced video packages can help break up the live content and provide variety for the audience.

15. Use a teleprompter for on-air talent: A teleprompter can help on-air talent stay on script and deliver their lines smoothly.

16. Use a countdown clock to keep track of timing: A countdown clock helps ensure that the event stays on schedule and that everything is timed properly.

17. Use social media to engage with the audience and promote the event: Social media can help you engage with the audience, promote the event, and provide updates before, during, and after the event.

18. Use a delay system to allow for editing or censoring if necessary: A delay system can help you edit or censor content if necessary, which can be useful in live events where unexpected things can happen.

19. Use a live streaming service to reach a wider audience: Live streaming services can help you reach a wider audience, particularly those who are unable to attend the event in person.

20. Use closed captioning for accessibility: Closed captioning helps make the event accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

21. Use a green screen for virtual backgrounds or augmented reality: A green screen can be used to create virtual backgrounds or augmented reality, which can enhance the viewing experience and make the event more engaging.

22. Use a wireless microphone system for mobility: A wireless microphone system can help on-air talent move around freely, which can make the event more dynamic and engaging.

23. Use a control room to monitor and manage the production: A control room allows the production team to monitor and manage the event in real-time, which can help ensure that everything runs smoothly.

24. Use audience feedback to improve future events: Audience feedback can help you identify areas for improvement and make future events even better.

25. Have fun and enjoy the process!: Producing a live televised event can be stressful, but it’s important to remember to have fun and enjoy the process!

AI, Best Practices, Career, Digital Platforms, Employment, Mentoring, Project & Production Management, Quality Control, Teamwork, Technology

Broadcasting Tips: QC’ing and Transcoding files

In media production, building QC (quality check) and transcode files for use in manual and automated workflows typically involves the following steps:

1. Determine the specifications: Identify the technical requirements for the media file based on the delivery platform or distribution channels. This includes file format, resolution, aspect ratio, bit rate, frame rate, audio format, and other technical parameters.

2. Encode or transcode: Once the file specifications are defined, use a transcoding software to encode or transcode the media file to the desired specifications. This process converts the file from its original format to the required delivery format. Ensure the output quality is up to the expected standards.

• Note: Encoding and transcoding are both processes of converting digital media files from one format to another. However, there is a distinction between these two processes that is important to understand.

Encoding refers to the process of compressing digital media files into a specific format to reduce file size while retaining as much quality as possible. This compression can be lossless or lossy, depending on the encoding method used.

Transcoding, on the other hand, involves taking an already compressed media file and re-compressing it into a different format or bitrate. This can involve changing the media file’s resolution, aspect ratio, frame rate or other technical parameters.

While both encoding and transcoding can be used to reduce file sizes, encoding typically involves compressing high-quality files for use in delivery platforms while transcoding focuses more on adapting existing media files to suit a variety of distribution and delivery platforms.

The main difference lies in the fact that encoding is the process of compressing an un-compressed file for storage or streaming purposes, while transcoding is the process of converting an already compressed file into a different format, resolution, and/or bit rate.

3. QC check: Once the file is transcoded, it must be tested to ensure it meets technical specifications and quality levels. This can be done manually or through an automated quality control system that checks for technical issues such as pixelation, color accuracy, brightness, and resolution.

To specifically test QC’d video and ensure it meets technical specifications and quality levels, you can follow these steps:

• Check the video resolution: Ensure the video resolution matches the intended output specifications. For instance, if the video is meant for a 1080p output, verify that the resolution is 1920×1080.

• Verify aspect ratio: Verify if the aspect ratio of the video is correct. This can typically be set to 16:9 or 4:3.

• Check bit rate: Verify that the video’s bit rate meets specified requirements. This will affect the video quality, and too high or too low bit rates can result in poor quality.

• Test audio quality: Check audio levels, clarity, and timing. Ensure audio levels don’t clip or distort, and that the audio is synced correctly to the video.

• Check color and exposure: Verify the color accuracy and exposure levels of the video. Ensure that the colors are not too saturated or de-saturated and that the exposure levels are not too bright or too dark.

• Run tests for technical issues: Quality control software can automate this step by running a series of automated tests to check for technical issues. Some common issues software can detect include pixelation, interlacing, dropouts, and compression errors.

Here are ten series of automated tests that are commonly used to check for technical issues in the broadcast media industry’s QC process:

– Video signal analysis: This involves analyzing the video signal to detect issues such as missing or duplicate frames, video compression artifacts, and signal dropout.

– Audio level analysis: This involves analyzing the audio levels to verify that they are within acceptable levels and that there are no audio dropouts.

– Lip sync analysis: This test checks that the audio and video are in sync with each other, with no noticeable delays or desyncs.

– Closed captioning analysis: This involves analyzing the closed caption data to ensure that they are synced correctly with the audio and video.

– Loudness compliance analysis: This test ensures that audio levels comply with relevant loudness guidelines, such as CALM Act.

– Video quality metrics: This measures various video quality metrics, such as Peak Signal-to-Noise ratio (PSNR), Structural Similarity (SSIM) and Mean Opinion Scores (MOS), to ensure that the video is of high quality.

– Aspect ratio and resolution compliance: This test ensures that the video’s aspect ratio and resolution comply with relevant specifications.

– Subtitle and caption compliance: This verifies that subtitles and captions adhere to standards and are free from errors.

– Compression analysis: This test checks that the video encoding and compression have been applied correctly, and verifies that bitrates aren’t too high or low.

– Color and gamma analysis: This test verifies correct color space and level and image brightness or dark values through gamma analysis. 

These automated tests help ensure that broadcast media content is delivered to its intended specifications, and adheres to industry standards for technical quality.

– Check for legal compliance: Verify that the video does not contain any copyright infringements or other legal compliance issues.

4. Review and revise: Once QC checks are complete, review the results and revise any errors or issues that were found. This can involve making additional cuts, color correction, or other adjustments.

5. File-naming convention and metadata: Consistent file naming convention and metadata is essential to ensure the media assets are managed and distributed optimally. Using a bespoke asset management system or media production software that tag and track the files and the corresponding metadata allows for efficient and accurate searching and retrieval for the use of the assets in future projects.

By following these steps, media producers can ensure that their assets are optimized for different platforms and workflows while also making sure that the files meet the required technical standards for delivery.