Tag: Mentoring

101, Career, Employment, Life Choices, Mentoring, Moving Forward, Success

The “Why Not Attitude” Part 2

Are you struggling to balance your career and personal life? You’re not alone. The traditional methods of climbing the corporate ladder may not work for most, leaving them (you) feeling burned out and unfulfilled. But there’s a new philosophy that can help – the “Why not?” mindset.

The “Why not?” philosophy is about being open to new ideas and experiences without immediately dismissing them. It’s about approaching opportunities with curiosity and a willingness to take risks. By embracing challenges and uncertainty, you can discover new possibilities and grow as an individual. But it’s not about blindly embracing every opportunity – it’s about making informed decisions based on your values and goals.

If you’re ready to embrace the “Why not?” philosophy, here are 9 tips for success:

1. Prioritize self-care: Taking care of yourself is essential to success. When you prioritize self-care, you are able to perform at your best and avoid burnout. Self-care can include anything from exercising regularly, eating well, getting enough sleep, and taking breaks when you need them.

2. Have SMART goals for your career: SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. When you have SMART goals, you have a clear plan of what you want to achieve and how to get there. This helps you stay focused and motivated.

3. Learn to delegate: Delegating tasks to others allows you to focus on what you do best and frees up time for other important tasks. It also helps build trust and respect among your team.

4. Build a support system: Having a support system can help you navigate challenges and provide motivation when you need it most. This can include friends, family, mentors, or colleagues.

5. Practice time management: Time management is key to success. You can prioritize your tasks, set deadlines, and plan your schedule to make the most of your time.

6. Use technology to your advantage: Technology can help you streamline tasks, communicate more efficiently, and work more effectively. From project management tools to social media, technology can be a valuable asset.

7. Seek flexibility: Flexibility allows you to adapt to changing circumstances and take advantage of unexpected opportunities. Being open to new ideas and ways of doing things can help you stay ahead of the curve.

8. Take breaks: Taking breaks is essential to avoid burnout and maintain focus. Whether it’s a short walk outside or a vacation, taking time away from work can help you recharge and come back stronger.

9. Develop a “Why not?” attitude: A “Why not?” attitude means being open to new ideas and taking risks. It means not being afraid to fail or try something new. A “Why not?” attitude can help you overcome barriers and achieve your goals.

By following these tips, you can create the boundaries necessary for success and achieve freedom and fulfillment in both your professional and personal life. So why not give it a try? Join me with like-minded people and start thriving today.

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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!

Career, Collaboration, Employment, Life Choices, Training

Job Seeking in Broadcasting (this really applies to many industries)

Are you tired of seeing job postings that seem impossible to qualify for? You’re not alone. As someone who receives countless requests for help to break into the broadcasting industry, I’ve seen my fair share of job descriptions that require years of experience or advanced degrees for entry-level positions.

It’s frustrating and it doesn’t make sense. Entry-level should mean just that – a starting point for someone who is just beginning their career. These positions should be filled with individuals who are eager to learn and grow within the company. Instead, companies are expecting candidates to have years and years of experience for positions that are supposed to provide a pathway to success.

This is particularly problematic in the broadcasting industry, where there is a severe lack of crew around the world. The industry simply cannot afford to turn away talented individuals who are just starting out because they don’t have the years of experience that some job postings require. We need to be nurturing new talent, not pushing them away.

Of course, experience is important, and it’s understandable that companies want to hire individuals who have some level of expertise. But there has to be a balance. Entry-level positions should not require multiple years of experience or a master’s degree. That’s not reasonable or realistic.

Instead, we need to start thinking about entry-level positions as an opportunity to train and mentor new talent. Companies should be providing on-the-job training and investing in their employees’ professional development. This not only benefits the company, but it also benefits the industry as a whole by creating a pipeline of talented individuals who can take on more advanced roles in the future.

So, if you’re someone who is just starting out in their career and feeling discouraged by the unrealistic job postings out there, know that you’re not alone. It’s time for companies to rethink their approach to entry-level positions and start investing in the next generation of talent. And if you’re a company looking for new talent, consider taking a chance on someone who may not have years of experience, but who is eager to learn and grow with your organization. You might just be surprised at the results.

Now that we’ve identified the problem of unrealistic job postings and the need to invest in new talent, let’s take a look at some potential solutions.

1. Redefine entry-level positions: Companies need to redefine entry-level positions to better reflect what they actually are – starting points for people who are just beginning their careers. This means dropping unrealistic experience and education requirements and focusing on a candidate’s potential and willingness to learn.

2. Offer training and mentorship: Companies need to invest in their employees by offering on-the-job training and mentorship programs. This will not only help new hires develop their skills, but it will also create a supportive work environment that encourages growth and development.

3. Partner with educational institutions: Companies can partner with educational institutions to create pipelines of new talent. This can include internships, co-op programs, or apprenticeships that provide students with hands-on experience and a pathway to a career in the broadcasting industry.

4. Focus on diversity and inclusion: Companies need to focus on diversity and inclusion by actively seeking out and hiring candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. This will not only bring new perspectives and ideas to the table, but it will also help address the systemic issues that have led to a lack of diversity in the broadcasting industry.

5. Create entry-level job boards: Finally, companies can create entry-level job boards that are specifically designed for individuals who are just starting out in their careers. These job boards can help job seekers find opportunities that are more realistic and attainable, while also helping companies find new talent.

By implementing these solutions, companies can start to address the issue of unrealistic job postings and invest in the next generation of talent. This will not only benefit companies by creating a pipeline of skilled workers, but it will also benefit the broadcasting industry as a whole by creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

But wait there’s more! What can the job seeker do?

While companies have a responsibility to provide entry-level opportunities and invest in new talent, job seekers also have a role to play in their own career development. Here are some things that job seekers can do to enhance their skills and gain experience:

1. Attend local events: Job seekers can attend local events, such as industry conferences, workshops, and networking events, to meet professionals in the broadcasting industry and learn about new trends and technologies. This can also be an opportunity to ask questions and get advice from people who are already working in the industry.

2. Pursue internships or apprenticeships: Job seekers can pursue internships or apprenticeships to gain hands-on experience in the broadcasting industry. These programs provide opportunities to work alongside professionals and learn from their experiences.

3. Build a portfolio: Job seekers can build a portfolio of their work to showcase their skills and experience to potential employers. This can include samples of their writing, photography or videography work, or other projects that demonstrate their abilities.

4. Invest in their own education: Job seekers can invest in their own education by taking courses or pursuing certifications in areas related to broadcasting, such as journalism, media studies, or video production. This shows a commitment to their field and demonstrates a willingness to learn and develop new skills.

5. Seek out mentors: Job seekers can seek out mentors in the broadcasting industry who can provide guidance and advice on their career development. This can be a valuable resource for job seekers who are just starting out and looking for direction.

Ultimately, job seekers need to take an active role in their own career development. By seeking out opportunities for on-the-job training, attending local events, building a portfolio, investing in their education, and seeking out mentors, job seekers can enhance their skills and gain experience that can help them land their first job in the broadcasting industry.

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.

AI, Collaboration, events, gaming, Mentoring, Sports, Teamwork

From the Sidelines to the Big Screen: How Venues are Using Projection Technology to Enhance Sports Events

Venues use projection technology to elevate the game-day experiences in several ways, including:

  • Projection Mapping: Is used to create immersive experiences for fans. Projection mapping involves projecting images and videos onto surfaces such as walls, floors, or ceilings to create the illusion of movement or depth. This technology can be used to create dynamic displays during pre-game introductions, halftime shows, or other events.
  • Digital Signage: Venues can use digital signage to display scores, stats, and other information to fans. Digital signage allows venues to update information in real-time and can be customized to display different types of content depending on the event. This technology can also be used to display advertisements or promotions to fans.
  • Interactive Displays: Venues can use interactive displays to engage fans and provide them with a more immersive experience. Interactive displays can include touchscreens, virtual reality experiences, and augmented reality experiences. These displays can be used to provide fans with information about the game, players, or venue, or they can be used to create interactive games or challenges for fans to participate in.
  • Light Shows: Venues can use projection technology to create dynamic light shows during pre-game introductions or halftime shows. This technology can be used to project images and videos onto the playing surface, creating a visually stunning display for fans.

Some other ways that venues use projection technology to elevate the game-day experience include:

  • Customizable lighting effects that change based on the game’s progress or score
  • 3D projection mapping to create a fully immersive experience
  • Interactive floor projections that respond to fans’ movements
  • Live streaming of the game on large screens
  • Use of holographic technology to bring players or mascots to life
  • Digital overlays on the playing surface to create interactive games or challenges
  • Use of LED lighting for dynamic and colorful displays
  • Real-time social media feeds displayed on screens throughout the venue
  • Use of augmented reality technology to provide fans with additional information or experiences
  • Projection of “fan cams” to engage the crowd and create a more interactive experience
  • Use of projection technology to create realistic simulations of the game or venue
  • Use of projection technology to create stunning visual effects during pre-game introductions or halftime shows
  • Projection of sponsor logos or advertisements in creative ways
  • Use of projection technology to create interactive photo booths or selfie stations for fans
  • Use of projection technology to create unique and immersive soundscapes
  • Projection of interactive games or challenges onto the walls or ceilings of the venue
  • Use of projection technology to create dynamic and engaging pre-game videos or introductions
  • Use of projection technology to create custom animations or graphics for the venue or team
  • Integration of projection technology with live music performances or concerts
  • Use of projection technology to create virtual experiences for fans who can’t attend the game in person.

Overall, the use of projection technology in venues can enhance the game-day experience for fans, providing them with new and exciting ways to engage with the game and the venue. With the continued development of projection technology, the possibilities for creating unique and immersive experiences for fans are endless.

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!