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!

Streaming Strategies: 30 Popular Broadcasters -Who Do You Use?

There are several considerations that companies keep in mind when developing streaming strategies.

Some key factors:

•Content: The availability and quality of content is a critical factor in attracting and retaining subscribers. Companies must consider what type of content to offer, including original programming, movies, TV shows, and live events.

•Pricing: Companies must carefully consider their pricing strategy to remain competitive and attract subscribers. They may offer different subscription tiers with varying features and pricing options.

•Distribution: Companies must consider how to distribute their content, whether through their own website or app, through third-party platforms, or through partnerships with other companies.

•User Experience: The user experience is critical in retaining subscribers. Companies must ensure that their streaming service is easy to use, reliable, and offers high-quality video and audio.

•Marketing: Companies must develop effective marketing strategies to promote their streaming service and attract new subscribers. This may include social media advertising, influencer partnerships, or other tactics.

•Technology: Companies must consider the technology required to deliver their streaming service, including video encoding, content delivery networks, and other infrastructure.

•Competition: Companies must keep an eye on the competition and adapt their strategies accordingly. They may need to adjust their pricing, content, or marketing strategies to remain competitive in the market.

30 “Streamers”, and Their Strategies:

1. Netflix – Subscription-based streaming of movies and TV shows

2. Hulu – Subscription-based streaming of TV shows and movies, with live TV options

3. Amazon Prime Video – Subscription-based streaming of movies and TV shows, with additional perks for Amazon Prime members

4. Disney+ – Subscription-based streaming of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars content

5. HBO Max – Subscription-based streaming of HBO and other content, including original programming

6. Apple TV+ – Subscription-based streaming of original programming and movies

7. YouTube TV – Subscription-based streaming of live TV channels

8. Sling TV – Subscription-based streaming of live TV channels

9. FuboTV – Subscription-based streaming of live TV channels, with a focus on sports

10. ESPN+ – Subscription-based streaming of sports events and original programming

11. CBS All Access – Subscription-based streaming of CBS content, including live TV options

12. NBC Universal Peacock – Subscription-based streaming of NBC and Universal content, including live TV options

13. Showtime – Subscription-based streaming of Showtime content, including original programming

14. Starz – Subscription-based streaming of Starz content, including original programming

15. Crunchyroll – Subscription-based streaming of anime and manga

16. Funimation – Subscription-based streaming of anime and manga

17. VRV – Subscription-based streaming of anime, gaming, and other pop culture content

18. Twitch – Free streaming of live gaming and other content, with subscription options for additional perks

19. Mixer – Free streaming of live gaming and other content, with subscription options for additional perks

20. Facebook Watch – Free streaming of original programming and other content

21. Instagram Live – Free streaming of live events and other content

22. Twitter Live – Free streaming of live events and other content

23. Periscope – Free streaming of live events and other content

24. Vimeo – Subscription-based streaming of original programming and other content

25. Dailymotion – Free streaming of user-generated and original programming

26. Kanopy – Free streaming of movies and TV shows, with access through public libraries and universities

27. Crave – Subscription-based streaming of movies and TV shows in Canada

28. BBC iPlayer – Free streaming of BBC content in the UK

29. ITV Hub – Free streaming of ITV content in the UK

30. Sky Go – Subscription-based streaming of Sky content in the UK

These companies are major players in the streaming industry(this is not an exhaustive list), each with their own unique strategies and considerations. They offer a range of content, from movies and TV shows to live events and original programming, and use different pricing models and distribution methods to attract and retain subscribers. User experience, marketing, technology, and competition are all key factors that they must consider when developing their streaming strategies. As the streaming market continues to grow, these companies will need to remain agile and adapt their strategies to remain competitive and meet the changing needs of their audiences.