Tag: #transcoding

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.

Bandwidth, Best Practices, Career, Digital Platforms, Mentoring, Technology

Video Streaming Protocols: RTMP, RTSP, SRT, & NDI: How They are Consumed

RTMP, RTSP, SRT, and NDI are all different protocols used for streaming audio and video content over the internet. Each protocol has its own unique features and advantages. In this response, we’ll explore what each protocol is, how it works, and how it’s consumed.

RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol) is a proprietary protocol developed by Adobe. It’s commonly used for streaming video content on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. To use RTMP, you need a video encoder, which captures the audio and video content and compresses it into a digital format. The encoded content is then sent to a streaming server, which distributes the content to the end-users. RTMP has been widely used in the past, but it’s gradually being replaced by more modern protocols like SRT and NDI.

RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) is an open-source protocol used for streaming audio and video content. It’s commonly used for security cameras and other surveillance systems. To use RTSP, you need an RTSP server, which stores the audio and video content and distributes it to the end-users. RTSP is widely used in the security industry because it supports real-time streaming and is compatible with a wide range of devices.

SRT (Secure Reliable Transport) is an open-source protocol that was designed to address some of the issues with RTMP. SRT is a low-latency protocol that’s optimized for live streaming. It’s designed to work over unreliable networks, which means that it can deliver high-quality audio and video content even in poor network conditions. To use SRT, you need an SRT encoder, which compresses the audio and video content and sends it to an SRT receiver, which decodes the content and distributes it to the end-users.

NDI (Network Device Interface) is a proprietary protocol developed by NewTek. It’s commonly used for streaming video content in the professional production industry. NDI allows you to add multiple video sources to a single network and stream them to multiple devices. To use NDI, you need an NDI-enabled device, such as a camera or a video encoder. The NDI-enabled device sends the audio and video content to an NDI receiver, which decodes the content and distributes it to the end-users.

In terms of consumption, each protocol can be consumed using a variety of devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs. To consume RTMP content, you’ll need a media player that supports the protocol, such as Adobe Flash Player or VLC Media Player. To consume RTSP content, you’ll need an RTSP client, such as IP Camera Viewer or VLC Media Player. To consume SRT content, you’ll need an SRT player, such as Haivision Play or VLC Media Player. To consume NDI content, you’ll need an NDI-enabled device, such as an NDI-enabled camera or an NDI-enabled video encoder.

In conclusion, RTMP, RTSP, SRT, and NDI are all different protocols used for streaming audio and video content over the internet. Each protocol has its own unique features and advantages. The choice of protocol depends on the specific needs of the user, such as the type of content being streamed and the quality of the network connection.

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.