To meet the growing demands for quality content and to overcome the challenges in the broadcast industry, broadcasters are swiftly shifting towards cloud playout automation, a fast-growing new technology. With live streaming and on-demand video streaming taking center stage, viewers are exploring a wide range of content across genres. By using cloud-automated playouts, several streaming platforms have come into existence. Cloud automation is fast, less expensive, and has several other advantages which are hard to ignore. In this article, let us look at why cloud-based playout is preferred over the conventional broadcast system, what are video hosting solutions, the types of broadcast playouts, and their benefits.
What is Playout?
Playout in broadcasting refers to the content transmission through TV channels on terrestrial networks.
What is Cloud Playout?
Cloud Playout allows broadcasters to launch new linear channels, utilize on-demand content and create live events more efficiently. In cloud-based playout, video content is stored on the cloud and delivered to viewers through the internet. It automates the complete transmission process like content ingestion, assets management, scheduling, and encoding and delivers output across platforms in a cloud setup. A cloud-based playout solution is an interface that automates live and on-demand content and manages the entire cycle upon the successful configuration of the cloud. These solutions access playlist from the media library, adds advanced graphics, schedule workflow, and delivers on multi-devices.
What are the benefits of cloud-based playout?
Cloud solutions have several advantages over traditional broadcasts. It not only simplifies the process but also provides high-quality multi-format video content delivery supported on multiple devices. Because of this, broadcasters can reach a wider audience and gain complete control over their business. Here are some of the advantages of Cloud-based Playout –
- Fast and easy – Launching new channels has never been this fast and easy. Cloud playout makes it comfortable to create linear channels and integrate fastly. Not only does it save so much time, but it also makes it effortless. Unlike traditional broadcasts, cloud automation doesn’t need extensive equipment. It effortlessly manages all the programs, handles playout tasks, and schedules video content. This will allow broadcasters to market it immediately and start the channel in just a few minutes.
- Cost-effective – Since content gets stored on the internet, there is no device dependency, and it reduces machinery costs. This reduces capital expenditure and will allow operators to gain significant cost savings. Also, shifting to the cloud is carried with minimal costs, and operating expenditures get reduced going forward. In a traditional setup, much of the expenditure goes to the equipment, but cloud playout completely cuts it down. Moreover, broadcasters will have the flexibility to customize their needs and pay for only what they use. Cloud avoids several cost-related factors like storage capacity, security hacks, power backup, and many more.
- Scalability – In typical streaming, hardware capacity often limits performance. However, Cloud playout is capable of scaling up and down to meet user demands. This feature will help broadcasters to have control over the content and business needs. Operators can choose how and when to enter a new region, scale up the audience reach, and launch services accordingly. It offers an opportunity for providers to prepare media content and create channels quickly. The best part is that providers do not need to invest in costly infrastructure to scale up their business. It helps them change business plans and adapt according to market needs.
- Flexibility – Responding quickly to changes when major needs arise is the secret of success for any business. Cloud Playot does it to broadcasters in streaming. This flexibility through cloud playout allows operators easily access and manage their channels. Since content gets saved over the internet, anyone can operate it remotely. It is easy to edit, add graphics and deliver over multi devices and platforms. Cloud working makes operators respond to the unique demands of users instantly.
- Storage – The cloud is undoubtedly an easy and convenient way of storing data online. Instead of saving data in physical storage, it gets stored in a remote location which is easy to access through the internet. Content stored on the cloud significantly reduces investment cost and employee costs and is integrated instantly. This will allow providers to access the data from anywhere at any time. It provides file-sharing features like sending content to a single user, inviting multiple users, or cross-platform file-sharing.
- High Security – Another advantage of the cloud is data security. Since safety is the biggest concern on the internet, cloud automation offers high safety by saving data across redundant servers. Even when data is lost or corrupted at the server for any reason, there’s always a backup.
Besides these advantages, Cloud playout will allow broadcasters to understand customer behavior and manage viewing patterns. It also offers personalized ads based on geographic location and user preferences. It provides easy synchronization of data with the device.
Cloud playout solutions like amagi, Janya, and brid offer cloud-automated services to build OTT platforms and linear channels. Those looking to start launching new channels can check out these video hosting solutions for better streaming and a wider reach.
