Cloud Playout

How it works

1. Content assets are ingested into the cloud playout platform — transcoded to delivery-ready formats and stored in the asset library.
2. The operator builds a programming schedule — assigning titles, live feeds, and filler content to timeslots across a 24-hour grid using the scheduling interface.
3. The cloud playout engine assembles the scheduled content into a continuous live stream — automatically sequencing segments, transitions, slates, and graphics as configured.
4. Ad break slots are inserted at scheduled intervals — SCTE-35 markers embedded in the stream signal break opportunities to the SSAI layer.
5. SSAI fills ad breaks with programmatic or direct-sold ad inventory in real time — stitching ads seamlessly into the stream without buffering.
6. The assembled stream is encoded and packaged into HLS or DASH format — output to the CDN for global distribution.
7. EPG data is generated from the schedule — consumed by OTT app EPG interfaces and FAST platform programme guides.
8. Live event overrides interrupt the pre-recorded schedule when a live feed is available — resuming archive programming automatically after the event ends.

Key components

• Content ingest and asset library — stores and manages pre-recorded content in delivery-ready formats
• Schedule builder — visual programming grid for assigning content to timeslots across 24-hour channel schedules
• Playout engine — assembles scheduled content into a continuous live stream with transitions, slates, and graphics
• Live feed integration — enables real-time live events to override the pre-recorded schedule dynamically
• SCTE-35 ad marker insertion — embeds ad break cue points in the stream for SSAI to detect and fill
• Encoder and packager — converts assembled stream into HLS/DASH format for CDN delivery
• EPG generator — produces programme guide data from the schedule for OTT app and FAST platform integration
• Live to VoD pipeline — automatically converts playout output into catch-up VOD assets after broadcast

Performance impact

• Eliminates capital investment in broadcast hardware — cloud playout is a subscription replacing $500,000+ traditional infrastructure
• Multiple channels operate simultaneously from a single platform — no additional hardware per channel launched
• Channel provisioning in hours rather than months — new channels can be launched and configured remotely without physical setup
• SSAI integration maximizes ad revenue — automated break insertion and programmatic fill replace manual ad scheduling
• Live to VoD extends content value beyond broadcast — every playout session automatically generates catch-up VOD assets
• EPG integration drives discovery — structured programme guide data surfaces channel content in smart TV and OTT app interfaces

Common issues

• Schedule gaps — unassigned timeslots in the programming grid cause the playout engine to serve slate or silence; filler content rules must be configured
• Asset format incompatibility — uploaded content not meeting the platform's codec, resolution, or container requirements causes ingest failures
• SCTE-35 marker misconfiguration — incorrect ad break duration or marker placement causes SSAI to miss break opportunities or serve truncated ads
• Live event override failures — incorrect live feed URL or stream format causes the live override to fail and fall back to pre-recorded content unexpectedly
• EPG data latency — programme guide updates not propagating to FAST platform partners fast enough causes schedule display errors in viewer interfaces
• CDN origin configuration — cloud playout output stream not correctly configured as CDN origin causes delivery failures or excessive origin load