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Cloud-Based Live Linear Solutions

Together, Frequency and AWS provide channel operators with a powerful toolset for creating and operating broadcast-quality channels in the cloud to a global audience at tremendous scale.

Studio 5’s cloud linear channel operation and distribution solution is built seamlessly within the AWS platform, leveraging MediaServices as an essential component of the core platform functionality. By combining Studio 5's user-friendly tools and advanced automation with a deep integration to AWS' scalable and reliable cloud infrastructure, we offer a complete solution that simplifies content management, scheduling, motion graphics, ad insertion, and stream health monitoring to deliver 24/7 linear programming.
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Workflow Overview

Ingestion

Frequency media asset ingestion pipeline supports asset delivery via AWS S3 watch folders, MRSS, and custom API integration.

Scheduling

Consumer focused scheduling tools provide flexible control to create programming which seamlessly switches between sources for VOD programs, live events, short form playlists and automated programs using easily repeatable formats for ad pods and interstitials.

Playout

Frequency helps customers scale their linear channels business utilizing cloud-based encoding infrastructure and dynamically rendered motion graphic overlays.

Monetization

Enablement of channel monetization through automated cue point detection, rich asset metadata for targeting, and ad insertion.

Distribution

Secure delivery of channel streams via HLS and industry standard UDP protocols.

Reporting

Channel end-user consumption data compiled and visualized in the cloud plus real-time system monitoring of the entire content pipeline from ingestion to playout.

Case Study

Challenge
After being acquired by TEGNA in 2021, Locked On expanded from audio only to include video podcasting. These are 24/7, live channels on YouTube and NewsON, with further distribution planned in 2024. Locked On wanted to expand reach without increasing operational resources.
Solution
Locked On leverages Frequency Studio's platform for the creation, management, and distribution of five regional and one national sports channels. Frequency’s automation capabilities have enabled Locked On to auto-schedule and customize program creation, facilitating the advanced planning of podcast schedules. With the integration of over 60 daily podcasts, Frequency Studio automatically updates to air the latest episodes, constructs linear programs with channel IDs and ad breaks based on cue points, and uses Ad Rules logic for optimal ad placement to meet ad load targets. Additionally, dynamic interstitials are inserted to align with program lengths and ad load requirements, while a monitoring tab ensures content airs as scheduled without interruptions.
Results
The benefit of working with Frequency Studio is explained by Berkley Hopkins, Locked On’s Director of Marketing: “Frequency really helps a small team utilize its resources toachieve maximum output, automating the ingestion, program creation, ad and promo insertion, and episode run times without the need for a large internal team.”

Workflow

Ingestion

AWS S3

Ingestion is supported utilizing AWS S3 buckets for asset ingestion via watch folders, video package detection, and metadata parsing of provided manifest files.

MRSS

XML parsing of inbound MRSS formats through Studio 5's content ingestion and normalization pipeline.

API

Frequency can create custom integrations with external content workflows utilizing public API endpoints.

Scheduling

VOD

Easily package movies, episodes, specials with frame accurate ad pod and interstitial placement into saved programs for reuse. Further support is provided for dynamic interstitials allowing for automatic placement of promos and idents based on business rules.

Live

Seamlessly switch between scheduled VOD and live programming. Live can be managed by scheduling in advance complete with fallback content or ad hoc as required. 

Playlists

Short-form content can be created into scheduled programming blocks with automated ad break insertion based on defined ad loads.

Automation

Studio 5 provides program scheduling automation capabilities for both series and playlist content sourcing based on business rules, including latest, shuffle, do not repeat, and support for backup content. Programs can be executed as far in advance as desired and up to 15 minutes before playhead, dynamically generated based on user-defined business rules.

Playout

Channel Output

24x7 cloud-based live linear streams are powered with AWS Elemental MediaLive through any number of supported live video protocols, such as HLS, RTP-FEC, and RTMP.

Motion Graphics

Motion graphic overlays are dynamically generated utilizing metadata from assets scheduled in your channel schedule based on custom compositions. Graphics are created automatically at four defined triggers - program start, program end, ad start, and ad end. 

Monetization

Cue Point Detection

Studio 5's proprietary break detection service runs in AWS environments with the capability to detect potential cue points across hundreds of assets simultaneously. Allowing operators to find cue points for an entire library in a matter of minutes, with a minimum threshold of a single frame of black or audio silence.

Asset Metadata

Studio 5 inserts asset metadata into the stream to facilitate contextual advertising experiences.

SSAI

Studio 5 supports SSAI via AWS Elemental MediaTailor through VAST compatible ad tags, including client-side beaconing and asset-level dynamic macros.

Distribution

HLS via CDN

Studio 5 delivers HLS outputs from AWS Elemental MediaLive encoders to our edge CDN via Amazon CloudFront.

Secure with DRM

Studio 5 utilizes AWS Elemental MediaPackage and AWS SPEKE to integrate with DRM Key Management providers and encrypt HLS streams for enhanced stream security.

Transport via UDP

Utilizing AWS Elemental MediaConnect, Studio 5 delivers MPEG-TS streams via industry standard UDP protocols including SRT, RTP-FEC, and Zixi.

Reporting

Performance Analytics

Studio 5 provides analytics across content performance and scheduling, advertising and distribution. Metrics are compiled utilizing Amazon Redshift and visualized by Amazon QuickSight

Monitoring

Providing monitoring for the entire content pipeline, Studio 5 gives real-time visibility into your channels business. Tracking everything from content ingestion to upcoming schedule gaps and down to any quality issues with your channel performance.

Frequency is entirely architected on AWS

AWS Elemental Media Services offer a comprehensive suite of cloud-based tools designed to streamline the processing, storage, and monetization of video content. These services facilitate a range of video workflows, from live and on-demand video processing with AWS Elemental MediaLive and MediaConvert, to content personalization and monetization through AWS Elemental MediaTailor. Additionally, AWS Elemental MediaPackage and MediaStore enhance content preparation and storage, while AWS Elemental MediaConnect provides secure and reliable live video transport. Together, these tools support the creation and delivery of high-quality video content across various platforms and devices, enabling broadcasters, content creators, and streaming services to efficiently manage their video content at scale.
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