The Ultimate Guide to Cloud Playout Solutions in 2022
What is Cloud Playout?
Playout covers the processes, infrastructure and tools that are needed to convert and play source media and channel content out to an external on-air environment — whether it’s a single standard definition channel or a complex network of HD multi-channel automation systems.
Cloud playout is a relatively new type of playout that focuses on bringing those processes and tools into a cloud environment with a virtual interface. Scheduling, ingest, live inputs, graphics and outputs are all handled, and configured, within a virtual solution.
Every day, the dream of the cloud-based playout environment is becoming a reality for broadcasters across the world. The cloud broadcasting movement has been rapidly gaining pace in 2021, with a number of solutions out there that make cloud transmission infrastructure not just possible, but very effective. Broadcasters have been working harder than ever to implement cloud playout solutions and lay the groundwork for the future of broadcasting.
But why are broadcasters moving into the cloud? It’s a good question. There are, of course, a huge number of reasons why handling playout via the cloud might make sense to a broadcaster or online content provider:
Benefits of Cloud Playout
- Effortless scalability
- Ability to create temporary TV channels (or pop-up channels)
- Low cost of ownership (SaaS)
- Remote access for employees, wherever they are
- Take advantage of new automation technologies
- Geographic customisation and personalised content
- Flexibility due to limited equipment
- Futureproof operations
A huge selling point for cloud-based broadcasting is the flexibility that is offered by cloud providers. Broadcasters and content providers have the ability to scale up their service when necessary and scale it back down when they no longer require it.
Choosing a Cloud Playout solution
To narrow down the selection of cloud playout solutions on offer, we have conducted exhaustive research and analysis for this article. This has included gathering data from review websites, providers, market research reports and a wealth of other credible online sources. We also interviewed industry stakeholders about their experiences with cloud platforms that they evaluated to truly understand the wants and needs of the market and bring these findings to you.
#1: Cosmos by PlayBox Technology
As an expert in integrated MPEG compliant transport streams / IP workflows, PlayBox Technology is working closely with industry pioneers to develop and deliver cloud-based tools that broadcasters of all sizes need to succeed in live broadcasting.
The distributive, virtualized architecture of Cosmos delivers a fast and trusted cloud playout solution enabling broadcasters and service providers to spin up both OTT and traditional TV channels in a few minutes thus lowering the cost of ownership.
Verdict: A trustworthy, forward-thinking and cost-effective cloud playout solution from the popular Channel in a Box manufacturer. 24/7 Support is also included. Cosmos comes in 3 different models and is also available for free, no-obligation online demonstrations and free trials.
#2: Veset Cloud Channel Platform
Veset offers 100% cloud-based all-in-one services for linear television. They have two products in the cloud playout space — Nimbus and Stratus. Whilst Nimbus is aimed at the veteran and professional broadcasters, Stratus is targeted towards independent VOD streamers and start-up TV channels.
Veset gives you the choice of managing your cloud presence (self service SaaS), or having the process managed entirely by Veset. All in all, Veset’s platforms provide great technological and financial benefits by leveraging cloud resources and IP technologies for the specific needs of mission critical linear television playout.
Verdict: Whilst Veset encourages the use of AWS to host the processes of their cloud playout solutions, it is nice to have the option to host it wherever you like with the option of purchasing as a self service SaaS. However, less experienced broadcasters may benefit from the managed service route.
#3: Imagine Communications Versio
Versio™ modular playout is the microservice-based media workflow ecosystem, offering everything you should need for a complete TV channel experience — ingest and media asset management, playout, master control, and of course graphics.
As a complete virtual ecosystem, Versio can be used on-premise, in the public cloud, or in a hybrid cloud environment depending on a broadcaster’s preference. Broadcasters benefit from the increased agility to launch new channels and services on short notice and reduce the overall cost of ownership. Versio enables you to operate a lone playout ecosystem, generating content for broadcast, OTT, linear, nonlinear and a multitude of other platforms.
Verdict: The advantages of a modular solution are clear to see when looking at how you can integrate cloud playout into an existing workflow — whether that’s cloud or hybrid-cloud. Imagine Communications is a solid, well-known choice for larger broadcasters.
Pixel Power’s Gallium PLAYOUT and StreamMaster DELIVER solutions, which together cover various aspects of playout automation, can be used with virtual machines to play out content within 15 minutes of launch. Speed is a huge factor in cloud broadcasting, and so it is refreshing to see an emphasis on this.
Pixel Power’s virtualized platforms also mean that broadcasters can make adjustments on the go and get to market faster than their competitors. Like most cloud solutions, there is a focus on modular architecture which ensures that content providers pay only for what they need. It also presents the opportunity for interoperability with other solutions and equipment.
Verdict: Another modular cloud playout system from a trustworthy provider who have been in business for over 30 years. The key focus is on launch speed with this solution, which works well for pop-up channels and live event broadcasters.
q.air is Qibb’s answer to cloud-based channel playout and automation platforms. A key feature is the ability to launch and manage numerous pop-up channels in quick succession. q.air is also designed with multiformat and multiplatform content delivery in mind, so broadcasters don’t have to worry about their inputs and outputs to destinations like social media and OTT platforms.
q.air handles the ingest, graphics, ad insertion and of course the playout of content. The UI is user-friendly and customizable should it be necessary. There are two pricing options — standard and premium — depending on the amount of ingest and output sources that a broadcaster might require.
Verdict: q.air is a full package for cloud playout that can be scaled up easily. It’s designed to be a full managed service solution, so there is a lack of flexibility in regard to modules and paying for what you need. But, a fantastic solution nonetheless.
With over 30 years of experience in broadcasting, SES are providing premium channel services to broadcasters. SES pride themselves on the ability to fulfil all of a broadcaster’s requirements as part of a larger end-to-end channel management solution. As broadcasters transition into the cloud, SES can assist with cloud playout, channel organisation and linear content management.
In response to rising cloud adoption, SES have utilised Microsoft Azure to bring its solutions to the cloud marketplace. As with most other solutions, the cloud-based playout offering from SES provides virtualized infrastructure for broadcasting, with emphasis on greater agility and scalability that comes with the cloud.
Verdict: SES has an impressive presence within traditional broadcasting, and so it seems only right for them to branch out into cloud playout and channel management. This is mainly one for the larger, well-established broadcasters who require the entire managed solution and ongoing service.
#7: coralbay.tv coralPlay
coralPlay is coralbay.tv’s flagship playout solution. The product has been designed from day one to work in the cloud, but can also be run on standard PCs in a customer’s own facility. The interface is relatively simple and includes automation control features and a video pipeline. As well as handling playout, coralPlay includes auxiliary functions such as graphics and subtitling.
Scalability is offered, and coralPlay can quite happily scale from one channel to hundreds of channels. Channels can be launched in relatively short amounts of time and also disabled and taken off-air easily after use.
Verdict: coralPlay is another strong, well-recognised contender within the cloud playout space. They also have some great integrations with other providers on this list. Support is included free of charge for the first year, and paid thereafter for software updates and ongoing support.
