Cloud TV Playout is the Future of Broadcasting, with scheduling and distribution in the cloud being very stable and cheap to deploy building FAST Channels with little capital spend.
The Power of Cloud-Based TV Playout
TV playout is the process of broadcasting television programs and other video content on a schedule. Traditionally, TV playout requires dedicated hardware, software, and infrastructure to manage and deliver the content to various distribution platforms, such as cable, satellite, or over-the-top (OTT) services. However, with the advent of cloud computing, TV playout can now be done in a more flexible, scalable, and cost-effective way.
Cloud-based TV playout is a solution that leverages the vast storage and processing capabilities of the cloud to host and run the playout software and content. Users can create and manage playlists of programs, commercials, public service announcements, and other content stored on cloud servers. They can also access and control the playout from anywhere using a web browser or a mobile app. Cloud-based TV playout can offer several benefits for broadcasters and content providers of any kind and size, such as:
- Reduced capital and operational expenses: Cloud-based TV playout eliminates the need for purchasing, installing, and maintaining expensive hardware and software for playout. Users only pay for the cloud resources they use, which can be scaled up or down according to their needs and demand. This can also save on energy costs, space requirements, and personnel costs.
- Increased flexibility and agility: TV playout in the cloud allows users to launch new channels or change existing ones in minutes, without any physical constraints or dependencies. Users can also experiment with new formats, genres, or business models without risking large investments or long-term commitments. Cloud-based TV playout can also enable users to distribute their content to multiple platforms and regions with ease and efficiency.
- Improved reliability and security: Cloud-based TV playouts can provide high availability and redundancy for the playout operations, ensuring uninterrupted service even in case of failures or disasters. Users can also benefit from the cloud’s advanced security features, such as encryption, authentication, access control, and monitoring, to protect their content and data from unauthorized access or theft.
How to build a FAST Channel using Cloud TV Playout
Cloud-based TV playout is not without its challenges, however. Some of the potential issues that users may face include:
- Bandwidth and latency: Cloud-based TV playout requires a reliable and high-speed internet connection to upload, download, and stream the content to and from the cloud. Any network congestion, disruption, or delay can affect the quality and performance of the playout. Users may need to invest in dedicated or redundant network connections to ensure smooth playout operations.
- Regulatory compliance: Cloud-based TV playout may involve storing and transmitting content across different jurisdictions, which may have different laws and regulations regarding broadcasting rights, content standards, privacy, taxation, etc. Users may need to ensure that they comply with all the relevant rules and obligations when using cloud-based TV playout services.
- Vendor lock-in: Cloud-based TV playout may depend on specific cloud providers or platforms that offer the playout software and services. Users may face difficulties or costs in switching to another provider or platform if they are dissatisfied with their current one or if they want to take advantage of new features or opportunities.
Cloud-based TV playout is a promising solution that can empower broadcasters and content providers to deliver high-quality video content to their audiences in a more convenient, efficient, and affordable way. However, users should also be aware of the potential challenges and risks that come with using cloud-based TV playout services. Users should carefully evaluate their needs and options before choosing a cloud-based TV playout solution that suits their goals and expectations.
Deploy and deliver with View TV Play
Create and deliver your channel to Kapang across the UK and USA within a few days and distribute to several platforms, such as Pluto TV and Redbox, within weeks.
FAST, the Future!
What Are FAST Channels?
For that unfamiliar, FAST stands for free, ad-supported television played in a linear format with a guide, similar to cable’s or satellite’s layout and guide.
Variety VIP+ cites 2020 as the year FAST took off, and the trajectory since then has been astounding. As an early provider of FAST channels, Plex has sourced data from an internal analytics dashboard analyzing billions of minutes of programming. This data shows just how rapidly it continues to advance. FAST content consumed was just 6% of the total in 2020 versus 30% of all Plex content in 2022. Over a billion minutes have been watched since January 1 of this year—the rough equivalent of 2,500 years of content if consecutively watched.
What is the Consumer Appeal of FAST channels?
FAST channels combine the comfort of traditional broadcast within the streaming landscape. Content is presented in channels where the viewer has no control over programming. In contrast, traditional subscription streaming requires a viewer to find and select a program from a streaming platform actively. There is growing interest in existing content libraries, from 24/7 Friends or Top Gear programming to a channel entirely of TED Talks or a holiday classics channel.
Not only does the viewer get to passively enjoy without paying a monthly subscription fee often associated with streaming, but they also don’t have to pay a monthly cable TV bill. FAST content is free, so viewers willing to sit through ads can save money.