PROVYS Stream-Circle Rolls into Nevada

Just as in the old days, pioneers circled their wagons for security and strength, so, today, Provys are launching Stream-Circle, a pioneering software solution designed to bring together video, graphic and social content for the ultimate streaming experience.

The Provys wagon train rolls into NAB Nevada on April 13, 2015, and all wranglers are cordially invited to come and see the latest newborn in the Provys family.

Stream-Circle is a cloud service for companies or organisations to broadcast video content online in a scheduled manner. This perfect and inexpensive solution allows TV operators to increase the number of channels, corporations to run their own TV, or store chains to deliver advertisements from one point. It greatly helps film distributors, universities, sport clubs, associations, churches or unions to communicate more effectively with their audience.

This pioneering concept consists of the following components: full HD capable video playout and CG automation engine (video stream composition), video, CG and social-cast planning (play-list editing), content management, internet media streaming (YouTube), internet social media casting (Facebook, Twitter, Google+), and web browser based control application. Solution users have secure access to their content uploaded in the cloud storage, and to their on line CG playout schedules and playout control. For streaming via YouTube, users specify the YouTube live stream address as provided by the YouTube service together with the stream parameters. For social media and message distribution, users specify the credentials for the Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ services.

The service may be used whenever there is a need to cast media content enriched by CG and social media messages into the internet while keeping control over the content composition, timing, and delivery. Stream-Circle is a smart add-on to standard streaming and VOD services such as YouTube where the viewers actively search and play the content. The Stream-Circle service builds on top of this concept and gives users control of what will be presented and when to be seen by the viewers. It combines traditional linear broadcast planning with internet delivery at an extremely low cost.

There is a virtually unlimited choice of media that can be streamed. Video clips may be used in different formats, including mpeg4, mpeg2, AVC and others (the format and container list is regularly updated). Initially, the media files are uploaded into the secure Stream-Circle automation cloud. The automation software first analyses the media files and returns specific useful metadata. In addition to video clips, it is possible to use a wide range of CG components, such as logos, 3D objects, multiple video panels, overlay graphics (examples in photos), etc. The CG component templates provide for smooth parametrisation and placement into the stream. For 3D graphics, the upload format definitions are provided and it is possible to test them before they appear live on the screen. Up to 4 HD streams can be played at the same time; the number of HD streams played sequentially is not limited.

Stream-Circle automation facilitates event scheduling precision (granularity) to one millisecond (which is usually not needed). Users may play a sequential playlist running forward into the future. It requires preparation of the playlists and the streaming stops if no play-list is available. The playlists can be organised by days; the currently playing playlist can be edited on-line. It is possible to play a named playlist (selected manually); the playlist will be played from the current time. The broadcast will end when the play-list is finished. Stream-Circle also allows a loop playlist; this playlist is editable and the new version of the loop playlist is applied in the next coming loop.

For control of the playlist over the Internet, users may choose their preferred web browser. Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and other popular browsers are supported. Mobile devices including iPads and Android tablets are supported as well. A testing channel stream (feed) is provided with the paid service to achieve a reliable and professional performance. The testing stream is operated the same way as the full output stream. The only difference is that the testing stream has a visible watermark.

The users' content is well protected; every user of the Stream-Circle service has unique access rights to control the content and operate the playout.
The pricing of the Stream-Circle service depends on the number of streams, quality (resolution) of the streaming and storage capacity used. The lowest monthly charge for a simple Stream-Circle service starts at USD 1000.

So, hitch your horse to the rail and come and see the Provys presentation at NAB 2015.

The article is also available to read in BFV online.

(JP/MH)