ipump Media Servers - Applications

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2 ipump Media Servers - Applications Authors: Melanie Charles / Ron Wallace INTRODUCTION The Internet, television, cell phones and other communication portals continually challenge the status quo of how we see information. This challenge once only considered relevant for consumer industries has become important for all industries. Think of the evolution of the slideshow from transparencies, to PowerPoint, to animated PowerPoint, to hyperlinkedanimated PowerPoint, to automated animated PowerPoint. Modern day communication requires media rich presentation. Whether it be video, data, audio or a combination of all three with interactivity, media rich presentation is rapidly replacing simple printed materials, such as signs, training manuals and corporate memos. Video and audio are perceived as the best attention getter. Animated graphics are perceived as a good and less expensive alternative. Interactivity is perceived the best attention holder. The next wave of broadcast technology must seamlessly incorporate all media rich elements. This paper explores how WEGENER s groundbreaking ipump technology achieves this goal to enhance educational networks, business networks and broadcast networks.

3 WEGENER S IPUMP Just what is the ipump? The ipump Media Server may be described as an integrated digital satellite receiver, IP router, and multi-media server. It is part of WEGENER s complete endto-end solution for content delivery and management. Figure 1 ipump Media Server Interfaces Key benefits: Satellite delivery provides access to secure transmission paths, large bandwidth capacity, targeted delivery, and the ability to reach remote locations. IP routing provides fast setup into existing infrastructures, simple access, and ondemand access. A media server enables seamless integration of stored media, on-demand access and the ability to customize local broadcasts White Paper - 2

4 This white paper explores how the following applications are enhanced with ipump technology: Interactive Training Streaming Media to the Desktop Point-Of-Sales Digital Signage Creating Virtual Channels Time Shifted Programming Video on Demand White Paper - 3

5 INTERACTIVE TRAINING Your travel budgets have been cut and your staff reduced. Yet, you are required to increase worker productivity, increase customer satisfaction and remain abreast of the latest company information. Training will probably be a key element to any proposed solution. And, access to compelling training materials could improve the likelihood the material is viewed and the information is retained. While one instructor cannot visit every site or speak to every customer, video can. With 2 video outputs and LAN access, multiple training classes can be conducted at the same time from one WEGENER ipump. Training classes can be broadcast based on local schedules or conducted ad-hoc. Figure 2 ipump On-Screen-Display (OSD) WEGENER s innovative on-screen-display (OSD) allows one class to be conducted in a fully interactive manner. As shown in figure 2, the OSD provides a media-rich presentation of content available to the instructor. Using a remote control, the instructor can scroll through multiple sections. White Paper - 4

6 The CHANNELS section contains live satellite broadcast channels and multiple virtual channels. Virtual channels are a collection of seamless linked media and video files. They are presented with program guides and are perceived to be standalone broadcast channels. Figure 3 CHANNEL Program Guide The LIBRARY section is a warehouse of individual stored content that be viewed at any time for video-on-demand. Figure 4 LIBRARY Section White Paper - 5

7 The instructor has the added ability to rewind, fast forward and pause video from the LIBRARY section. The instructor can also jump to other sections at any time, as shown in the figure 5 below. The instructor is not confined to a strict viewing schedule or distracted with VCR tapes and machines. Figure 5 - Video Controls Text data can be accessed from the DATA section and viewed on a television monitor. Unlike one-way broadcast technology or video tape distribution, WEGENER s ipump network solution can centrally monitor, update, and delete content stored on deployed units. WEGENER incorporated its expertise gleamed from deploying commercial broadcast satellite networks to provide ipump networks the same power to accurately address and schedule content delivery to individual deployed units. Combined with conditional access options, it creates the framework to generate revenue from content delivery. White Paper - 6

8 STREAMING MEDIA WEGENER ipumps provide another way to continuously push high quality media content to the edge of a network without tying up valuable IP bandwidth used for site-to-site communications. This technology bridges satellite delivery with IP infrastructure quickly and simply. The ipump accepts and stores files of any type, in addition to the MPEG files. Once files are stored within the ipump, they are available to other computers 1 over a local area network via File Transfer Protocol, web browser, or Microsoft s Server Message Block protocol. The ipump outputs files directly onto the local area network through IP routing or streaming IP. High quality video is made available for desktop computer in standards-based formats limiting the need for costly propriety decode software. Alternatively, peripheral decoder units from WEGENER can be used to display video to television monitors. POINT OF SALES DIGITAL SIGNAGE The billboard industry is increasingly embracing technologies that provide more animated graphics (e.g. revolving panel billboards and large LCD displays). This technology is filtering to inside the retail building. More eye catching than print signs, retailers are looking for creative ways to entice shoppers to stop and buy. Digital signage promises to add flexible and highly targeted messaging. Past scrolling text and animated graphics, WEGENER ipump peripheral decoders open a door for a solution that also provides high quality video advertisements in both standard definition and high definition video formats. The peripheral decoder is IP based. It is easy to send different program channels to each decoder. Making use of the CHANNEL section of the ipump media server, content playlists can be customized for individual departments and play continuous throughout the day. 1 Access to files can be restricted. White Paper - 7

9 Audio will be included. Content can be continuously updated or removed by the central network operator. Site operators can tweak playlists or request content that best fits their location. CREATING VIRTUAL CHANNELS In traditional one-way broadcast environments custom programming usually requires broadcasting a new separate channel and utilizing precious, expensive satellite bandwidth. Local advertising requires additional video servers and cuetone devices. For each piece of customization there are cost and maintenance concerns, such as additional satellite transponder time, bandwidth consumption and servicing additional pieces of equipment. An ipump Media Server is one piece of equipment that can receive satellite broadcasts, store program material and seamlessly combine them to create virtual channels. Stored program material can also be combined with live broadcast content. A central network operator could easily distribute multiple customized playlists, sending them to specific regions or groupings of ipumps or even to individual ipumps. Each ipump uses the playlists to generate virtual channels from stored program materials. As shown in figure 6, an ipump can create a multi-channel environment. No distinction is given to the viewer between a live channel and a virtual channel. Figure 6 ipump Channel Section White Paper - 8

10 Repetitive broadcasts can be sent once and either scheduled to play continuously, play at a scheduled time or play program material in a random sequence continuously. Updates, modifications and deletions can be made by the central network operator without local intervention. This lessens the need for transponder satellite time or eliminates the need for VCR tape distribution. TIME SHIFTED PROGRAMMING Satellite programmers currently repeat programs or use a separate satellite feed to overcome east and west coast time zone differences. On an ipump Media Server, time shifted programming would be a virtual channel. Programs are recorded to the ipump Media Server while simultaneously playing out local content. The stored content is then scheduled to play at the later appropriate time. An ipump Media Server allows programmers to create modified channels without having to duplicate satellite transmission feeds. The Broadcast option of the ipump Media Server product family supports 4:2:2 video decoding and SDI output - ideal for commercial digital distribution. WEGENER s network control system is a mature product and the result of years of experience with commercial satellite broadcast applications. It will ensure a satellite programmer s content gets to the right location, at the right time, in a secure manner. VIDEO ON DEMAND Video-on-demand or VOD is the use of technology that allows viewers to watch specific programs on a non-scheduled basis from a video server. Cable operators utilize remote servers and digital cable set-top devices. Personal video recorders (PVRs) use a video receiver, a set-top media server (some are integrated into a receiver device) and require the user to specify what programs to record. The ipump media server is both a satellite receiver and media server. A central network operator can push content to the distributed ipumps or respond to requests for content. White Paper - 9

11 Individual stored media files can be accessed via the on-screen-display, web browser or LAN connection. Here are a few examples of possible applications: Internal training sessions scheduled on an ad hoc basis External demonstrations for customers Films or documentaries made available to schools News clips or sporting highlights distributed from a major network to regional sites Corporate messaging or speeches for remote sites Distance education In fully implemented ipump network solutions remote ipump users can access the central content management system to view what new content is available and contribute content. Network operators can schedule delivered content for deletion. Conditional access can be used to generate revenue SUMMARY Modern day communication requires media-rich presentation. WEGENER strongly believes that the next wave of broadcast technology must seamlessly incorporate all media-rich elements. IPump Media Servers give networks the ability to combine media storage, IP routing and satellite broadcast technology. These multifunctional devices can enhance broadcast networks, educational networks, product marketing and business networks. We invite you to explore the ipump product line and contact your local sales representative or us at info@wegener.com. White Paper - 1 0

12 APPENDIX A Technical Overview IPUMP PRODUCT INFORMATION The name ipump represents the idea of an i nformation Pump. Information may be in the form of video, audio, images, data files or anything at all which may be put in the form of 1 s and 0 s. The ipump may output this information upon receipt or place it in storage for later transmission, streaming or viewing. The ipump is designed for applications where the user wants to have the option of either centralized or local control of media delivery. In a typical network as shown in figure 7, transmitted content is distributed to an ipump via satellite and output in a variety of forms. Figure 7 ipump Media Server Interfaces White Paper - 1 1

13 Programs can be viewed via a video monitor or transmitted via an Ethernet connection to desktop computers on a local area network. The ipump also uses the Ethernet connection to provide a return path to the originating location of the network. This gives feedback of operational status, usage data, and assures file transfer to the network manager. At the same time, program streams may be stored on the hard disk drive inside the ipump. As shown in figure 8, the ipump can store over 200 hours of video content. Mbps Rate On a 40GB Drive On a 240GB Drive 2 44 Hours 266 Hours 4 22 Hours 133 Hours 6 14 Hours 88 Hours 8 11 Hours 66 Hours Figure 8 Estimated Media Storage At an ipump media server site, a local viewer can navigate and review both the live and stored content using the friendly on-screen-display, as shown in figure 9. Figure 9 ipump On-Screen-Display (OSD) Screens are automatically updated to reflect new content. The NEW PROGRAMS section is used to highlight recent downloads. The CHANNELS section provides program schedules White Paper - 1 2

14 for both live and virtual channels 2. The LIBRARY section showcases groupings of contenton-demand files. The DATA section is used for text and html files. Combined with WEGENER's patented Compel Control network management system and MediaPlan content management system, a central operator can encode, control and delete content distributed to ipump units. Figure 10- Network Diagram 2 a channel made of stored and live content to resemble a live channel, e.g. time shifted material, broadcast channel with regional commercials embedded White Paper - 1 3

15 APPENDIX B Product Overviews ipump 6400, PROFESSIONAL MEDIA SERVER IPUMP 6400 MEDIA SERVER OPTIONS STANDARD ipump QPSK demod Basic video decoder 4:2:0 video 40 GB BROADCAST ipump QPSK demod Pro video decoder 4:2:0/4:2:2 video Digital output 240 GB STUDIO ipump ASI input Video decoder 240 GB ipump6400 supports: Up to 500 GB Storage Decoding of Live DVB Satellite Broadcasts MediaPlan CM Delivery and Management of Files Recording Digital Content User Friendly On-Screen Control IP Routing Video/Audio Streaming to Desktops Embedded COMPEL Network Control White Paper - 1 4

16 ipump 622, ENTERPRISE MEDIA SERVER ipump622 supports: Up to 240 GB Storage Decoding of Live DVB Satellite Broadcasts Remote Control For User Friendly On-Screen Display DVD Reader For Adding New Media Files Video/Audio Streaming to Desktops MediaPlan CM Delivery and Management of Files Embedded COMPEL Network Control ipump 615, STREAMING MEDIA DECODER ipump615 supports: Peripheral Decoding From ipump Media Servers Streaming Media Input via Ethernet Port MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 Video Decode High Definition Video Decode 1 Stereo Pair Audio Embedded COMPEL Network Control White Paper - 1 5

17 ABOUT WEGENER COMMUNICATIONS WEGENER is an international provider of digital solutions for IP data, video and audio networks. Applications include IP data delivery, broadcast television, cable television, radio networks, business television, distance education, business music and financial information distribution. COMPEL, WEGENER's patented network control system provides networks with unparalleled ability to regionalize programming and commercials. COMPEL network control capability is integrated into WEGENER digital satellite receivers. WEGENER can be reached at or on the World Wide Web at White Paper - 1 6

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