Broadcast Validation and Management Proposal
  • 28 Jul 2024
  • 4 Minutes to read
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Broadcast Validation and Management Proposal

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Article summary

Introduction

This document outlines our strategy to ensure a seamless, high-quality live streaming experience through meticulous broadcast validation and real-time in-game operations management. We will cover every aspect from pre-event setup and validation, through in-game monitoring, to post-event operations, ensuring your broadcast runs smoothly and meets the highest standards.

Scope

1. Validation at the Production Side

  • Broadcast Quality Feed Validation: Ensure the stability and quality of the feed from the ground.

  • Metadata Insertion: Verify that all necessary metadata is correctly inserted into the broadcast stream.

  • Live Feed Transmission: Ensure the live feed is sent using appropriate protocols (SRT/ZIXI/RTMP).

  • Closed Captions: Check if closed captions are included and part of the feed.

  • Language: Confirm whether the feed is single-language or multi-language.

  • SCTE Markers: Ensure SCTE markers are included for SSAI-based live streaming.

  • Video Specifications: Validate the video resolution, frame rate, and scanning type from the source.

  • Failover Mechanism: Ensure the feed is sent via primary and secondary encoders for failover purposes.

2. Validation at Our Side

  • Primary and Backup Source Connectivity: Confirm both primary and backup sources are connected.

  • Network Stability Test: Ensure network stability for smooth transmission; check the logs for any breakouts.

  • Video Specifications Validation: Cross-check the received feed for video format, resolution, frame rate, and scanning type to match the agreed documents.

  • A/V Quality Check: Perform audio and video quality checks.

    • A/V Lipsync Test

  • Closed Captions: Verify if the feed includes closed captions or subtitles; coordinate with the on-site engineer if necessary.

  • SCTE Markers: Validate the presence of SCTE markers at the encoder side or packager output.

  • Failover Test: Once connected, ensure primary and backup sources are functional on our end.

3. In-Game Operations

  • Real-Time Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of all signals (video, audio, graphics) throughout the event.

  • Troubleshooting Protocol:

    • Minor Issues: Immediate fixes by on-site technical staff.

    • Major Issues: Escalate to the production manager and implement backup systems if needed.

  • Communication: Constant communication between the production team, technical crew, and on-air talent to ensure smooth operations.

  • Signal Dropout Procedures:

    • Immediate Response: Quick identification and resolution of any signal dropouts.

    • Backup Activation: Switch to backup feeds/equipment if the primary feed is lost.

    • Documentation: Log all issues and resolutions for post-event analysis.

4. Post-Event Operations

  • Receiving of Highlights and Feeds: Collect highlights and other necessary feeds and VODs.

  • Live to VOD Conversion: Convert live content to VOD format.

  • Curation of Assets: Organize and curate all assets.

  • Readiness for Next Day Events: Ensure readiness for subsequent events.

Objectives

  1. Ensure Broadcast Quality: Validate and maintain high-quality broadcast feeds to provide a seamless viewer experience.

  2. Achieve Robust Connectivity: Establish and verify stable primary and backup connections to ensure uninterrupted transmission.

  3. Real-Time Monitoring and Troubleshooting: Implement continuous monitoring and quick troubleshooting protocols to address any issues immediately.

  4. Comprehensive Post-Event Operations: Efficiently manage post-event tasks to prepare for future events and maintain high standards.

Detailed Execution Plan

1. Validation at the Production Side

Task

Objective

Actions

Broadcast Quality Feed Validation

Ensure feed stability and quality

Perform rigorous checks and deploy advanced monitoring tools

Metadata Insertion

Verify accurate metadata insertion

Validate metadata using automated tools and ensure consistency

Live Feed Transmission

Transmit feed using reliable protocols

Verify and test SRT, ZIXI, or RTMP protocols and confirm reliability

Closed Captions

Ensure inclusion of closed captions

Verify inclusion and synchronization; conduct tests to ensure alignment with audio

Language

Confirm language configuration

Verify single or multi-language settings; test all language tracks

SCTE Markers

Ensure inclusion of SCTE markers

Validate presence and functionality; test markers for correct integration

Video Specifications

Validate video resolution, frame rate, and type

Cross-check against technical requirements; conduct test broadcasts

Failover Mechanism

Establish a robust failover mechanism

Implement primary and secondary encoders; conduct rigorous failover tests

2. Validation at Our Side

Task

Objective

Actions

Primary and Backup Source Connectivity

Confirm connectivity of sources

Test and validate connections; monitor stability continuously

Network Stability Test

Ensure smooth transmission

Perform continuous tests; analyze logs for connectivity issues

Video Specifications Validation

Cross-check received feed specifications

Validate video format, resolution, frame rate, and scanning type; use diagnostic tools

A/V Quality Check

Perform comprehensive checks

Conduct visual and auditory inspections; perform A/V lipsync tests

Closed Captions Verification

Verify inclusion of closed captions

Ensure accurate display, coordinate with on-site engineers

SCTE Markers Validation

Validate presence of SCTE markers

Check at encoder side or packager output; test for functionality

Failover Test

Ensure failover functionality

Test switching between sources; monitor stability during failover tests

3. In-Game Operations

Task

Objective

Actions

Real-Time Monitoring

Continuous signal monitoring

Monitor video, audio, and graphics signals throughout the event

Troubleshooting Protocol

Immediate issue resolution

Minor issues fixed by on-site staff; major issues escalated, and backup systems implemented

Communication

Ensure smooth operations

Maintain constant communication between production team, technical crew, and on-air talent

Signal Dropout Procedures

Quick signal dropout resolution

Identify and resolve signal dropouts immediately; activate backup feeds if needed

Documentation

Log issues and resolutions

Record all issues and solutions for post-event analysis

4. Post-Event Operations

Task

Objective

Actions

Receiving Highlights and Feeds

Collect all necessary content post-event

Receive highlights and VODs; ensure high quality

Live to VOD Conversion

Convert live content to VOD format

Use specialized tools; verify quality and integrity

Curation of Assets

Organize and curate assets

Catalog and store assets; ensure easy accessibility for future use

Readiness for Next Day Events

Ensure readiness for subsequent events

Review setups and configurations; conduct readiness tests

4. Key Features and Benefits

  • Enhanced Quality Control: Rigorous checks at every stage ensure a high-quality viewing experience.

  • Real-Time Troubleshooting: Immediate issue resolution minimizes disruption.

  • Comprehensive Documentation: Detailed logs for effective post-event analysis and improvement.

  • Future-Ready: Preparation for subsequent events ensures continuity and readiness.


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