Using FAST
FAST stands for Free Ad-supported Streaming TV. Its implementation in Quortex enables the generation of a live stream from a list of video file assets, played according to a configured schedule. Advertising placeholders can be inserted between assets. The replacement of ads into these placeholders is performed by an external solution, which also allows for targeted advertising (ads selected by an ad server based on the user profile).
FAST can be utilized to monetize dormant content at no risk, build a freemium version of your paid subscription, create niche channels during events, and reach a broader audience using targeted content. The availability of this feature depends on the Features Plan described here.
This article describes how to implement a FAST use case with Quortex.
Start by creating an input with a Virtual stream type:
Continue the configuration by providing the settings for this FAST channel:
Storage type: This refers to the location where video assets used in the playlist are stored. The storage can either be within our platform or refer to an external S3 bucket.
Video framerate family (25/50 or 30/60): All assets used in the playlist should belong to the same framerate family to ensure scheduling time accuracy.
SCTE-35: Markers are typically inserted at the beginning and end of each ad to facilitate ad replacement downstream. Two methods are proposed for insertion: time signal or splice insert.
Please note that these settings are static and can't be edited later.
When SCTE-35 markers are used, please make sure that SCTE-35 is also activated in your Live channels / Target or Packaging configuration as shown in this example:
The playlist with its schedule can be built from the GUI and from the API.
API specifications can be found here. Look for virtual assets and virtual programs sections.
In the GUI, open the Virtual Input settings:
The GUI defaults to displaying the timeline of the current day.
To upload assets for use in the playlist, either choose the file or drag and drop them. Once uploaded, the assets will appear in the "available assets" area.
To add an asset to the playlist, click on the "+ playlist" button next to the asset. The asset will be placed immediately after the previous one in the list. If it is the first asset, it will be automatically positioned approximately 3 minutes after the current time (this can be edited later).
To insert advertisement placeholders, follow the same procedure but click on "Add advertisement".
The scheduled playlist is displayed on the left side as illustrated below:
You may adjust the time grid size for an optimal display.
Once done, complete the playlist configuration by clicking on "Apply changes".
Fillers are used to define the default content to stream when the schedule includes gaps, meaning that no content is configured for a specific time range.
Default filler: This option allows you to select the content to stream if no content is configured in the schedule. A black screen is the default option, but any other uploaded asset can be selected.
Gap filler: This choice overrides the Default filler option in the case of a gap between two programs. If nothing is configured, the Default filler applies.
Advertisement filler: This option defines the content used during Advertisement placeholders. If nothing is configured, the Default filler applies
When a filler content duration is longer than the gap to fill, it is only played during the gap length. When a filler content duration is shorter than the gap to fill, it is played in loop mode until it reaches the gap length.
When the service is active, the GUI allows to monitor the progress in the playlist with "now" line as illustrated below:
It is possible to edit a schedule by clicking on the asset in the schedule area. The following options are proposed:
Change start and end date
Trim the content: shorter duration or keep an interval (cut from/to).
FAST can be utilized to monetize dormant content at no risk, build a freemium version of your paid subscription, create niche channels during events, and reach a broader audience using targeted content. The availability of this feature depends on the Features Plan described here.
This article describes how to implement a FAST use case with Quortex.
Input configuration
Start by creating an input with a Virtual stream type:
Continue the configuration by providing the settings for this FAST channel:
Storage type: This refers to the location where video assets used in the playlist are stored. The storage can either be within our platform or refer to an external S3 bucket.
Video framerate family (25/50 or 30/60): All assets used in the playlist should belong to the same framerate family to ensure scheduling time accuracy.
SCTE-35: Markers are typically inserted at the beginning and end of each ad to facilitate ad replacement downstream. Two methods are proposed for insertion: time signal or splice insert.
Please note that these settings are static and can't be edited later.
When SCTE-35 markers are used, please make sure that SCTE-35 is also activated in your Live channels / Target or Packaging configuration as shown in this example:
Building your playlist
The playlist with its schedule can be built from the GUI and from the API.
API specifications can be found here. Look for virtual assets and virtual programs sections.
In the GUI, open the Virtual Input settings:
The GUI defaults to displaying the timeline of the current day.
To upload assets for use in the playlist, either choose the file or drag and drop them. Once uploaded, the assets will appear in the "available assets" area.
To add an asset to the playlist, click on the "+ playlist" button next to the asset. The asset will be placed immediately after the previous one in the list. If it is the first asset, it will be automatically positioned approximately 3 minutes after the current time (this can be edited later).
To insert advertisement placeholders, follow the same procedure but click on "Add advertisement".
The scheduled playlist is displayed on the left side as illustrated below:
You may adjust the time grid size for an optimal display.
Once done, complete the playlist configuration by clicking on "Apply changes".
Fillers
Fillers are used to define the default content to stream when the schedule includes gaps, meaning that no content is configured for a specific time range.
Default filler: This option allows you to select the content to stream if no content is configured in the schedule. A black screen is the default option, but any other uploaded asset can be selected.
Gap filler: This choice overrides the Default filler option in the case of a gap between two programs. If nothing is configured, the Default filler applies.
Advertisement filler: This option defines the content used during Advertisement placeholders. If nothing is configured, the Default filler applies
When a filler content duration is longer than the gap to fill, it is only played during the gap length. When a filler content duration is shorter than the gap to fill, it is played in loop mode until it reaches the gap length.
Monitoring
When the service is active, the GUI allows to monitor the progress in the playlist with "now" line as illustrated below:
Editing
It is possible to edit a schedule by clicking on the asset in the schedule area. The following options are proposed:
Change start and end date
Trim the content: shorter duration or keep an interval (cut from/to).
Updated on: 19/04/2024
Thank you!