At Amagi, we have pioneered a unique watermark-based edge content insertion platform, STORM, that allows TV networks to replace content at the headends without having to invest in new channel feeds.
2. At Amagi, we have
pioneered a unique
watermark-based edge
content insertion platform,
STORM, that allows TV
networks to replace
content at the headends
without having to invest
in new channel feeds.
Content and reach have been in unequivocal terms the
cornerstone of any TV network’s success. However,
varying viewership preferences, complex broadcasting
regulations, and content licensing challenges are making
the pursuit of reasonable RoI, a daunting task for TV
networks. For instance, investing in a separate satellite
feed for Turkey to address content regulations that are
impacted for only a few hours in the day. Or the lack
of content rights in a very small region which receives
a pan-continental satellite feed. Or monetizing through
local advertisements. Managing such region-specific
nuances by investing in new satellite feeds can be tricky
especially when the returns aren’t commensurate with
the investments.
STORM, Amagi’s cloud-based edge content insertion platform is an end-to-end content
regionalization platform that can transform a channel’s regionalization strategy into action in
both traditional satellite broadcasting and new-age cloud infrastructure environment.
As part of content ingest and transfer process, content that needs to be replaced are ‘watermarked’ and
pushed into a playlist. The Amagi watermark is a unique, invisible and inaudible signature that content
insertion devices at the headends recognize. Regional content that needs to replace the watermarked
content are predetermined and stored in the edge content insertion servers. These servers are managed
through a secure and reliable cloud infrastructure. Once the edge content insertion servers receive
the channel feed through satellite/fibre, the watermarked content are recognized and replaced with
predetermined appropriate regional content.
In addition to the patented Amagi watermark technology, the edge content insertion servers are also
capable of supporting traditional triggers such as DTMF and SCTE 35-based tones. The workflow is
fully automated, and integrates seamlessly with existing broadcast systems. It supports sports and
news channels too with workflows that are independent of network feed schedules. The STORM edge
content insertion platform can centrally manage multiple content skews across hundreds of headends
around the globe.
Amagi.
Reimagining TV.
STORM Cloud-Based Edge
Content Insertion Platform
AMAGI | STORM EDGE CONTENT INSERTION
3. Feature-Rich
Content Insertion
Local Content
Transport
Workflow Integration
Security
Broadcast-grade
Reliability
Manageability
Monitoring
Input Interfaces
Output Interfaces
• HD 1080i 60Hz/50Hz
• Dynamic multi-layered graphics
• Dolby surround sound
• Subtitle support (Open/Closed) DVB, CEA 708/608
• Segmented videos/soft-parted videos
• Digital Video Effects (DVE)
• Internet-based
• Satellite trickle bandwidth
• Amagi watermark trigger integrated with broadcast ingest workflow
• Triggers supported: Amagi watermark, DTMF and SCTE-35 tones
• Automated local content transcode and transport system to cloud with the ability
to integrate with broadcast media asset management systems
• Programmable interface for local content playlist and as-run logs to be integrated
with existing scheduling systems
• Military-grade AES 256-bit VPN platform-wide encryption
• Firewall protected edge content insertion and playout servers at
headends preventing any Denial of Services (DoS) attacks
• Content stored in encrypted form
• 99.99% SLA on accurate content insertion and playout
• 1+1 fail-safe edge content insertion and playout servers
• Geographically mirrored cloud infrastructure
• Smart recovery on Internet failures with evergreen playlist and content
• Advanced and easy-to-use web user interface (UI)
• Media management
• Playlist scheduling and editing
• Playout control/monitoring including Ad breaks through UI
• Live programming switch in/out
• 24x7 infrastructure monitoring including video playout, asset and playlist
status, network and devices
• 24x7 call center support
• Configurable alerts on email/phone/escalations
• HD-SDI, IP, and RF-IN (With Conditional Access Support)
• HD-SDI, IP, and ASI
STORM EDGE CONTENT INSERTION | AMAGI
Features Using the STORM platform, broadcasters can avoid a capital intensive
route of setting up new channel feeds to address regionalization
requirements. Its comprehensive feature set includes:
4. Amagi offers a comprehensive support model designed to
simplify initial deployment for edge content insertion and to offer
continued support for on-going operations management.
Support
Systems and
Workflow Integration
Installation and
Training
Ongoing Support
Playout
Management
Support
• Edge content insertion requirements detailing
• Existing system and workflow review
• Systems and workflow customization and integration with
media asset management and scheduling systems
• Install content preparation systems and train operations team at
broadcasters
• Configure cloud-delivery infrastructure
• Install edge content insertion servers and train staff at headends
• 24 x 7 x 365 days call center support
• Infrastructure monitoring
• Infrastructure issue resolution
• Onsite support and maintenance
• Custom feature development
• Product upgrades
• 24 x 7 x 365 day service
• Content insertion and delivery monitoring
• Edge playout management and monitoring
• Reporting
Amagi’s Patented
Watermark Technology
Watermarking vs traditional triggers:
Although Amagi’s edge content insertion
device supports traditional broadcast triggers
such as DTMF and SCTE-35 based tones,
Amagi recommends the use of its watermark
over traditional broadcast triggers as it offers
workflow flexibilities and 100% accuracy in
identifying and replacing content assets..
Watermarking workflows:
Watermarking offers multiple workflow
possibilities depending on the type of asset
watermarked.
Amagi Watermark DTMF/SCTE-35/SCTE-104
• Highly reliable trigger detection
• Frame accurate splicing
• Local replacement managed as
independent workflow
• No traffic integration or
automation system changes
required
• DTMF tones could be easily missed
• Not suitable for Sports or News
channels
• Needs alteration to existing workflow
Watermarked Asset Types Workflow Areas
Watermarked videos
(Bumpers/Slates)
Watermarked content
The individual content assets to
be replaced (i.e., the program)
are watermarked
• The watermarked bumper is played right
before the local replacement opportunity
to identify it
• Replacing entire program including
interstitials, Ads and promos
• When the watermarked asset is played
out in the network feed it is replaced
with the appropriate local content as
instructed by the local playlist
• Most suitable for replacing individual
commercials, promos, and segments of
a program
AMAGI | STORM EDGE CONTENT INSERTION
5. Addressing viewer preferences in Brazil
A US-based movie channel customized content for audiences in Brazil
on its multi-country feed by replacing select content at thousands of local
headends. Using STORM, the channel saved thousands of dollars by
completely avoiding setting up new satellite feeds specifically for Brazil.
Complying with regulatory requirements in Singapore
Regulatory requirements in Singapore requires TV networks to refrain from
airing religious content. Catering to a large Indian diaspora in Singapore,
a regional broadcast channel from India faced black-out in Singapore
as it aired two hours of religious content on its Asia broadcast feed that
covered Singapore as well. Deploying STORM, Amagi’s edge content
insertion platform, the channel seamlessly replaced religious content with
evergreen content at local headends in Singapore, without having to set
up new satellite feeds.
Managing content licensing issues in Africa
A leading TV network was caught off-guard as its EMEA feed covered
Africa where it didn’t possess content license to broadcast one of its
popular programme. As the programme was not a regular feature on
the channel, investing in a new feed for Africa would hardly serve the
channel’s long-term strategy. Amagi’s STORM edge content insertion
platform installed at numerous headends in Africa successfully replaced
the unlicensed content and programme promotions with predetermined
regional content on the channel’s existing EMEA broadcast feed.
STORM
Edge Content Insertion
Use Cases
STORM EDGE CONTENT INSERTION | AMAGI
6. About Amagi
Amagi is the world’s largest platform for delivering targeted
TV content and advertising anywhere across the globe. Every
month, Amagi delivers and plays out more than one million
advertising seconds and thousands of hours of content for many
leading broadcasters. More than 1,000 Amagi edge servers in
over 10 countries across four continents continuously deliver
SLAs above 99.99% performance levels. Amagi’s patented core
technology delivers new market access, content localisation and
advertising revenue streams for broadcasters at a fraction of the
cost when compared to existing traditional broadcast models.
Sales Contact
E-Mail Contact cloudandme@amagi.com
Corporate Office
Bangalore
#690, 15th Cross
JP Nagar, 2nd Phase
Bangalore, Karnataka
560078 India
United Kingdom
Sri Hari T
Phone: +44 7405 176 517
Singapore & India
Kalaivani Sivasankaran
Phone: +65 96121566
Phone: +91 80 26588339
Malaysia
Kamshul Kasim
Phone: +601 0610 0001
Japan
Shunsuke Matsuda
Phone: +81 90 5587 9965
Singapore
238A, Thomson Road #25
07/10 Novena Square (Tower A)
Singapore, 30768
