packetv® mobile whitepaper

_______________________________________________________________________

PackeTV® Mobile Delivering HLS Video to Mobile Devices

White Paper Created by Visionary Solutions, Inc. July, 2013

http://www.vsicam.com

_______________________________________________________________________

http://www.linkedin.com/company/visionary-‐solutions-‐inc.

http://www.facebook.com/vsiptv

http://www.twitter.com/vsiptv

http://www.youtube.com/vsiptv

Delivering HLS Video to Mobile Devices

Executive Summary HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) is now one of the primary methods for delivery of video content to mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones. The HLS format is supported by a wide range of devices, including those that use Apple’s iOS, like the iPhone, iPad, and iPad mini, as well as a variety of desktop and portable devices including those that use Android, Java ME, Symbian or Blackberry operating systems. The market for delivering streaming video content to end users is growing rapidly, especially for mobile devices. An increase in tablet usage of over 60 percent year over year is forecast by Gartner, and sales of the iPad Mini represented 60 percent of overall iOS tablet sales for Q1 2013. Bringing video content of optimal quality with seamless speed to these devices is an imperative. HLS is a popular delivery format because it is easy to deploy on a standard Web server, and because it performs well in mobile environments. Applications running on mobile devices can easily download chunks of content on-‐demand and ensure smooth, uninterrupted playback of high-‐quality video content. HLS requires a sequence of processing steps for delivery of live and pre-‐recorded, compressed video to mobile and other devices. This whitepaper provides an overview that explains the primary technology required for streaming. This includes video capture systems, video processing hardware, and software needed to create HLS streams. This paper also describes a unique, single device integrated file server that can support hundreds of users, eliminating the need for content delivery network (CDN) services.

A Closer Look at HTTP Live Streaming One of the historic challenges of delivering real-‐time video to PCs and other online devices is the requirement that the video provider and viewer both use specialized, compatible hardware and software. On the provider side, streaming servers were needed to format and rate-‐control each video stream so that every video data packet was delivered to the viewer before the video player’s buffer became empty, ensuring smooth video delivery. For the viewer, special client software was needed to manage the video stream data delivery process. While this functionality was a nuisance for PCs on hardwired networks, it became an even bigger headache for mobile devices opening on wireless or 3G/4G networks. HLS was developed to improve performance both for delivery servers and end-‐user applications on client devices. On the server side, the need for specialized software and hardware to deliver individual video packets at a rate-‐controlled pace was replaced with proven HTTP file server technology, which has been the standard used for website content delivery for more than 20 years. On the client side, the tedious process of sending stream control data to the server was eliminated. With HLS, each client can download video data files as needed.


A major advantage of HTTP streaming is its ability to successfully deliver streaming video content into home and enterprise environments that are protected by firewalls. Because HTTP files comprise the vast majority of websites (normally delivered through port 80 on a TCP/IP connection), firewalls are almost universally configured to permit their passage, with extremely rare high-‐security exceptions. In contrast, traditional streaming protocols use other ports and different data transfer protocols (such as RTP and UDP) that often require users to specially configure firewalls. For each video program, HLS provides a content stream that corresponds to the bit rate of the compressed video and audio signals. Bit rate of the video/audio stream is determined by several factors, including video image resolution (vertical and horizontal pixel count), frame rate, and compressed image/sound quality. A high bit rate file sequence enables larger image sizes, faster frame rates, improved sound, and more high-‐quality images than a lower bit rate file. Every video stream is then sliced into a series of files so that each file (or chunk) represents a fixed amount of time (typically 2, 5, 10 or 30 seconds) in the content sequence. These files are published on an HTTP server in an ordered sequence that can be downloaded on demand.

Implementing HLS Three main functions need to be accomplished to create an HLS stream, as shown in Figure 1. First an H.264 video stream (with an accompanying audio signal) is generated from a camera or other source. Next, the HLS video processor separates the video and audio content into file chunks and creates a manifest (directory) file that will be delivered to the client device. Finally, the content files are loaded onto a server that allows a client device to download and display them, using a media viewer. Each of these steps is explained in greater detail in the following sections. Video Source: From a practical standpoint, a well-‐designed HLS server can accept content from virtually any video source. However, the type of source dictates which server equipment is required and how the system workflow is configured. For live streams, a video camera or video production switcher output is typically used. These are available in many varieties: analog or digital, consumer or professional, SD or HD. The output video signal needs to be compressed using H.264 compression, and the audio output using HE-‐AAC, AAC-‐LC or MP3 encoding. In Figure 1, an AVN441 encoder is depicted, which enables flexibility in handling analog and digital video and audio, including HDMI signals. The resulting output can be fed directly into the video processor. Pre-‐recorded video, including videotapes, discs, and solid-‐state memory devices can also be converted to HLS streams. By connecting the output of the video playback device to an AVN441 (or equivalent) encoder, one can simultaneously digitize and compress the video content for optimal mobile delivery.


Computer files containing video content are easiest to work with. When these files have been created using H.264 and are in .mov or .mp4 video file formats, they can be loaded directly into the content processor and prepared for client download. MPEG Transport Stream (TS) files that contain H.264 encoded video can also be uploaded directly to the content processor. A live MPEG-‐TS can also be accommodated. When this type of stream is available (from an IPTV or a broadcast application), it can be fed into the content processor and converted into HLS in real time. Content that has been compressed using MPEG-‐2 encoders can be processed, but these signals will not play out correctly on Apple devices. They are only compatible to Android systems with compatible viewing applications.1 Regardless of the source, all video content needs to be delivered to the content processor over an Ethernet connection. In many cases, this consists of a real-‐time stream of packets from an encoder or other device that are collected and prepared for HLS streaming immediately as the packets arrive. In other instances, the content will be contained in a data file that is transferred using a protocol like FTP. In either case, as soon as the video content arrives, it can be prepared for HLS streaming to a client device. Content Processing: This step creates the files and manifest lists that are downloaded by the client devices during playback. Each of the compressed H.264 video files or streams (and associated audio content) must be converted into a series of files. Each file is stored on the server and listed in the manifest, which is delivered to the client device before playback begins. The most important task of the content preparation system is slicing the content streams into fixed-‐size blocks (or chunks) of the exact same length. This process allows the client device to schedule the download of the next chunk in measured time to ensure uninterrupted video display. By calculating the time required to download each chunk with the amount of time that is required to play it, the client device appropriately calibrates when to start the next piecemeal download. Content Delivery: The server delivers video streams to just a few or hundreds of mobile client devices simultaneously, taking into account the available network bandwidth is available. Typically, two types of networks are used for mobile devices. Local wireless networks (such as Wi-‐Fi) can deliver signals to devices that are within reach of the signal, and are typically limited to one or more buildings located on an organization’s campus. For remote users, who can literally be located anywhere in the world, mobile carrier 3G/4G LTE networks are frequently used. Before playback begins, the client device must request the manifest list from the server. This log contains information about the files, including the chunk duration, file addresses (URLs), and file sizes. Using the manifest, client devices can calculate when the next chunk needs to be downloaded in order to begin playback without interrupting or delaying the stream. Client devices then use standard HTTP file transfer protocols to download each chunk of content as needed and play the video requested. 1MPEG-‐2 content can also be transcoded into H.264 format to accommodate Apple devices.


HLS Applications The value of video communications is increasing very quickly and the need to distribute video content to mobile devices will only continue to grow. Last year, mobile video views jumped 300% last year, according to the U.S. Digital Benchmark Video Review. HLS is an ideal technology for mobile device delivery, because it is supported by the major mobile platforms including Apple iOS and Android. HLS can also be viewed on desktop and portable devices, including laptops and tablets. Nonprofit and for-‐profit organizations rely on video communications as an effective way to deliver business-‐related content to employees. Internal usage might include new hire training, delivery of human resources communiques, or presentation of executive speeches or quarterly earnings reports. Such technology is especially vital for organizations and businesses with locations across the country or around the world, as well as remote employees. Further, video can also be a very effective tool for communicating with customers or clients, whether it be for sales presentations, post-‐purchase product/service training, and compelling outreach to existing and prospective customers. Government agencies at the local, regional, state and national level can use video streaming via mobile devices to communicate with constituents. Agency employees can benefit from the same applications as commercial enterprises. Government usage of real time video content delivery has been proven to improve awareness by constituents, as well as first responders, during emergencies and natural disasters. Video content also makes an excellent use of the high-‐speed networks that many government agencies have deployed, helping to improve communications with remote staff members who use mobile devices for network access. Servers that include a self-‐contained content distribution functionality can work behind firewalls and within secure networks, avoiding the potential risks involved with using a commercial CDN provider. Secondary and university-‐level educational institutions need to communicate with a student audience that relies nearly exclusively on mobile devices that can receive and play HLS content. By supporting students’ personal devices, which are moving quickly to 100 percent absorption of smartphones and tablets, these institutions can increase viewing of video programming without incurring the cost of deploying and managing set-‐top boxes or other display devices. Houses of worship often wish to provide live and pre-‐recorded video streams to existing and prospective members of their congregations who are unable attend services in person. With parishioner access to mobile devices, it makes sense to deliver content in HLS format.

“The need to distribute video content to mobile devices will only continue to grow”


Alternatively, a device such as the Amino H140 set-‐top box can be installed in the viewer’s home, connected to a television and an Internet circuit, and used to play HLS content. Telephone companies offering IPTV services and regional cable providers can increase the appeal of their subscription packages by offering HLS streaming services to mobile devices. By using a server with a built-‐in CDN function, only internal network resources are required, lowering the operational cost of delivering content to mobile users.

Deploying HLS with PackeTV® Mobile In order to simplify and consolidate HLS installations, Visionary Solutions created the PackeTV® Mobile HLS, a single device that performs content preparation and delivery. This integrated file server can support hundreds of users, eliminating the need for content delivery network (CDN) services. Equipped with two gigabit Ethernet ports that provide a substantial amount of network bandwidth, the unit can store hundreds of hours of pre-‐recorded content. The entry-‐level system is housed in a single, compact 1RU chassis that fits perfectly into any standard 20-‐ inch deep AV rack. The PackeTV® Mobile HLS server supports all of the functions needed to accept H.264 video streams (real-‐time or file-‐based) and deliver HLS streams, including content preparation, file storage, and content delivery. All of this functionality is contained within a server that has been specifically designed to optimize throughput and ease of use. PackeTV® Mobile HLS dramatically lowers operational costs compared with systems that use traditional streaming CDNs to simultaneously distribute video to multiple clients. System ownership ensures seamless, around-‐the-‐clock availability of the video streams. Each video stream can be published once and made available to all viewers with a simple set of user commands. Occasional users will find that this single, integrated system eliminates much of the configuration complexity that normally occurs when multiple subsystems from different manufacturers and service providers need to be integrated to form a complete solution. Heavy users will appreciate the flexibility that is available within the device configuration menus, which allow system operations to be customized to accommodate a wide range of bit rates, signal formats, and target devices. Also, because standard HTTP Web-‐server technologies are used for content delivery, the added fees required for high throughput streaming service providers such as CDNs are eliminated, saving the content provider money. With an on-‐site PackeTV® Mobile HLS, content asset management can be greatly simplified and centralized on a single server. A single video file can be created and delivered to an organization’s internal and external viewers, eliminating the need to


manage multiple streams on different servers. Network bandwidth is also used more efficiently, as chunks can be downloaded quickly, and each client device only consumes as much data as the quality of their network connection allows. More than half of all overall video consumption is consumed on a Wi-‐Fi device, according to Streaming Media, so content providers must make mobile content delivery an immediate priority.

Conclusion Video delivery to mobile devices is rapidly expanding both in terms of its scope and penetration. With the installed base of video-‐capable devices growing explosively (tripling in 2010, and more than doubling again in 2011), consumers expect and demand video content on their portable devices. This is good news for businesses and organizations. Video is a powerful way to communicate with employees and customers, and can help optimize all types of communication. Marketing and sales outreach, efficient and broad-‐based communication, and comprehensive education functions can all be achieved with this technology and the availability of increasingly affordable, easy-‐to-‐use delivery systems. HLS is a leading technology for delivering video to mobile devices, based on its wide range of target devices, flexibility, and compatibility with virtually any type of private or public network. It can support applications for many types of organizations, including corporate, nonprofit, government, faith-‐based and educational. Using HLS, organizations can cost-‐effectively deliver seamless video content to viewers in real time anywhere around the globe. PackeTV® Mobile HLS is the ideal platform for any organization that is launching HLS video services. The self-‐contained system can take compressed video signals from live and pre-‐recorded sources and convert them into the content and manifest files that are downloaded by mobile devices that play video to users. The built-‐in server can deliver simultaneous streams to tens or hundreds of devices without the need for expensive service contracts with external CDN providers. Easy to install, PackeTV® Mobile HLS accommodates both experts and novices in the world of video streaming. Visionary Solutions, Inc. has established a strong record over the past decade for delivering reliable, high-‐performance IPTV encoding solutions for professional applications. Every Visionary Solutions product is easy to configure and install, and fully supported by a responsive and experienced customer service team. For more information about any Visionary Solutions product, or to schedule a live demonstration, please contact our sales department at 1+ 805-‐845-‐8900, email us at [email protected], or visit our website www.vsicam.com to locate a nearby dealer.

packetv® mobile whitepaper

Technology

ensuringsmoothvi fortheviewer

thisincludesvid systems

liketheipho ipadmini

consumerorprofe hd

asshow figure1