AWS Elemental MediaLive offers pay-as-you go pricing across the following dimensions: Inputs, Outputs, Add-On Functionality, Idle Resources, and Data Transfer.

Inputs (including both primary and secondary ingest, as well as AWS Elemental Link devices) and outputs (including each individual encode within your output groups) for every channel are billed at their corresponding rates for as long as the channel is running. (See regional rates below.) Costs are incurred even if the inputs are not receiving any content and outputs are not producing content, while the channel is running. Since each live channel has one or more inputs and one or more outputs, you simply add the cost of each input (if applicable) and output to arrive at the total cost for running your live channel. There is an additional charge for running channels with advanced audio features enabled (one charge per channel).

When using MediaLive to produce Multi-Program Transport Stream (MPTS) output, Statistical Multiplex (Statmux) pricing is used for MediaLive outputs. Each Single-Program Transport Stream (SPTS) channel has a cost depending on resolution and codec used, plus the cost of the multiplexer which controls the channels and generates the single MPTS output. The price for Inputs are the same as rates for non-Statmux channels. Outputs from a MediaLive multiplexer always need to be routed through AWS Elemental MediaConnect. Data transfers cost will apply if the MediaConnect flow is in a different Availability Zone.

Any stopped channels are considered idle resources and generate a small usage charge until they are deleted.

AWS Elemental MediaLive provides two pricing models: On-Demand and Reserved.

  • On-Demand pricing: You pay an hourly rate for running inputs, outputs, and add-on features. The duration of each running resource will be rounded up to the nearest minute, above a 10-minute minimum. No long-term commitments or upfront payments are needed. You can increase or decrease your usage depending on the needs of your channels and only pay the specified hourly rates for the inputs, outputs and features you use.
  • Reserved pricing: Inputs, outputs, and add-on features are available with a 12 month commitment, and provide a significant discount compared to On-Demand pricing. This rate is charged for every hour in the month, for each month of your commitment period. For MediaLive Statmux outputs, rates for 12 month and three year reservations are listed below. For five year reserved pricing, please contact us. For 24x7 channels, reserving AWS Elemental MediaLive resources can yield significant savings. See documentation pages for more information.

The rate for inputs, outputs, and add-on functionality for on-demand or reserved pricing will differ depending on whether Standard or Single-pipeline channels are used. Channels are created as Standard or Single-pipeline, and the channel class can be updated, i.e., adding or removing a pipeline (see documentation pages for more information). When making a reservation, you must specify whether the input, output, or add-on functionality is for a Standard or Single-pipeline channel; these reservations require a 12-month commitment. MediaLive Statmux Channel outputs cannot be Single-pipeline.

Resolutions are defined as
Standard Definition (SD) is less than 720 vertical resolution.
High Definition (HD) is greater than or equal to 720 vertical resolution, but less than or equal to 1080 vertical resolution.
Ultra-High-Definition (UHD) is greater than 1080, up to and including 2160 vertical resolution.
Resolutions for Statmux outputs are defined within the Statmux output pricing table.

Input pricing

The price for each input to your live channel is determined by a combination of codec, bitrate, and resolution of the input stream. If you create a channel with the Input Switching feature enabled (i.e. using more than one input) the cost of two active inputs will be applied to that channel even if more than two inputs are configured in the schedule.

Separate input pricing applies when using AWS Elemental Link to send video to MediaLive. Link inputs are available as Standard or Single-pipeline channels.

AWS Cloud Digital Interface (AWS CDI) inputs  are based on resolution only. These are defined as: Standard Definition (SD) is 480i and 576i resolution up to 30 frames per second (fps). High Definition has different rates for 720p up to 60fps / 1080i up to 30fps, and 1080p up to 60fps. Ultra High Definition (UHD/4K) is up to 60fps.

  • AVC Inputs
  • HEVC Inputs
  • MPEG-2 Inputs
  • AWS Elemental Link Inputs
  • AWS CDI Inputs

Output pricing

The cost for each output for your live channel is determined by a combination of bitrate, resolution, and frame rate for AVC outputs. For AVC Enhanced VQ, and HEVC outputs a combination of resolution and frame determined the cost. The total output price is the sum of all outputs generated for the channel. Check MediaLive documentation for limitations on creating HEVC 4K/UHD outputs.

NB: When using the "Initialize from Source" configuration for output frame rate, MediaLive will provision resources for ">30fps", and costs will reflect a ">30fps" price even if the actual frame rate is lower. We recommend using explicit output frame rates in your configuration.

  • AVC Outputs
  • HEVC Outputs

Statmux Output pricing

The cost for each output for a statistical multiplex (statmux) live channel is determined by a combination of codec (MPEG2, AVC or HEVC) and resolution. Standard Definition is 480i and 576i resolution up to 30 frames per second (fps). High Definition has different rates for 720p up to 60fps / 1080i up to 30fps, and 1080p up to 60fps. Ultra High Definition (UHD/4K) has rates only for the HEVC codec up to 60fps. MPEG2 codec is only available for SD and 720p/1080i HD. The total output price for a statmux channel is the sum of all outputs generated for the channel plus the cost of the multiplexer.

Add-On Functionality

These rates are applied at the channel level, rather than by individual input or output. Motion Graphics usage is billed based on the largest input or output resolution specified in the channel. Channels with SD only inputs and outputs will be billed at the HD rate. Advanced audio includes additional audio encoders to support outputs for Dolby Digital (AC3), Dolby Digital Plus (EAC3), and Dolby Atmos (EAC3 ATMOS). Advanced audio also includes audio decoding for Dolby E inputs. Audio Normalization uses technology from DTS to enable monitoring and correction in accordance with the ITU-R BS.1770 standard and logging compliant with the CALM ACT (ATSC A/85).

Pricing examples

  • Example 1: On-demand, standard channel
  • The per hour cost for a live standard channel with two HD inputs (using input switching) and producing 5 outputs with advanced audio in the US East (N. Virginia) Region would be $3.942:

    Input
    1080p HD, HEVC, 20Mbps = $0.588 per hour
    1080p HD, HEVC, 20Mbps = $0.588 per hour

    AVC Outputs
    1080p HD, 5Mbps 30fps = $0.702 per hour
    720p HD, 2Mbps, 30fps, = $0.702 per hour
    576p SD, 1.2Mbps, 30fps, = $0.354 per hour
    432p SD, 0.8Mbps, 30fps = $0.354 per hour
    288p SD, 0.5Mbps, 30fps = $0.354 per hour

    Add-On Functionality
    Advanced audio = $0.300 per hour

    Total
    $0.588 + $0.588 + $0.702 + $0.702 + $0.354 + $0.354 + 0.354 + $0.300 = $3.942 per hour
    Or $0.0657 per minute with a minimum charge of $0.657 (10 minutes)

  • Example 2: Reserved, standard channel
  • If the inputs and outputs that make up a live standard channel are running for more than 25% of the time each month (180 or more hours) over a 12-month period, reserving those inputs and outputs with a 12-month commitment and the lower hourly rate for the month will be more cost effective. For example, reserved pricing is the best option when broadcasting 24x7 linear channels.

    The monthly cost for a channel with the same configuration as Example 1 but with 1 input and with a 12 month commitment:

    Input
    1080p HD, HEVC, 20Mbps = $0.1438 per hour (~$104 per 30 day month)

    AVC Outputs
    1080p HD, 5Mbps 30fps = $0.1726 per hour (~$125 per 30 day month)
    720p HD, 2Mbps, 30fps = $0.1726 per hour (~$125 per 30 day month)
    576p SD, 1.2Mbps, 30fps = $0.0863 per hour (~$63 per 30 day month)
    432p SD, 0.8Mbps, 30fps = $0.0863 per hour (~$63 per 30 day month)
    288p SD, 0.5Mbps, 30fps = $0.0863 per hour (~$63 per 30 day month)

    Add-On Functionality
    Advanced audio = $0.0356 (~$26 per 30 day month)

    Total
    ($0.1438 + $0.1726 + $0.1726 + $0.0863 + $0.0863 + $0.0863 + $0.0356) * 720 = $564.12 for a 30 day month

    Compare this to $2,414.88, the cost for running the same configuration for one month using On-Demand pricing.

    Let's take a look at an example in a bit more detail:

    • When reserving a set of inputs, outputs, and add-on functionality, the reserved hourly cost is applied for all the hours in the month. If you have two sets of reservations (Set A and Set B) and only a single live channel running (Channel 1) which is using the reserved inputs, outputs, and add-on functionality (Set A), you will still pay for both reserved sets (Set A and Set B).
    • When a second live channel (Channel 2) using the same configuration is started, there is no additional cost, as this channel falls within the second reservation (Set B).
    • If a third live channel (Channel 3) is started with the same configuration, this channel would be charged using the On-Demand hourly rate, as you have used your two reserved sets for the first two channels.
    • If the second live channel (Channel 2) is stopped, On-Demand hourly charges would stop, and the third live channel (Channel 3) would start using the second set of reserved inputs and outputs (Set B).
  • Example 3: On-demand, single-pipeline channel
  • The per hour cost for a live single-pipeline channel with two HD inputs (using input switching) and producing 5 outputs with advanced audio in the US East (N. Virginia) Region would be $2.3652

    Input
    1080p HD, HEVC, 20Mbps = $0.3528 per hour
    1080p HD, HEVC, 20Mbps = $0.3528 per hour

    AVC Outputs
    1080p HD, 5Mbps 30fps = $0.4212 per hour
    720p HD, 2Mbps, 30fps, = $0.4212 per hour
    576p SD, 1.2Mbps, 30fps, = $0.2124 per hour
    432p SD, 0.8Mbps, 30fps = $0.2124 per hour
    288p SD, 0.5Mbps, 30fps = $0.2124 per hour

    Add-On Functionality
    Advanced audio = $0.18 per hour

    Total
    $0.3528 + $0.3528 + $0.4212 + $0.4212 + $0.2124 + $0.2124 + $0.2124 + $0.18 = $2.3652 per hour
    Or $0.03942 per minute with a minimum charge of $0.3942 (10 minutes)

  • Example 4: Reserved, single-pipeline channel
  • If the inputs and outputs that make up a live single-pipeline channel are running for more than 25% of the time each month (180 or more hours) over a 12-month period, reserving those inputs and outputs with a 12-month commitment and the lower hourly rate for the month will be more cost effective. For example, reserved pricing is the best option when broadcasting 24x7 linear channels.

    The monthly cost for a channel with the same configuration as Example 3 with a 12 month commitment:

    Input
    1080p HD, HEVC, 20Mbps = $0.0863 / hr (~$62 per 30 day month)
    1080p HD, HEVC, 20Mbps = $0.0863 / hr (~$62 per 30 day month)

    AVC Outputs
    1080p HD, 5Mbps 30fps = $0.1036 per hour (~$75 per 30 day month)
    720p HD, 2Mbps, 30fps = $0.1036 per hour (~$75 per 30 day month)
    576p SD, 1.2Mbps, 30fps = $0.0518 per hour (~$37 per 30 day month)
    432p SD, 0.8Mbps, 30fps = $0.0518 per hour (~$37 per 30 day month)
    288p SD, 0.5Mbps, 30fps = $0.0518 per hour (~$37 per 30 day month)

    Add-On Functionality
    Advanced audio = $0.0214 (~$15 per 30 day month)

    Total
    ($0.0863 +$0.0863 + $0.1036 + $0.1036 + $0.0518 + $0.0518 + $0.0518 + $0.0214)  * 720 = $400.75 for a 30 day month

    Compare this to $1,702.94, the cost for running the same configuration for one month using On-Demand pricing.

    Let's take a look at an example in a bit more detail:

    • When reserving a set of inputs, outputs, and add-on functionality, the reserved hourly cost is applied for all the hours in the month. If you have two sets of reservations (Set A and Set B) and only a single live channel running (Channel 1) which is using the reserved inputs, outputs, and add-on functionality (Set A), you will still pay for both reserved sets (Set A and Set B).
    • When a second live channel (Channel 2) using the same configuration is started, there is no additional cost, as this channel falls within the second reservation (Set B).
    • If a third live channel (Channel 3) is started with the same configuration, this channel would be charged using the On-Demand hourly rate, as you have used your two reserved sets for the first two channels.
    • If the second live channel (Channel 2) is stopped, On-Demand hourly charges would stop, and the third live channel (Channel 3) would start using the second set of reserved inputs and outputs (Set B).

See this blog post for a more detailed look at the factors that influence the cost of running a live streaming channel on AWS, like video bitrates, number of viewers, average bitrate viewed, and cache/hit ratios when using AWS Elemental MediaLive, AWS Elemental MediaPackage, Amazon CloudFront, and AWS Elemental MediaTailor for monetization.

Idle Resources

Data Transfer

As part of the AWS free tier, AWS customers receive 100 GB of free data transfer out to the internet free each month, aggregated across all AWS Services and Regions (except China and GovCloud).  Also, there are no additional charges for data transfer within the same Region.

However, you may still incur additional charges when you serve content outside of AWS.  For instance, if the content output is delivered to a destination over the internet of via a CDN other than Amazon CloudFront, then data transfer charges apply.

The pricing below is based on data transferred “in” to and “out” of AWS Elemental MediaLive in a region other than the one in which  the service is deployed.

 

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