FAQs
What is AWS Elemental Server?
AWS Elemental Server provides fast and reliable video processing for on-premises, file-based workflows. It performs simultaneous, faster-than-real-time conversion of multiple video files to create mezzanine deliverables, traditional on-demand assets, or adaptive bitrate outputs for delivery to TVs, PCs, and mobile devices. Ideal for large-scale broadcast and multiscreen video applications, AWS Elemental Server is easy to install, configure, and integrate into existing workflows and operates seamlessly with on-premises storage systems and Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3).
Is AWS Elemental Server available for purchase?
The last date that you can purchase AWS Elemental Server and AWS Elemental Conductor File is December 31, 2021. AWS Elemental will continue to provide support for both Server and Conductor File through December 31, 2026, which is the End of Support Date, provided you have an active support contract with AWS Elemental. Support contracts that expire prior to December 31, 2026 can be extended through the End of Support Date.
What is the difference between AWS Elemental Server and the AWS Elemental MediaConvert service?
Some video workflows need to store media content in an on-premises solution, such as network-attached storage or storage area networks, and must process content from these source locations. For these types of workflows, an on-premises solution, such as AWS Elemental Server, has traditionally been the answer. For cloud workflows and for content stored in Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3),
AWS Elemental MediaConvert is the better option. In addition to providing easy integration with Amazon S3 and other AWS services, including those that support content monetization, MediaConvert offers the flexibility, agility, scale, and pay-as-you-go usability of AWS services.
What is file-based video transcoding?
In a video processing workflow, a file-based transcoding solution processes video files, creating compressed versions of the original content to reduce its size, change its format, or increase playback device compatibility. A file-based transcoding solution can convert any video input source, ranging from high-quality studio masters to videos captured on mobile devices, and produce content ready for distribution to viewers. File-based transcoding processes media as fast as the underlying infrastructure allows, which may be faster or slower than real-time depending on the input type, output format(s), and transcoder settings. File-based transcoding solutions are also expected to handle packaging and protection of content by preparing assets for on-demand delivery to multiple device types with integrated digital rights management (DRM).
What options does AWS Elemental Server support for content ingest?
AWS Elemental Server supports decode of common mezzanine, broadcast, and editing formats with software that provides the best combination of speed and flexibility. Refer to product documentation for supported formats.
What options does AWS Elemental Server support for content output?
AWS Elemental Server enables the creation of multiple resolution, bitrate, and output formats at the same time, allowing you to target a variety of players and platforms simultaneously. Package files in popular formats or retain content in a base container for downstream packaging in the future. Output formats supported include Apple ProRes, H.264, HEVC, and MPEG-2 with support for HLS, ISMV, and MPEG-TS (Cablelabs compliant) formats.
What audio features and formats are supported in AWS Elemental Server?
AWS Elemental Server supports building multi-channel, multi-language assets using broad audio codec capabilities including extensive audio re-mixing. Meet government broadcast specifications with built-in features such as audio normalization. Audio formats supported include AAC-LC, AAC-HE, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby ATMOS pass-through, and MPEG-1 Layer2.