Statmux for AWS Elemental MediaLive

Statmux is a technology that allocates bits in real time among multiple live video channels, combining the encoded outputs into a multiplexed program transport stream. Statmux instantaneously adjusts the bitrate of each channel in the statmux pool to make the best use of total available bandwidth. This maximizes network efficiency by optimizing picture quality for a group of channels within a fixed total bandwidth. 

Statmux for MediaLive enables broadcasters and content owners to implement flexible and scalable workflows in AWS, generating content for distribution to headends via traditional broadcast methods. Content owners and broadcasters can now use MediaLive to support distribution systems that rely on statistical multiplexing. Combined with the advanced video encoding features and built-in resiliency of MediaLive, Statmux extracts more bandwidth capacity from the network, ensures reliable 24/7 operations, and reduces total cost of ownership for linear video delivery when deploying hundreds of channels.

The efficiency gains vary depending on the codec, bandwidth, and number of channels. Typical bandwidth savings are in the 20% - 40% range depending on operating conditions.

Yes. Content and service providers have been adding OTT (ABR) encoding systems to supplement their current primary screen delivery systems. Initially, OTT was an “add-on” to the existing system, purchased from a different vendor. With the increasing importance of OTT delivery, having one system to manage all encoding helps ease the operational burden. Using Statmux for MediaLive, all of the core video processing can now happen in AWS within the same workflow.

H.264 (AVC) main and high profile, (4:2:0 8 bit) and H.265 (HEVC) main and high profile, (4:2:0 8 bit), up to 1080p are supported. 

Up to 20 programs are supported currently, with up to 72 Mbps maximum MPTS total bitrate.

Yes. You can add or delete channels from a pool without introducing discontinuity on the existing channels. You can also change the reserved bandwidth for a statmux pool at any time. 

Yes, you can edit the bitrate parameters of a channel at any time.

Using either the MediaLive Console or the API, you can set a TS rate and a reserved bitrate for null packets. Statmux for MediaLive optimizes the video bitrates, taking into consideration the other audio and metadata contributions from each of the channels. 

The output of a MediaLive Statmux channel is sent to AWS Elemental MediaConnect. MediaConnect is a reliable and secure video transport service. MediaConnect supports RTP, RTP+FEC, RIST, and the Zixi protocols for securely distributing your content globally. 

With custom integration, some CA systems can be migrated to handle encryption processing within AWS. In many cases, you may simply choose to use the CA system already located in your uplink location, encrypting video streams just before they are distributed via satellite or other distribution network. In addition, if you are distributing your content with entitlements in AWS Elemental MediaConnect, you can use SPEKE (Secure Packager and Encoder Key Exchange) for key exchange. SPEKE is an open API specification that streamlines the way supported CAS systems integrate with MediaConnect. You can encrypt the Statmux for MediaLive video that is shared using entitlements and control the permissions of content sent to your distribution partners. This enables you to build complex workflows with more granular and sophisticated conditional rights management, including time-based access, black-outs, and many other rules-based requirements.