xPlayout2.4 build 2017.02.15

The online space is the one-stop solution for all entertainment, so you need to be using the right tools when delivering your own material. For instance, xPlayout is the type of application with which to broadcast videos across a network, via cable or satellite, wireless and IP TV streaming media.

Support for various input and output interfaces

The setup package contains a couple of components needed to make everything work. On the one hand there’s the server, which needs to be configured in running to be able to broadcast. On the other hand there’s the control center where you get to create and manage playlist, schedules, and more.You can create both a main and backup server, with options to specify channel count, output storage, as well as watchdog. Channel settings, on the other hand, are used to directly control input and output.Basic parameters of a channel let you specify name and logo, control mode which can be network, serial port, or protocol, padding clip, as well as HD and SD simultaneous. Input and output interface support includes HD-SDI / SD-SDI with audio embed, HDMI, composite / component, and network stream like UDP and RTMP.

Create broadcast playlists and schedules

However, the server is of little to no use on its own, so the next step is to access the main control window. You need to connect to the configured server, with the possibility to enable up to 3 multiple monitors for output.The main window includes elements like preview monitors and playback controls, live playlist, as well as the library of items. You can create playlists and groups which can contain audio and video files like MPEG, AVI, MP4, WMV, FLV, MKV, MOV, RMVB, MXF, MP2, MP3, PCM, AAC, WMA, AC3, FLAC, and more.Additional elements can be included in the playback, such as logos, clocks, and other effects to spice up the view. Schedules can also be created, with the possibility to manually specify the start time of each clip.

In conclusion

All in all, xPlayout comes with a powerful set of tools with which broadcasting your own channel becomes a walk in the park. Server setup is intuitive enough and requires little effort, with the control window letting you easily create playlist and schedules.