Step 3 — Channel Creation (Playout)
Playout infrastructure, stream outputs, and monitoring setup
What channel creation involves
Channel creation is the technical step that turns your schedule into a live stream. It requires three components: a playout engine, stream packaging/delivery, and monitoring.
Playout engine options
| Solution | Best for |
|---|---|
| Vodlix FAST module | Teams wanting an all-in-one OTT + FAST stack |
| Amagi | Large-scale multi-channel operations |
| Wurl | Distribution-first with built-in platform relationships |
| Frequency | Mid-scale with strong automation |
| Broadpeak | Technical teams needing CDN-native playout |
For most new launches, Vodlix provides the fastest path from content to live stream — playout, SSAI, and distribution packaging in one workflow.
Stream output requirements
- Format: HLS (primary) + DASH where required
- Bitrate ladder: 1080p, 720p, 540p minimum
- Latency: low-latency HLS where live adjacency matters
- Redundancy: primary + backup encoder/stream paths
- CDN: geo-distributed delivery for target markets
EPG generation
Most FAST platforms require an EPG feed (Electronic Programme Guide):
- Format: XMLTV or JSON (check per platform)
- Update frequency: minimum every 24 hours; 1-hour updates preferred
- Lookahead: 7-day minimum; 14-day preferred
Monitoring
Before going live, instrument:
- Stream uptime monitor (alert within 5 minutes of interruption)
- Bitrate and segment error rate
- CDN origin health
- Ad insertion success rate (SCTE-35 trigger → impression)
Ready to build your playout stack?
Book a FAST launch call.