As video resolutions increase and target playback platforms multiply, video producers must leave their H.264/HLS/HDS comfort zone and expand into HEVC, VP9, and MPEG-DASH. This workshop is divided into multiple segments by target platform to teach you the applicable standards and best strategies for delivering live and VOD adaptive video to viewers on that platform, both with and without DRM. Along the way, you learn options for producing H.264, HEVC, and VP9; the status of standards such as the Media Source Extensions (MSE) and Encrypted Media Extensions (EME); and how and when to utilize them. Attendees walk away knowing the technical requirements for delivering to all key platforms the best practices for making it happen.

Deploying live streaming can be an ideal solution for so many use cases, but there are many decisions to be made for each step of the workflow. How can you arrive at a plan quickly, especially if you are just getting started with live streaming or retiring an outdated technology platform? This session walks you through some current best practices for several scenarios from start to finish. We cover options for each step, including live event capture, encoding, streaming formats, distribution, content protection, playback technologies, and on-premises vs. cloud vs. hybrid. You see examples for sporting events, concerts, broadcasting, enterprise webcasts, educational lectures, house of worship services, and more.

Transitioning from Flash to HTML5 is a complicated matter involving a change in player and encoding format and, for some, even new DRM, captioning, and advertising insertion technologies. Learn the current status of the Media Source Extensions and Encrypted Media Extensions. Get advice on your options and strategies for existing encoded content libraries and how to plan and implement the transition. A representative from Elemental Technologies describes the MPEG-DASH standard, details how to encode for MPEGDASH, and discusses alternatives for adopting or converting existing content libraries. A representative from JW Player also covers development options for creating a MSE/EME compatible player, including open source and OTS options like JW Player, and presents case studies for successful Flash to MSE/EME transitions.

Fortunately for video specialists, there are many options to create a reliable scalable video encoding workflow. Powerful and “free” open source options, such as FFmpeg, are appealing to start-ups and businesses. In this workshop, learn the pros and cons of utilizing open source software in your encoding workflow. You also learn how to implement a customized workflow by deconstructing a sample PHP and FFmpeg architecture. We also explore extended encoding options for FFmpeg including HEVC/H.265, to maximize compatibility with a wide range of mobile and desktop browsers, as well as streaming media servers such as Wowza Streaming Engine.