AWS MediaConvert Pipeline: From Ingest to Multi-Platform Delivery

What Is AWS MediaConvert

AWS MediaConvert transcodes file-based content into live stream assets quickly and reliably for broadcasting and streaming by combining advanced video and audio capabilities with a web services interface and pay-as-you-go pricing. With AWS Elemental MediaConvert’s high-quality video transcoding, you can create on-demand video assets that can be played virtually on any device.

Why use AWS MediaConvert

Utilizing AWS Elemental MediaConvert allows you to leverage features that enable the creation of broadcast-quality video, which includes static graphic overlays, audio loudness normalization, ad insertion through SCTE-35 support, manifest decoration, DRM integration, and closed captioning for both broadcast and OTT platforms. You can initiate your experience with straightforward jobs while simultaneously accessing a comprehensive array of configurable parameters to meticulously manage video output quality as needed.

AWS Elemental MediaConvert leverages video processing technology built from the ground up by AWS Elemental and used by video providers of all kinds today. It includes ingest and output support for the highest quality codecs (MPEG-2, AVC, AV1, and HEVC including support for 10-bit 4:2:2 color sampling), extensive adaptive bitrate packaging formats (CMAF, HLS, DASH, and MSS), and processing and conversion of HDR content (Dolby Vision, HDR 10, and HLG BT.2020). AWS Elemental MediaConvert also scales elastically with the rate of incoming jobs so you benefit from short turnaround times even when your incoming load varies.

What is file based processing

A file-based video transcoding solution is designed to process video files and generate compressed versions of the original content, thereby reducing its size, altering its format, or enhancing compatibility with playback devices. This solution is capable of converting any video input source, from high-quality studio masters to videos recorded on mobile devices, and producing content that is ready for distribution to audiences. File-based transcoding operates at speeds determined by the underlying infrastructure, which may be either faster or slower than real-time, depending on the type of input, the output format(s), and the settings of the transcoder. Furthermore, file-based transcoding solutions are anticipated to manage the packaging and protection of content by preparing assets for on-demand delivery across various device types, incorporating integrated digital rights management (DRM).

Pricing

AWS Elemental MediaConvert charges jobs based on the duration and the characteristics of the outputs generated, which means that you only pay for what you use. For more pricing details you can refer to the details given in the link below https://aws.amazon.com/mediaconvert/pricing/

Advantages of using AWS MultiConvert Pipeline

With cloud-based transcoding, you can focus on delivering compelling media experiences and worry less about maintaining video processing infrastructure.

1. Ingest from Multiple Sources:

MediaConvert supports ingesting video files from different sources which include Amazon S3, HTTP, and HTTPS, thus eliminating the need to copy files into S3 before using MediaConvert. Sources could be camera footage, live stream recordings, user uploads, or external content libraries.

2. Transcoding and Encoding:

MediaConvert can convert video files from their source format into different formats and codecs ensuring compatibility with multiple platforms and devices.

3. Media Processing:

MediaConvert can perform various media processing tasks, like video and audio processing that include adjusting audio levels, adding subtitles, or cropping video,

content packaging that includes creating the necessary files and manifests for different delivery platforms and

content protection that applies DRM(digital rights management) to protect copyrighted content.

4. Multi-Platform Delivery:

The converted and processed content can then be distributed to various platforms and devices, such as:

Mobile devices: Smartphones and tablets.

Smart TVs and set-top boxes: For playback on larger screens.

Web browsers: For online streaming.

Sample Workflow of Serverless AWS MediaConvert Pipeline

Here’s a high-level overview of an Serverless AWS MediaConvert pipeline, from ingest to multi-platform delivery. This workflow ensures content is efficiently processed and distributed across various endpoints like OTT platforms, mobile devices, and broadcast systems.

1. User uploads video to S3 Input bucket

2. It triggers a Lambda function that calls MediaConvert that converts the uploaded videos as per the parameters

3. Converted videos are stored in the S3 Output bucket

4. When the conversion job finishes, it generates CloudWatch events with metadata which can be sent to notify the user about job completion or any errors.

To establish a serverless video transcoding workflow, you begin by creating an Amazon S3 bucket and linking it to a Lambda trigger that initiates a transcoding job via Amazon Elemental MediaConvert upon the ingestion of a new file. The transcoding job outlines video packaging configurations such as HLS and DASH, in addition to the expected bitrates for the transcoded output. All of this information is stored in a separate Amazon S3 bucket. Ultimately, the videos are securely delivered through Amazon CloudFront, which restricts access to the Amazon S3 bucket by employing an origin access identity (OAI).

Some of the other key benefits include:

Scalability: MediaConvert can handle large volumes of video processing.

Cost-effectiveness: It offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model as explained below in the pricing section.

Flexibility: It supports a wide range of video formats and codecs.

Ease of use: MediaConvert provides a user-friendly interface for managing workflows.