This guide explains how to schedule recorded video using VOD 2 Live so playback starts at the time you choose and ends when the scheduled window ends. While the station is playing, MediaCP streams that scheduled playout to social destinations using Stream Targets. Destinations can include YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, Icecast, and any number of custom RTMP endpoints.

Why VOD 2 Live

VOD 2 Live is used because the source is a recorded file, but the experience and timing are controlled like a live publish window.

You upload the intended file(s), select them in a scheduled playlist event, and then route that scheduled playout to your Stream Targets so platforms publish the content within the defined time window.

Why Use MediaCP?

The Media Control panel is a powerful streaming panel that handles audio and video streaming for broadcasters, agencies and providers. We streamline the entire process by combining powerful features with an accessible interface. MediaCP has been in business for twenty years and provide excellent rapid support from real humans helping to keep your broadcasts online. In the case of VOD 2 Live it provides both parts of the workflow in one place:

• Scheduled Playlist for timed playout control (what plays, and when it plays)
• Stream Targets for streaming outputs that follow the station’s scheduled playback window

This allows the schedule to control the start and stop behavior, and allow an automatic timed broadcast to your social platforms and direct viewers.

Step-by-step

1) Create the TV Station service

In MediaCP, use the service creation wizard to create a new MediaCP Video TV Station service.

1. Login as administrator or reseller account.
2. Navigate to the Services tab on left navigation bar.
3. Select Create a New Server.
4. Use the service creation wizard to set the intended customer.
5. Select MediaCP Video.
6. Set the service name and set the Service Type to TV Station.
7. Set the other configuration as preferred and select Create Service.

2) Schedule → Default Playlist (empty)

1. On the newly created service select the TV Schedule tab.
2. Select the Manage Default Playlist button.
3. Remove all files from the default playlist.

This prevents the station from continuously playing a loop of default videos. The station output is then only live during scheduled events or when a live encoder connects.

3) Upload the intended file(s)

Using the Media tab, upload the recorded file(s you want viewers and platforms to receive.

4) Schedule the playlist event

Use the schedule calendar to create a Scheduled Playlist event:

1. Set the event time and date to the decided publish time.
2. Select the colour, loop and overrun settings as preferred.
3. Use the Playlist Builder to select the file(s) that should play during that scheduled event.

When the Scheduled Playlist starts, the station begins playout for that window.

5) Create Stream Targets for destinations

Create Stream Targets for your destinations:

There is no fixed limit to the number of Stream Targets. Create as many Stream Targets as required, each configured to stream to the any of the supported destinations:

• YouTube
• Twitch
• Facebook
• Icecast
• Custom RTMP for other platforms

1. Select Stream Targets.
2. Select Create a New Stream Target.
3. Set the stream target type and follow the setup fields/integration steps.

Once created the Stream Targets will connect and start streaming when the Scheduled Playlist begins and stop when the Scheduled Playlist ends.

Read More

• Understanding Video Playlists
• What’s New in MediaCP 2.16