DVB – STREAMING

• What type of stream is generated by the Athensa AirBox Streaming Option?

Program Stream or Transport Stream, unicast or multicast, UDP or RTP.

• What is the output compression of Athensa AirBox Streamer?

Depends on the mode used: The “IP Pump” mode outputs MPEG2 files at their original compression properties, i.e. bitrate, profile, level, etc. It can “pump” out SD or HD MPEG2 content. The “MPO Stream” mode outputs MPEG2, H.264/AVC

• What is the Athensa AirBox “Streaming Option” doing?

It expands Athensa AirBox capabilities beyond standard video playout. With this option it is possible to output a live compressed stream either to a UDP socket or to a DVB device. This feature is part of Athensa AirBox Pro.

• What DVB tables are generated by Athensa DVB Muxer?

The current PSI/SI generator integrated into the muxer generates the following tables: PAT = Program Association Table, PMT = Program Map Table, NIT = Network Information Table, SDT = Service Description Table, All other tables that might be required can be generated by an external PSI/SI generator.

• If I receive multiple channels from a satellite can I select just one for live input in Athensa AirBox?

Yes, Athensa AirBox allows you to select a Program ID from the list of channels that are incoming (MPTS). This selection is based on PID numbers. Clip Trimmer can be used to preview and select separate PIDs.

• If I have multiple Athensa AirBox streaming channels, how can I get them as a single IP output ?

You can use any DVB multiplexer to do that. Your most cost effective option is to use the Athensa DVB Muxer which would get the multiple separate AirBox UDP outputs and multiplex them as a single stream through a UDP socket. (ASI output is only aviable in old configuration with 32 bit Windows because of the video board. No one is using ASI anymore)

• How can I generate DVB subtitles for my channels?

You can use our SubtitlePlus DVB Server which can generate dozens of subtitle streams for single or multiple output channels. The subtitle multiplexing with the video and audio streams can be done by Athensa DVB Muxer or by a third-party multiplexer. SubtitlePlus DVB Server listens to all Athensa AirBox servers and generates the subtitle streams based on the currently running programs and exact timecode. It works completely automatically.

• How can I activate the live stream option?

It is important to know what type of streaming is needed – live input or live output streaming. The live input streaming is part of the Athensa AirBox PRO option (SDI input as well) The live output streaming is part of the Athensa AirBox Streaming option. If both are required, then both options have to be purchased.

• Can I use live input streams in the playlist while streaming?

Yes, if you have the Athensa AirBox PRO option. You have to limit the duration of such continuous live streams up to 2 hours in order to avoid streaming buffer underflows or overflows due to input/output rate discrepancies. This limitation does not apply if both the stream input and output are synchronized to the same clock (e.g. genlocked).

• Can I stream out multiple channels from the same Athensa AirBox DVB streaming server?

Yes, by using the “IP Pump” mode. Make sure the LAN bandwidth is sufficient for the intended number of streaming channels and their total bitrate. At least 30% overhead must be calculated to avoid theoretical and actual bandwidth discrepancies.

• Can I stream MPEG4 out?

Yes, you can stream out H.264. H.264 is also known as AVC or MPEG4-part10.

• Can I insert graphics while streaming?

Yes, as soon as the following conditions are met, you can use the “Stream” mode: you don`t need multi-channel streaming from the same chassis, the host server has sufficient CPU power, you don`t mind video recompression.

• Can I change the bitrate of input streams in Athensa DVB Muxer?

Currently this is not possible. Bitrate changing currently can only be done by re-encoding by any of the Stream modes.

• Can I avoid recompression by using the Streaming Option?

Yes, as soon as the following conditions are met, you can use the “IP Pump” mode: you don’t need to insert graphics, your source files are the same bitrate as the target output bitrate, your source files are the same compression as the output compression (currently MPEG2 only)