Unified Streaming launches Unified Virtual Channel, an API-based solution combining VOD, live sources

Unified Streaming, an innovator in the field of video streaming technologies, launches Unified Virtual Channel, a new OTT-only software solution that delivers a traditional TV-like experience.

The solution repurposes and mixes pre-encoded media assets, previously prepared for VOD streaming, into a live linear stream. Because its API easily integrates into new and existing streaming workflows, the product saves companies significant time and effort.

Content owners can quickly create all types of channels (FAST, live events, sports, kids, pop-up, etc.), and combine live, episodic, and bingeable shows into personalized channels.

To begin, users need a library of ready-to-stream VOD content; a live stream (to mix VOD with live); playlists; and an understanding of how an API connects with software.

Starting the channel means sending only a playlist (VOD, live, or a mix of both) to the API. Unified Virtual Channel will scan, sync, and stitch the content. Transitioning to another playlist seamlessly requires just sending a new playlist.

With Unified Virtual Channel, customers can attract new audiences, target ads, and expand into new global markets.

The solution quickens channel creation. Instead of days or weeks, channels can be watchable in minutes or hours. The solution is an evolution: from the high-risk, high-cost way of delivering content, to a low-risk, low-cost approach that prioritizes usability and versatility.

Unified Virtual Channel helps customize, localize, and monetize content easily. The solution enables content curation, based on viewing histories, interests, demographics, and more. Content owners can target ads, teasers, trailers, and shows that resonate with specific audiences.

Boosting viewer loyalty is well within the solution’s skill set. Users such as content owners; service providers; telcos; cable operators; streaming services; event organizers; and broadcasters can all use the software to stay relevant, generating channels that draw a crowd.

By producing a dynamic viewing experience — and the best streaming quality, to boot — the product wins viewers (who also win, right alongside solution users).

Unified Virtual Channel also makes video channel creation more sustainable, by streaming greener. Freed from uploading, ingesting, decoding, and re-encoding content, companies can air optimized premium UHD, 4K video, and Dolby Vision media files quickly and efficiently. There is no need for real-time processing of resource-heavy codecs.

Streaming virtual channels is a popular way for businesses to enhance their OTT services. It is expected that the trend of virtual channel creation will only increase, exponentially, in the coming years.

“Virtual Channel is a cool solution that makes it simple to create a hybrid channel based on a VOD catalog and live content. It uses technologies shared among Unified Streaming solutions, making it easy to handle,” said beta tester Jonathan Sillan, Senior Video Engineer at Bedrock Streaming.

“With this new API-based approach we’ve tried to make it as simple and straightforward as possible to launch new virtual channels. We’re really excited to see the innovative ways our customers will use it,” said Mark Ogle, Senior Engineer and Unified Virtual Channel lead developer at Unified Streaming. BCS Bureau