The Streambox^® Distribution Server extends the routing capabilities of Streambox^® Encoders, Decoders, and Media Players. It provides enhanced video management for centralized routing of hundreds of incoming ACT-L3™ video streams for all live and file-based applications.

The Distribution Server is part of the management layer of Streambox video transport solutions and it facilitates scalable integration with all aspects of broadcasters’ newsgathering operations. The Distribution Server enables live video reports from field journalists, remote bureaus, and SNG trucks to be efficiently routed to available Streambox^® Decoders/Media Players. It is particularly useful for mobile newsgathering over satellite and other IP networks.

Solution Overview
The Streambox® Distribution Server is a rule-based video management system which routes individual ACT-L3T video streams from multiple Encoders to multiple Decoders, monitors, and locations. Control room operators Streambox® Distribution Server Distribution Server Work Flow automate and group incoming video streams using a web interface to determine where the streams should be routed. Metadata from the Encoders helps operators determine what reporter, location, and/or story is affiliated with the video stream. This information then, in part, determines the relevance of the story and to what Decoders/ Media Players, monitors, and locations individual video streams should be routed.

Reliable Video Stream Management
When field reporters, remote bureaus, and SNG trucks around the world capture video and transmit video reports to a central broadcast center via Streambox® Encoders, all live incoming video signals are displayed on the Distribution Server web interface with a UDP port number unique to each Encoder. The Distribution Server operator uses port numbers, along with meta-data information, to determine how the incoming video feeds should be routed to multiple Decoders, Media Players, or other bureaus for live and file-based play-out.

Remote Encoders transmit data to a single Distribution Server IP address for centralized management, control, and routing of all feeds as video reports are filed by multiple field journalists, bureaus or other trusted sources around the world.