Playout is the process of turning a schedule into an actual continuous stream: sequencing programmes, interstitials, and ad breaks into one uninterrupted timeline and emitting it as a live channel. It is the heart of linear TV and FAST, where there is no "press play" - the channel simply runs.
A modern playout system stitches VOD assets and live feeds into a 24/7 output, inserts SCTE-35 markers for ad opportunities, handles graphics and branding, and guarantees there is always something on air. Cloud playout has largely replaced the old broadcast hardware, letting operators spin up many channels cheaply - the technical foundation of the FAST explosion.
The handbook · 7 volumes
Fora Soft Video Engineering Handbook
Playout turns a schedule of files and ad breaks into a 24/7 channel, and its timing errors show up as gaps and missed ad slots. Our seven-volume handbook covers the whole video stack; for playout start with Volume 2 on live delivery, ingest and HLS and DASH packaging, then Volume 1 on encoding and Volume 3 on players and streaming economics. Written by Nikolay Sapunov, CEO at Fora Soft.
Launching a 24/7 linear or FAST channel and planning the playout engine?
We will review your schedule, sources and ad model and send a playout architecture with build-or-buy options and a cost estimate. 250+ video products shipped since 2005.
