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.
