Find answers to some common questions usually asked by new customers
Q: "What's wrong with the existing RTMP connection? CDNs only supports RTMP input anyhow"
A: RTMP is a TCP-based protocol. It splits a stream into smaller chunks of data, making them more versatile and faster to be delivered. For a long time, RTMP has been a top choice for many streaming platforms. However, in reality, RTMP is not sufficient to meet today’s streaming requirements. Support for RTMP is diminishing. Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) are favoring other protocols like HLS or MPEG-DASH over RTMP entry points. The protocol does not support HEVC encoded streams nor advanced resolutions. Because of bandwidth limitations, RTMP cannot be used at higher bitrates. RTMP also experiences issues with multi-language support, security, and support for ad insertion. That leaves a question for the streaming industry: Is there an alternative protocol for RTMP? The answer is yes. That's where we step in with our DVG who can convert to/from any streaming standard.
Q: "Why should we pay for your protocol when we have the free SRT streaming running smoothly?"
A: Main cons of SRT are: Weak platform support and no playback option. VideoFlow's DVG does not replace SRT, but enables smooth conversion between different protocols, including SRT.
Q: "With our current DVG software, can we install it on a cloud-based server to where we can point an RTMP streams and switch it to different destinations as an occasional service?"
A: Yes, you can. In fact, the DVG can do much more. It is in fact, a “professional streaming multi-tool”.
Q: "Can you enhance the efficiency of an existing satellite and / or radio links with your protocol (not as a backup but rather as IP over Satellite / Radio)?"
A: Sure, we can completely substitute the exiting link with a reliable / cost-effective link over any IP network.
Q: "Is there an advantage of using your protocol over mobile networks? Something like a combination of your protocol and a HW that contains a mobile modem (3G/4G/5G)"?
A: Our protocol works perfectly over any IP network including mobile. In fact, it is the only protocols that can recover of to 86% packet loss and as such it is the best solution for delivery over mobile networks (which are usually less stable in terms of rate etc).
Q: "Can we install your SW on a micro PC and offer it in local market? If yes - What are the minimum specs etc."
A: the DVG SW doesn’t require many resources and as such, it can fit in many types of servers (from micro / mini PCs to full and even industrial servers). You can find some typical specs on our web site (subscribe to our web site and get access to the "resources" page).
Q: " Do you propose a full OPEX model (low volume (20TS max / 10in and 20 out) ?Do you offer your products on a SaaS (System as a Service) basis via the cloud? Do you have service packages for occasional use (Hours or quota based)? Daily? Weekly? Monthly? Quarterly? yearly? It is getting more complicated these days to deal with HW logistics etc, even when it is comprised on servers."
A: VideoFlow has just released some new OPEX based packages. At this stage those are SW based (not cloud based), meaning that you get a SW that you can install on your servers (on premises or on virtual loud-based machine) and the minimum license period is yearly. We also support Hybrid commercial scenarios (Combination of CAPEX and OPEX).
Q: "Is DVG compatible with Zixi, Rist, RTMP, RTMP-S, HLS, DASH? How do you support the other converted protocols technically and commercially? For example - Do you actually sell licenses from Zixi etc?" Does you DVG include a Zixi Receiver and / or feeder?"
A: We support other protocols including RTMP, SRT and Zixi. In the case of paid licenses (such as Zixi), the DVG contains a Zixi Feeder or Receiver (not the Broadcaster) and you’ll have to own your respective Broadcaster license from Zixi.
Q: Do you plan, to work with NDI 5 protocol ? (Newtec contrib protocol)
A: Yes, we do. More details will be shared soon
Q: How is the DVG integrated on AWS ?
A: The DVG can be installed on AWS (We currently don’t maintain it as our own service running on AWS but each customer / partner can install it there for its own use). Our partners usually benefit from running this kind of operation.
Q:Is there a centralized view for all DVG connected on the system ?
A: Yes. You can use our EMS (element management system) to access and manage each one of our DVGs. Moreover, you can interface with higher level management systems such as Dataminer etc.