SignStream Content

The SignStream system broadcasts ATSC 1080i MPEG-2 Transport Streams as HDTV channels. The question for many is - what does that mean, and how is the content created, stored and broadcast?

Broadcasting the Transport StreamAs you may have learned from the Wikipedia links above, an MPEG-2 Transport Stream is closely related to the familiar MPEG-2 Program Stream -one of the most common types of video displayed on your PC. The standard MPEG-2 file is designed operate over a short distance, usually right inside a video player. The MPEG-2 Transport Stream file adds more tools that assure integrity of the file when sent over very long distances. The streaming video you see in a Web page is often a Transport Stream.

SignStream signage delivery channel is the same technology broadcasters use to deliver HDTV to your home. In fact, each SSM-ATSC Modulator card operates just like a modern TV station, in miniature:

• Digital ATSC Transport Stream files are streamed from a hard drive
• The Modulator Card accepts the stream and packages it for broadcast
• An internal RF modulator sends the signal within a standard UHF or VHF channel
• An HDTV-equipped display tunes in the channel, and demodulates the signal

Content Storage

To estimate hard drive storage needs, assume that every 10 GB will host 60 minutes of content. 

Content Resources

Because ATSC is based on standard MPEG technology, there are many sources for content for the SignStream.

Professional

• Graphic Signage providers typically produce content in Adobe After Effects, which creates superb motion graphics that can be exported as MPEG or WMV video files. We have successfully used content from the providers below in SignStream applications:
  • Designs by Mote www.thinkdbm.com
  • Blue Pony Digital www.blueponydigital.com
• Video Studios. Most professional studios already know how to create ATSC files, required for broadcast productions.
• In-House Shops. Many corporations and colleges have trained staff in After Effects or HDTV video production that can create quality content for SignStream. Also talk with professional graphic shops about creating a template for After Effects signage, very useful for daily event and information channels.

Non-Professional

• PowerPoint to ATSC. It's easy to copy slides from PowerPoint to Windows Movie Maker, a free application with Windows XP. View to PowerPoint Movie link at the left to learn how.
• Flash. Vector-based applications, such as Flash, cannot be converted to an ATSC movie.
• DVD-Quality 16:9 Video. Existing SD (standard definition) 16:9 content can be converted to ATSC 1080i files. This works well with graphics-oriented videos, less so with live video - but still far better than analog broadcasts.
• SD 3:4 Video. In general, not recommended. Content is stretched when converted with basic applications such as MainConcepts MPEG Encoder. However, if needed, a local video studio can convert with the typical black bars on each side to maintain aspect ratio.

PowerPoint

• PowerPoint to ATSC. It's easy convert PowerPoint to fully animated ATSC videos for SignStream. Download the PowerPoint Kit at the right!

Software

• MainConcept MPEG Reference software converts MPEG-2, AVI, Quicktime, and WMV files to ATSC Transport Streams. Not included with the SignStream Server.
• Adobe After Effects. If you have staff who can create Flash applications, they can easily switch to After Effects - they'll never go back. Apple developers should wait for version 8.0, which will have MPEG output added.

Resources

• SignStream Tips - Converting PowerPoint to ATSC PowerPoint illustrates the step-by-step process for originating a SignStream presentation in PowerPoint.
• Pro MPEG Specs include all the detailed MPEG information needed for professional video producers.

© 2008 Contemporary Research Corporation. All rights reserved.