Get up and running with a professional live streaming platform
Updated June 13, 2019
Get up and running with a professional live streaming platform
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Software Version
Other
Modules Used
- Ustream eCDN (IBM Cloud Video Enterprise Content Delivery Network)
Overall Satisfaction with IBM Watson Media's Video Streaming
We use IBM Cloud Video (UstreamĀ® Enterprise) as a professional white label service for the client not interested in using a social media streaming service. These typically include internal corporate communications or government agencies. Once an awhile we'll use the service for universities and colleges for their commencements which the institutions don't feel a social media streaming platform is appropriate.
- Quick launch of a webcast
- Player compatibility
- Broad adoption of third party add-ons and hardware encoders
- Tech support turnaround on corrupted VOD videos.
- Channels need to have the ability to stream to two servers simultaneously--like YouTube's ability to stream to two different servers. They also allow you to see the health of the backup stream etc., in real time. Right now the EnterpriseĀ® solution for failover includes a 5-second black frame until the backup stream pops up. It also can only be set up by IBM staff as a special request.
- Ability to customize the player. The older Flash-based player allowed for this. A basic customer customizable player like Vimeo would be amazing.
Absolutely. Most clients want no cap to their viewership.
Yes. We've often had clients have their own platforms fail and use IBM as a backup.
Every client wants deep analytics without compromising privacy concerns.
I've only seen the feature in VOD. It's usually acceptable. It would be ideal to have it for LIVE. YouTube is currently in beta for this feature as of June 2019.
We've used the platform as a service provider. We produce live streams for many organizations on many different platforms. When a client needs a platform with professional streaming abilities we often recommend IBM Cloud Video and TalkPointĀ®. We've had a lot of success with IBM Cloud Video with production partners that want to get into the live streaming service provider world. It's been ideal for projects that happen in other states and countries that just aren't cost effective for us to personally be there on-site.
IBM Video Streaming Feature Ratings
Using IBM Watson Media's Video Streaming
- Corporate Webcasting
- Institutional Webcasting
- Rentals
- Re-Sale of Channels
- DVR
- Closed-Captioning
- Multi-language Audio Tracks
- Positive - it offers an online service to re-sale.
- Negative - Clients demanding lower costs solutions
Evaluating IBM Watson Media's Video Streaming and Competitors
Yes - An in-house solution was replaced.
- Price
- Product Usability
The usability is the most important factor. The second most important is service options that are in-line with competitors.
Pricing and Alternative solutions with more service offerings included.
IBM Watson Media's Video Streaming Implementation
- Implemented in-house
Change management was minimal
- Learning Curve - but was very minimal.
IBM Watson Media's Video Streaming Training
- Self-taught
Yes. Very easy to use.
Configuring IBM Watson Media's Video Streaming
I recommend turning off all social media connections if you're looking for simple configuration.
Some - we have done small customizations to the interface
No - we have not done any custom code
I've used the dynamic embed code that isn't auto-generated within the platform.
IBM Watson Media's Video Streaming Support
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Quick Resolution Knowledgeable team No escalation required Support understands my problem Support cares about my success | Not kept informed Difficult to get immediate help |
Yes. I recently needed a backup channel and this was completed within 10 minutes.
Using IBM Watson Media's Video Streaming
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Like to use Relatively simple Easy to use Technical support not required Well integrated Consistent Quick to learn Convenient Feel confident using Familiar | None |
- Embedding
- Password and registration
- Re-occurring Live Streams
- VOD Trimming isn't as close to the timing I'd prefer. I often have to add seconds to a trim that I didn't want to.
IBM Watson Media's Video Streaming Reliability
Integrating IBM Watson Media's Video Streaming
- Wirecast Pro - Software
- Teradek's Core
- I would like to have IBM Cloud Video integrate better with Telestream's Wirecast Pro
- File import/export
Get an Enterprise plan. You'll need the back-end developers at IBM to help support the code.
Relationship with IBM
Channels, Viewer Hours, Payment Terms.
Set your payment terms as part of the negotiation. They are very flexible.
Upgrading IBM Watson Media's Video Streaming
- The Q&A Module is Great.
- Live Closed-Captioning
Yes - I changed back in 2013 and never looked back.