Is VIPE a software solution?
Yes, VIPE is software only and runs on COTS hardware either in the public or private cloud.
Is VIPE suitable for OTT and VOD?
Yes, VIPE supports HLS streams and manifest files containing metadata for downstream processing.
Can I virtualise my channels with VIPE?
Yes you can. There is no 1:1 relation between number of channels and number of servers or instances.
Is VIPE only suitable for the cloud?
No, VIPE is fully cloud native. It was architected from the ground up to operate in a virtual environment but this can just as easily be in your private cloud on premises.
Can I use VIPE for a single channel?
Yes, you can, VIPE solo is perfect for this. It doesn’t scale but is an efficient Channel In A Box (CIAB) solution. Please contact our sales team for advice.
How many channels can VIPE manage?
Theoretically unlimited, we have experience with up to 100 channels.
How many channels can be operated from a single server or cloud instance?
Multiple channels can run on a single server/instance, the balance between channel definition of and compute power the determine how many channels can be virtualised.
Does VIPE support simulcast?
Yes, simulcast is just another stream that can be published from the same playlist in parallel.
Does a VIPE installation scale?
Yes, VIPE scales tremendously well. From the start, it has been architected to behave exactly like this.
I want to buy my own hardware, is that possible?
Yes, BCNexxt does not supply any hardware. Of course, we can help to select the hardware that fits your requirements the best.
Can I move a VIPE installation between private and public clouds?
Yes, VIPE is using floating licenses which can be moved at any time.
Is my content secured in VIPE?
Yes, source content is not copied from its original location and the rendered content is encrypted.
What kind of content does VIPE accept?
VIPE accepts the usual professional codecs. A full list is available via our datasheet, please contact our sales team for assistance.
Is edge playout possible with VIPE?
Yes, by nature VIPE is very suitable for this. VIPE’s playout engines operate independently from all other engines (except for VIPE solo) and they pull content from a central storage location, also when the playout is operated in a remote headend.
How many graphics can VIPE manage?
Virtually unlimited. Since VIPE is a pre-render solution, the render speed may vary depending on the amount of graphics that need to be rendered at a specific time.
Does VIPE produce propriety formats?
No, rendered content is encrypted for security reasons but commercial solutions always include decryption software.
What kind of subtitles are supported?
VIPE supports DVB, Teletext, SCTE27 and Invision subtitles.
Does VIPE support playback of growing files?
Yes, as soon as a few frames have been rendered, playout can already start. Since the render engine is faster than real-time, the system will gain on the schedule.
Is dynamic audio mapping supported?
Yes, there are different ways to achieve this. Our projects team will advise what is the best approach for your requirement.
Does VIPE automatically process late arrivals?
Yes, VIPE automatically checks the availability of content.
How does VIPE handle quality control?
Before rendering, trusted content is checked on availability, compatibility and corruption.
After rendering, the enriched files are checked on black/freeze/audio.
An embedded rich media player allows for visual control of the content, including all audio and subtitle tracks. This visual control is not mandatory.
The outcome of all QC processes are presented in the central rundown and monitor view through icons and colours so a single person can overview multiple channels with a breeze.
What kind of schedules does VIPE accept?
VIPE accepts schedules from all major traffic vendors.
Can VIPE produce a compressed output stream?
Yes, the output stream is compressed and can be specified from the web GUI.
Can VIPE handle DVE’s?
Yes, VIPE is HTML5 based and supports all HTML5 effects.
Can VIPE handle Arcing?
Yes, by applying business rules in combination with HTML5 scaling effects any ARC requirement can be met. Our projects team will advise and assist where needed.
Does VIPE up- and down scale my content?
Yes, by applying business rules in combination with HTML5 scaling effects any scaling requirement can be met. Our projects team will advise and assist where needed.
Can I have multiple output streams from the same playlist?
Yes, VIPE allow a single workflow to produce multiple streams in parallel. Streams can vary in bitrate, resolution, audio/subtitle mapping or PID configuration.
Can I make last minute changes to the playlist?
Yes, events can be changes up to a few minutes before they are published.
Does VIPE check availability of my content?
Yes, before rendering, trusted content is checked on availability, compatibility and corruption.
Note that “Quality control” explains more content checking processes.
Does VIPE support user management?
Yes, user management allows for controlled access to parts of the system and selections of the channels and/or destinations.
Can I have a 24/7 support with VIPE?
Yes, you can. Our professional support team is always available.
OPEX offerings have 24/7 support included.
APEX offerings come with a separate line item and are therefore optional.
How are software updates managed?
Updates can be installed remotely by the VIPE professional support team.
Since VIPE is accessed through a web browsers, the users only have to refresh their browser session to gain new functionality.
For more complex updates there is a traditional main/backup scenario for controlled deployment.
What kind of storage can I use?
Different storage types of the trusted content are supported.
In AWS, S3 is typically used. In the private cloud a NAS is common.
Our projects team will advise on the possibilities based on your requirements and existing infrastructure.
VIPE will typically store the rendered files, that are ready to be published, on to a NFS server.
Is there a training program available?
Yes, contact our sales team for details.
VIPE is a pre-render solution, how can I be sure it will be fast enough for my workflow?
Our professional projects team will advise how much compute power is needed for your requirements. Also, when expanding an existing installation.
What level of insight does VIPE offer?
Besides the normal asrun export files, VIPE offers comprehensive monitoring of the complete system health status as well as error messaging of all individual publishing streams.
Integration with 3rd party tools is supported through our API.
Do I have to purchase a Main and Backup playout license separately?
No, a VIPE main playout channel always comes with a backup channel at no additional cost.
Can I change an event that is already onair?
Yes, a simple control in the GUI allows for changes, re-rendering and publishing of the onair event without a glitch.