A wide range of Smarty integrations: video servers, EPG, DRM, intercom and advertising providers
A modern TV service operator is a complex organism that requires interaction with dozens of external systems: from video servers and EPG sources to content protection systems and advertising platforms. Platform Smarty from Microimpuls it was designed with the need for seamless integration with a wide range of third-party solutions. Flexible architecture and a rich set of ready-made modules allow the operator to assemble the infrastructure from the best components without changing the core of the platform.
Video servers: flexibility, fault tolerance and own developments
Working with video streams is the basis of any TV service. Smarty provides reliable interaction with video servers on several levels.
Integration with Flussonic. The company has direct experience in working and integrating with the Flussonic server, which is widely used in the market. This allows operators already using Flussonic to quickly connect it to Smarty without further improvements.
Microimpuls' own video services. For tasks that require maximum control, we have developed our own solutions:
- MicroPVR A service for organizing archival records of channels (time-shifted TV and nPVR).
- Spectr a solution for transcoding streams into the required formats and bitrates.
Universal architecture for all third-party servers. Smarty is designed to be as flexible as possible. To form a link to the stream for the subscriber, a URL mask with many parameters is used, which allows you to adapt to the logic of almost any video server. For non-standard scenarios, there is a dynamic link formation mode using a Python script, which removes the restrictions when integrating with unique or self-written solutions.
Resilience and safety.
- Flexible switching between streamers. In case of failure of one of the video servers, the platform automatically switches subscribers to backup streamers using various methods of accessibility verification.
- The essence of "technical work". Allows scheduled maintenance on the service with minimal losses for subscribers, displaying an information message instead of an empty screen.
- Broadcast security. Supports authorization via the video server API, as well as protection of links to streams using the mechanism nginx secure lin kpreventing unauthorized access.
EPG Sources: From Any XMLTV to Advanced Metainformation
Electronic transmission program (EPG) is a key element of navigation for the subscriber. Smarty supports EPG parsing from any XMLTV source, ensuring compatibility with the vast majority of vendors.
For operators who require advanced content information, deep integration with the service is implemented EPGService. This ensures:
- accurate markup of programs with reference to seasons and episodes for series;
- advanced meta-information about films: year of release, country, directors, actors;
- various graphics (posters, frames) for a visually rich interface.
DRM: Protecting content on all devices
Protection against illegal distribution is a critical request from rightholders. Smarty supports integration with EzDRMIt provides access to root authorized DRM centers from Apple, Google and Microsoft.
This allows:
- legally distribute protected content from premium hollywood and russian studios;
- support decryption of flows on the end device side: Samsung Tizen, LG WebOS and Android TV;
- provide a uniform protection policy for all types of subscriber equipment.
Integration with video surveillance and intercom
Smarty turns the set-top box into the operator’s ecosystem management center, supporting integration with security systems.
Output streams from the cameras to the TV interface. The subscriber can view the image from individual (own yard, entrance) and public cameras directly on the TV screen.
Flexible separation of access rights. The operator configures which cameras are available to a particular subscriber, which guarantees privacy.
Integration with intercom. The platform supports the output of the image from the intercom to the TV screen when calling (similar to the integrations based on SIP-protocol, characteristic of IP-videophones) and the function of remote door opening. This solution has already been implemented by Microimpuls in partnership with operators - more details in the article: How we integrated IPTV with intercoms for Sevstar.
Advertising providers: monetization through VAST and mix with own blocks
Smarty supports integration with external advertising providers on technology VAST (Video Ad Serving Template). This allows:
- embed commercials in the format of prerolls (before the content) and pauserolls (at the time of pause);
- transmit subscriber data (IP address, geolocation) to target advertising campaigns;
- automatically fill advertising slots and receive income from impressions without the participation of the operator.
Flexible management of advertising blocks. The platform supports the ability to mix advertising from external providers with the operator’s own advertising blocks. This allows the operator to:
- maintain control over key advertising positions (e.g. promotion of own services and rates);
- replace external advertising with its own blocks in priority slots;
- combine advertising sources within one playlist.
Transparent statistics for each advertising block. For each advertising unit (both external and own), detailed analytics are available:
- number of impressions;
- number of passes (for rollers with the possibility of skipping);
- depth of inspection;
- efficiency by subscriber segments.
This allows the operator to assess the real effectiveness of advertising campaigns, compare the profitability of external providers and their own blocks, as well as make informed decisions about filling advertising slots.
Invitation to cooperate
Microimpuls invites telecom operators to implement the Smarty platform with a wide range of integrations. Flexible architecture allows you to adapt the platform to any existing infrastructure of the operator – from video servers to intercom.
To discuss the details, fill in the feedback form below – our managers will demonstrate the available integrations, show examples of working with the listed systems and help to configure interaction with your current hardware and software stack.
