StreamS and StreamGuys announced an alliance for providing “next-generation, high-performance” live audio streaming using fully compliant standards-based CMAF HLS for low-latency, adaptive-bitrate HTTP Live Streaming.
Together they’ll provide an “end-to-end streaming solution” they say is scalable for rapidly growing large audiences, and can reach more devices with high-quality audio.
CMAF HLS is the same technology that is fueling the “cord-cutting” that video content providers currently enjoy for OTT and other Direct-to-Consumer services. By leveraging the standardized container of the Common Media Application Format, content providers can reach more devices with a single file set, which results in more efficient content delivery, reduced streaming costs and increased audience.
StreamS and StreamGuys will partner to bring these same benefits to audio content providers, including DTC services and radio broadcasters looking to expand their streaming presence. Using CMAF HLS, these customers can scale with greater strength and cost-efficiency than with older-generation streaming protocols, and leverage the latest high-efficiency codecs, such as xHE-AAC and the broader AAC family, to cover everything from high-quality voice to high-quality 7.1 surround. The ability to stream real-time extensible metadata alongside clean audio adds greater value for content providers and audiences.
“HLS is getting a whole lot better with CMAF. We are excited to support ultra-low latency and simplify deploying HLS,” said Kiriki Delany, president of StreamGuys. “HLS provided efficient ways to switch networks while maintaining a stream, as well as savings on power consumption for mobile devices. It also introduced much higher latency than traditional true-streaming systems. CMAF changes that by allowing encoding to happen much faster, which greatly reduces file-based buffers. Meanwhile, xHE-AAC, once adopted by all major browsers and mobile platforms, will simplify what codecs are needed on the decoder side. It will support very low bitrates, like 12 kbps for speech, to very high bitrates, such as lossless ALAC/FLAC compression formats. This simplification will mean larger reach, and lower barriers to cross platform compatibility.”
StreamS provides encoder software, systems and professional audio processing, while StreamGuys provides the server infrastructure for content delivery. StreamGuys will also provide business analytics and reporting software for logging, compliance and audience measurement, along with future ad insertion options to support revenue generation.
“Live audio streaming has become a big part of today’s revenue picture,” said Greg Ogonowski, president of StreamS-Modulation Index. “Revenue demands reliability, and the competitive nature of the live streaming and IP audio market demands the best possible audio.”
