Functional overview¶

The following graphic shows the basic workflow when using Makalu:

From a high-level perspective, Makalu consists of the following functional areas:

• Ingest
• Schedule
• Graphics
• Playout
• Ad triggering

Ingest¶

The ingest functionality provided by Makalu is focused on the file-based upload of video content. To upload files, the included Asset Uploader application can be used. Uploaded video files are automatically processed, which includes, for example, the creation of a thumbnail image, a low-res (proxy) video file, and media information (technical metadata). Once processing is complete, the files are registered in Makalu and available for scheduling. In addition to file-based content, Makalu also supports live sources. For more information, see the section Ingest.

Schedule (Traffic/Planning)¶

Makalu includes a traffic component for both strategic and operational planning, as well as for rough and detailed daily planning. It enables the use of uploaded files as primary events to create shows, adding shows to playlists, and adding graphics and other secondary events. You can add a playlist to the rundown in Makalu Automation to define the content to be played out. For more information, see the section Schedule.

Graphics¶

Makalu uses the Singular.Live graphics platform for overlay graphics, which provides tools for composing, controlling, and outputting graphics. Each output generated by Singular.Live can be received by Makalu Automation and used as an additional layer on top of the main video output. For more information, see the section Graphics.

Playout (Automation)¶

The Makalu Automation component is used to control one or more players running on playout nodes, which seamlessly play video files or live sources from a playlist. The automation can be controlled either manually by the operator or scheduled/time-triggered using the planning component. The player output can be distributed to web, OTT, and IPTV targets. For more information, see the section Automation.

Ad triggering¶

Ad triggering is an optional Makalu add-on that enables you to signal ad insertion opportunities as splicing events in the rundown. The events are included in the playout output signal for downstream systems to evaluate. This allows for automated server-side or player-side ad insertion, as well as related use cases such as regional content variations or blanking content on the web. For more information, see the section Ad triggering.