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Client's Problem
Our client, Career Launcher conducts distance education using video based virtual classroom solutions. They have a studio set-up from where the teacher conducts the lessons. Teacher’s video is transmitted live across the nation via VSAT link to remote classrooms. At the classroom, dish is installed to capture the feed from VSAT. This feed is then sent to the player software that renders the audio/video stream for the students. Their existing solution was MPEG-1 based and they wanted to enhance it to achieve: - Better video quality
- Reduction in the bandwidth cost
- Recording of the live feed without capturing screen and re-encoding
Venera's Solution
First we looked into the video quality issues. The existing solution was working on VSAT link where the maximum bandwidth limit was strictly enforced. By using our in-house test tools we discovered that their current feed was a variable bit-rate stream which sometimes exceeded the maximum allowed bandwidth. This caused transmission errors which resulted in video freezing and green blocks.
After complete analysis our team proposed a MPEG-4 based video solution. MPEG-4 being superior technology solved the video quality related issues. Also the bandwidth requirement went down by half which translated into 50% cost savings. For audio we provided two encoders, AAC for general audio and CELP for speech based encoding. This was an added bonus and allowed the customer to choose the appropriate technology based on the requirement. The intelligent stack and good quality video encoder implemented by us, provide constant output bit rate. This ensured smooth transmission and decoding at the client end. Live video recording in mp4 files, eliminated the need for re-encoding, which resulted in generation good quality content. We also provided re-transmission facility for the recorded data. This resulted in better utilization of the video content. Our team came up with an innovative idea of an application for client side which eliminated the need for manual transfer of session description information (conventional method), thereby providing complete automation at the client end. Once multicast IP address has been provided, a simple click ensured automated running of the session. Besides solving the core problems, our solution simplified the administration of server by providing following: - Simple remote user interface for operators. Simple and intuitive UI allowed operators to quickly learn using the server.
- Given a target bit rate, server automatically allocated bandwidth for video and audio, taking into account the network overhead.
- Easy inputs for video and audio configuration. We simplified the complex input parameters for video and audio encoders there by allowing non-technical operators to use the server effectively.
Our Client derived following benefits:
- VSAT network lease cost reduction by 50%
- Significant improvement in Video Quality
- Choice of audio CODEC for voice or music
- Better utilization of recorded content
- Easy to use interface by non-technical staff
About Career Launcher
Career launcher is a leading educational corporate in South Asia. It has presence in more than 50 cities in the region. It uses latest technologies for conducting its training programs.
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