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SCTE Processor

Overview

SCTE Processor is a module within mcaster that ensures seamless integration of advertising markers in SCTE35 and SCTE104 formats. The module works automatically without additional configuration and solves tasks of converting between different advertising marker formats, as well as compensating for time marker distortions that occur in television paths.

Supported Formats

SCTE35

  • Application: MPEG-TS, HLS, DASH and other containers with compressed video
  • Structure: Binary format with PSI/SI tables
  • Location: Embedded in transport stream

SCTE104

  • Application: SDI streams
  • Structure: UDP/IP-based protocol
  • Location: Separate data stream

Operating Principles

Automatic Conversion

The module automatically detects the format of incoming markers and performs conversion: - SCTE35 → SCTE104: For SDI outputs - SCTE104 → SCTE35: For MPEG-TS/HLS/DASH outputs

Time Distortion Compensation

SCTE Processor compensates for various types of time marker distortions:

Distortions in Television Paths

  • Problem: Time markers in SDI or MPEG-TS may be corrupted
  • Result: Advertising markers point to non-existent frames
  • Solution: Automatic compensation and correction of markers

Transcoding Distortions

  • Problem: Transcoding subsystem changes time markers
  • Result: Shift in advertising boundaries
  • Solution: Compensation for changes while maintaining accuracy

Changes in LSI Module

  • Problem: LSI changes time markers when switching sources
  • Result: Loss of advertising marker synchronization
  • Solution: Automatic time marker alignment

Processing Architecture

Workflow Diagram

Input Stream → SCTE Detection → Format Conversion → Time Compensation → Output Stream
     ↓              ↓                ↓                    ↓              ↓
  SCTE35/104    Identify Type    Convert Format    Fix Timestamps    SCTE35/104

Processing Stages

  1. Marker Detection — automatic identification of SCTE35 or SCTE104 format
  2. Format Conversion — conversion between SCTE35 and SCTE104
  3. Time Compensation — correction of distorted time markers
  4. Validation — verification of processed marker correctness
  5. Insertion — placement of markers in output stream

Automatic Operation

Out-of-the-Box Operation

The module requires no additional configuration and works automatically: - Auto-detection of marker formats - Auto-conversion between formats - Auto-compensation of time distortions - Auto-validation of results

Integration with Other Modules

SCTE Processor automatically integrates with: - Transcoder — compensates for time marker changes - LSI module — aligns markers when switching sources - Multiplexer — ensures correct marker insertion

Technical Features

Time Compensation Algorithms

Adaptive Compensation

  • Analysis of patterns in time distortions
  • Prediction of future changes
  • Dynamic adjustment of markers

Marker Validation

  • Synchronization check with video stream
  • Verification of boundaries for advertising blocks
  • Data integrity control

Performance

  • Minimal processing delay
  • High throughput
  • Low resource consumption

Monitoring and Diagnostics

Operation Metrics

{
  "stats": {
    "input": {
        "ad_splices_ingested": 1250 // Number of processed SCTE markers
    }
  }
}

Recommendations

Operation Optimization

  • Stable sources — provide more accurate time markers
  • Quality SDI cables — reduce signal distortions
  • Proper transcoder configuration — minimize time changes
  • Metrics monitoring — allows early detection of problems

Parameter Monitoring

  • stats.input.ad_splices_ingested — number of processed markers

Conclusion

SCTE Processor provides reliable and accurate processing of advertising markers in the mcaster system. The module's automatic operation, intelligent time distortion compensation, and seamless integration with other system components make it an indispensable tool for professional broadcasting with advertising inserts.