TS Splicer

The TS Splicer is one of the software-based processing components from the Prisma suite that manages content substitution in the TS domain for various applications. These applications include:

• Alternate content & blackout
• Linear ad insertion

Alternate content & blackout

Prisma TS Splicer utilizes linear stream switching inline with CableLabs ESAM specifications to manage alternate content and blackout scenarios. A couple of illustrative use cases include:

• Sport blackout: Here, a sports channel is replicated based on the number of geographical areas being served. Although each area receives an identical stream, unique ESAM parameters characterize each. Based on the pre-determined schedule, certain regions will enable blackout to adhere to any rights restrictions or regional viewing guidelines.
• Content Regionalization: At specific times during the day, a national channel might distribute localized content, catering to different regions.

Content substitution can be initiated in two different ways:

• Time-based: Here, the POIS (Placement Opportunity Information Service) system directs Prisma TS Splicer to transition to blackout or regional content at a specified time. In this mode, known as "ESAM out-of-band", the POIS does expect an ESAM request.

• Signal-based: Triggered by SCTE-35 detection, Prisma TS Splicer will ends an ESAM request for each configured output (group). As each output (group) has distinct ESAM parameters, the POIS reviews its schedule, cross-referencing it with the SCTE-35 signal contained in the request. If there's a match, the POIS directs the output (group) to switch to blackout or alternate content as detailed in the schedule.

  

Prisma TS Splicer implements CableLabs version 2013.

Linear ad insertion

"Linear ad insertion" generally refers to local ad placement. Similarly to the blackout mechanism, an input channel is duplicated based on the number of geographical zones it serves, known in the US as DMA (Designated Market Area). While the traditional management standard has been SCTE-30, Prisma TS Splicer offers a more streamlined approach to linear ad insertion.

Prisma TS Splicer supports SCTE-30 communication with legacy ad servers and introduces two alternative modes:

• VAST: Unifying workflows for linear ad and DAI (Dynamic Ad Insertion) in OTT, Prisma TS Splicer can connect directly to a digital ADS (Ad Server System), harmonizing the ad insertion environment for both broadcast and OTT scenarios.

• ESAM (extended): In this setting, Prisma TS Splicer goes beyond the standard ESAM format. Instead, it utilizes a unique MediaKind extension which enables it to return a content list, rather than a single alternate content ID. This mode combines at-the-edge functionalities such as linear ad schedule ingest with splicing. Prisma Control oversees the linear schedule ingest, while Prisma TS Splicer is responsible for splicing.