Playout

A multimedia component for playing out a list of media files with the ability to switch between the files seamlessly (i.e. with no black flash or delay).

Overview

• Type: Multimedia Component (COM/ActiveX)
• Status: Released
• DLL Name: MGPlayoutPXT.dll
• Download: Playout SDK

MediaLooks Playout is a development component for playing back media files with features like seamless file switching (seamless playback or gapless playback) and transparent seeking. This component is based on our MultiGraph Technology - two graphs work in parallel so when one file is close to its end, the other one is already open and ready to play.

The output of the Playout component can be rendered on a screen, captured to a file or output to a board (such as DeckLink).

The playlist can be saved to an XML file (.MPL) and this file can then be rendered by an external application as if it were one file.

MediaLooks Playout can be used from various development environments, no DirectShow expertise is required.

Virtually the same function set is available in the form of a DirectShow filter - see Playlist Source.

Playout is available with Playout SDK, DeckLink SDK or the Multimedia SDK.

Possible Uses

• PC-based playout automation.

Features

• Seamless switching to next file on list (no black flash or delay).
• Support for files with different resolution, file format, audio/video format (including files encoded by different encoders) and different frame rate.
• Define playout ranges (cue in/cue out) for each media file.
• Add, remove or reorder the list of media files during playback.
• Transparent seeking through all files (just as if the list of files was one large media file).
• Automatically keeps the desired video resolution and frame rate (regardless of that of the source files).
• Allows to mix PAL and NTSC files, keeping the proper frame rate and interlacing format.
• Save and load playlist to a simple XML file.
• The ability to loop the playlist.

• Audio/video preview.
• Allows output to a DV device (such as a DV camcorder) or DeckLink board (via DV Sink or DeckLink Sink).
• Ability to use the component's output as audio/video source in external encoding applications (see Compatible Applications).
• Text & Graphics overlaying on playing video (Text & Graphics Overlay required).

Future Features

• Support of live video inputs and seamless switching between files and live feeds.

Supported Development Environments

• Visual C++
• .NET (C#, Visual Basic)
• VB6
• Delphi
• C++Builder

No DirectShow expertise required!

Documentation

To read more about the component's interface methods, please see below:

• MediaLooks MultiGraph File Source
• MediaLooks MultiGraph FileList Source

Related Products

• DeckLink Sink - play out to a DeckLink board.
• DV Sink - export to tape.
• WMV Sink - write to a .WMV file or stream to Windows Media Services.
• AVI Capture - write to an .AVI file.
• QuickTime DirectShow Source Filter - add support for QuickTime media.
• Text & Graphics Overlay - overlay images and text.

Sample Applications

• Playout SDK: Sample Applications - demonstrates Playout together with DeckLink Sink, WMV Sink and Text & Graphics Overlay.

See Also

• Playlist File Format
• Playout: FAQ
• Playout: Future Features

Downloads

• Playout SDK (full-featured 30-day trial)

Release Notes

• Playout: Update Log

Licensing

If you are interested in licensing this product please contact us.

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