Datacast XD is IDC’s leading edge content management and distribution software. Scalable, modular, and feature-rich, Datacast XD is rapidly becoming the preferred solution for secure delivery of multimedia content over any multicast-enabled network.
Datacast XD provides guaranteed simultaneous, distribution of file-based and/or streaming content to any number of remote client servers or terminals. Our intuitive, open-standards software design allows for easy integration and operation within existing LAN,WAN, cable and/or satellite IP networks. Users can manage and distribute video, audio and data in simple or complex networks – effectively minimizing resource usage, while improving time efficiencies.
FileBroadcast Manager – is the engine that multicasts files. It features three priority/QoS queues, incorporates sophisticated Conditional Access schemes, and provides file transport package compression plus inline encryption as well as variable Forward Error Correction (FEC). FileBroadcast Manager supports multiple connectivity options using a robust, efficient protocol that is highly resilient to data disruption.
StreamBroadcast Manager – is an optional core module that features operator-selectable inline FEC, multiplexing of up to 16 input streams into a single multicast output channel, and on-the-fly data encryption. StreamBroadcast Manager also multiplexes both the metadata and the control files necessary for remote playback of multimedia streams.
Other Core XD Host Modules
Site Manager – creates and maintains the XD Client administrative database including unique site IDs, assignment of Conditional Access rights (to both file and stream based content), and the creation or updating of site specific licenses delivered via the multicast channel.
Schedule Manager – enables a time-based 24/7 schedule, carousel rotation, and/or ad hoc transmission of content – files can be grouped in a “container” and assigned attributes including descriptive metadata and a list of target recipients.
Backlink Service – uses an IP-based return channel for guaranteed data distribution. XD clients can request retransmission of any missing file packets via the main multicast channel or via unicast directly over the backlink channel.
Database Manager – provides automatic detailed logging of key XD Host activities (e.g. file transmissions, client confirmations, etc.) for continued archiving of operational data using ODBC to a standard database as an interface to external reporting and billing systems.
SOAP Interface – is a powerful way for users to integrate their specific system and applications requirements with the core operations of the XD Host. The industry standard (SOAP) permits users to easily implement a web services interface to control the XD Host remotely in a passive mode.
XD Host Options
Playlist Manager – creates and maintains playlists for remote execution interleaving video, images, audio files, live streams, and HTML documents.
HostPortal Service – provides the interface to handle XD Remote Portals for automated secure content uploads from remote content contribution or ingest points.
HostRetriever Service – works in conjunction with the Retriever Client for management and delivery of missing files. This service is independent of the Backlink Service and requires a TCP/IPbased return channel to the XD Host to function. This is also the mechanism that enables file delivery over hybrid multicast/unicast (satellite/terrestrial) networks.
XD Clients & Servers
XD Client/File Server – for file-based store-and-forward applications includes reception, decryption and FEC restoration of distributed files. Standard add-on options include: FTP Push for caching content on hard drives and/or forwarding to production systems, and Stream Decoder for streaming content onto a LAN.
XD Client/ Playlist Player – for scheduled, automatic playback of multimedia content.
XD Client/ OnDemand Server – used to dynamically generate browseable multimedia content.
XD Enhancements
XD Proxy Server – provides critical scalability of system architecture by offloading the XD Host Backlink Service. Ideal for systems with a large number of clients. Requested packets are retrieved from the main XD Backlink Service once — and subsequent requests are serviced on the local network directly.
XD Portal – operates as a remote access ingest/contribution appliance to facilitate secure delivery of content from its point of origin (ad agencies, content providers, etc.) to the XD Host server. The XD Portal enables secure initiation, scheduling, and/or reporting of content broadcasts. Features include drag and drop “hot folders”, secure TCP/IP access, encryption, and confirmed delivery reporting.
