What Does it Take for Video to Reach Your Screen?

Voices of Video

Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of video streaming with our guest Alex Zambelli, Sr. Platform Manager at Dolby Laboratories, ex Technical Product Manager at Warner Bros Discovery. In this engaging episode, we unravel the complexities of video distribution at scale, highlighting how codecs underpin modern streaming experiences. Alex draws from his extensive background at Microsoft, where he worked on groundbreaking technologies that are now household names, to offer listeners unparalleled insights into the industry.
We explore the critical differences between live streaming and on-demand content, discussing the unique challenges and pressures that come with real-time broadcasting. Alex recounts his experiences from monumental live events such as the Olympics and NFL broadcasts, offering valuable lessons learned from the frontlines. He also shares the intricacies of integrating digital rights management (DRM) systems, emphasizing the balance between ensuring content security and maintaining a seamless user experience.
As technology continues to evolve, so too do the strategies around codec adoption - especially with new formats like AV1 on the horizon. Alex discusses the challenges and considerations for streaming providers in adopting new codecs based on audience demands and device capabilities. This episode promises to enrich your understanding of the streaming landscape, sparking discussions about the future of content delivery.
Join us for this deep dive where innovation meets practical experience, and don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review!

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Chapters

1. Introduction to Voices of Video (00:00:00)

2. Closing thoughts on AV1 and future codec trends (00:11:17)

3. Jan Ozer introduces Alex Zambelli (00:20:01)

4. Topics of today: Distribution at scale (00:33:43)

5. Alex’s history at Microsoft and live event production (00:45:01)

6. Challenges in live streaming versus on (01:32:22)

7. Insights on AV1 codec adoption (02:09:09)

8. Transition to iStream Planet and product management (02:26:44)

9. Online streaming technology evolution (04:16:14)