Virtual DCM

Master any video processing workflow.

Virtual DCM (vDCM) is a software-based video processing platform for broadcast, broadband and streaming workflows. It brings together encoding, transcoding, multiplexing, scrambling, splicing, packaging and centralized service management in a single platform. Use it to modernize legacy headends, reduce bandwidth and energy costs, protect premium services and support the transition to cloud and IP delivery.

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Video processing is becoming harder to scale, manage and monetize.

Legacy infrastructure limits agility.

Hardware-based headends are expensive to maintain and slow to adapt to new service requirements.

Video quality and delivery costs are harder to balance.

Higher resolutions and growing streaming consumption increase pressure on bandwidth, CDN and compute resources.

Service operations are increasingly complex.

Broadcast, broadband and streaming workflows running across different systems make centralized control, monitoring and automation harder to achieve.

vDCM brings video processing functions together in one software-based platform.

From encoding and transport stream processing to packaging, scrambling, splicing and service management, vDCM helps operators modernize video workflows without abandoning the services and networks they still need to support.

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How vDCM adds value.

Unify broadcast and streaming workflows.

Support legacy delivery and modern streaming from one platform.

Guarantee service continuity.

Keep 24/7 and event-based services running with high availability and redundancy.

Operate with full visibility and control.

Configure, monitor and manage video services centrally with Video Network Service Manager.

Improve quality while reducing bitrate.

Use quality-aware compression and predictive VMAF to reduce operational costs while maintaining quality targets.

Create more value from every service.

Enable local ad insertion, regionalization and blackout workflows with frame-accurate splicing.

Protect content across workflows.

Secure premium services from primary distribution to OTT delivery with scrambling, encryption and DRM integration.

Core capabilities.

vDCM Encoder.

MPEG-2, AVC and HEVC encoding with quality-aware compression.
SD, HD and UHD formats with HDR and immersive audio support.
Flexible ingest: SDI, IP (SMPTE ST 2110) and file-based sources.
Deployable on COTS hardware or private cloud infrastructure.

vDCM Transcoder.

Transcode between MPEG-2, AVC and HEVC.
SD, HD and UHD with HDR processing.
High-density transcoding for cost-efficient operations.
Flexible deployment on COTS or cloud infrastructure.

vDCM Multiplexer.

MPEG-2 transport stream multiplexing for broadcast and broadband.
PSI/SI generation, PCR restamping and stream remultiplexing.
Scrambling integration with major CAS systems.
Extensive TS processing feature set for complex operator environments.

vDCM Packager.

HLS, DASH and CMAF packaging with low-latency support.
Multi-DRM integration including Widevine, FairPlay and PlayReady.
Just-in-time and static packaging options.
Supports live, time-shifted and VOD workflows.

vDCM Splicer.

SCTE-35 triggered ad insertion for broadcast and streaming.
Frame-accurate splicing for local and regional content replacement.
Blackout and alternate channel management.
Integrates with ad decisioning and traffic systems.

Video Network Service Manager.

Centralized service configuration and control.
Real-time monitoring with dashboards and topology views.
Alarm management and automated failover.
API-based integration with third-party OSS and NMS systems.

VDCM FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Virtual DCM?

vDCM is a software-based video processing platform for broadcast, broadband and streaming workflows. It supports functions such as encoding, transcoding, multiplexing, packaging, scrambling, splicing and centralized service management.

Who is vDCM for?

vDCM is designed for content owners, broadcasters, pay TV operators and service providers that need to process, protect and deliver live broadcast or streaming video services at scale.

What workflows does vDCM support?

vDCM supports traditional transport stream workflows as well as adaptive bitrate streaming. It can be used across cable, IPTV, satellite, DTT, internet and OTT delivery environments.

Can vDCM help reduce bandwidth and delivery costs?

Yes. vDCM supports quality-aware compression and objective video quality insights that help operators reduce unnecessary bits while maintaining defined quality targets. This can help lower bandwidth, CDN and compression-related operating costs.

Does vDCM support cloud deployment?

Yes. Virtual DCM functions can be deployed across software appliances, private cloud, public cloud or hybrid environments, depending on the function and workflow requirements.

Which codecs does vDCM support?

vDCM Encoder supports established and next-generation codecs, including MPEG-2, AVC, HEVC, AV1 and VVC. It also supports high-resolution and advanced video requirements such as UHD, HDR and low latency workflows.

Can vDCM support both broadcast and streaming services?

Yes. Virtual DCM is designed to support both traditional broadcast workflows and modern streaming workflows. This makes it useful for operators that need to maintain existing delivery networks while modernizing toward IP and cloud-based delivery.

How does vDCM support content protection?

Virtual DCM includes scrambling and packaging functions that support encryption, conditional access and DRM workflows. Virtual DCM Scrambler is used for primary distribution and pay TV broadcast services, while Virtual DCM Packager supports OTT encryption and DRM integration.

Can vDCM support local ad insertion and blackout workflows?

Yes. vDCM Splicer supports ad insertion, local program insertion, regional content replacement and blackout workflows using standards such as SCTE-30, SCTE-35 and ESAM.

How are vDCM services managed?

Services can be centrally configured, monitored and managed through Video Network Service Manager. VSM supports service-oriented configuration, monitoring, topology views, Grafana dashboards, REST API access and failover management.

Is vDCM suitable for 24/7 linear channels?

Yes. vDCM is designed for 24/7 video services as well as event-based workflows. High availability, redundancy and centralized monitoring help support mission-critical operations.

Video processing is becoming harder to scale, manage and monetize.

How vDCM adds value.

Core capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to master your video processing workflows?