Zeno Media�s latest move with HLS marks a significant upgrade in streaming tech, enhancing how broadcasters and creators connect with global audiences.
Zeno Media, a prominent player in the audio streaming and podcasting space, has recently adopted HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), a protocol that enables flexible streaming and on-demand delivery. Cristian One?, the company�s co-CTO, emphasized that while HLS represents a technological evolution, it will not replace Zeno Media’s existing ICY Icecast-style streaming. Instead, he sees both protocols serving distinct needs within the industry.
One? noted that HLS, which has gained traction since its release in 2009, enhances streaming capabilities significantly. The protocol allows for features like client-side ad stitching and supports adaptive streaming, adjusting to various quality levels for improved user experience. This is a crucial enhancement, as it simplifies high availability and sidesteps some of the limitations traditionally faced with ICY.
In discussing the selection of a suitable streaming Content Delivery Network (CDN), One? pointed out that the ideal choice balances cost and service quality. He explained that bandwidth costs are a primary concern, particularly for broadcasting stations that rely on streaming services. Larger providers like AWS or Google Cloud often fall short of affordability for these stations, leading Zeno Media to favor mid-tier providers that offer unmetered bandwidth at competitive prices.
When asked about the necessity of redundant CDNs, One? highlighted that it depends on the broadcaster’s specific service goals. Downtime can be costly, and if a broadcaster prioritizes reliability, investing in redundancy might be worthwhile. However, he cautioned that redundancy can increase complexity and costs, and each broadcaster must assess their unique circumstances before deciding.
Regarding metadata support, One? explained that Zeno Media has primarily relied on ICY streams for content ingestion. He described how metadata synchronization is typically managed by the encoder but acknowledged challenges when players lack support for the ICY protocol. To address this, Zeno Media offers a streaming API for real-time metadata updates, aiming to streamline the experience for users.
Finally, One? discussed the importance of loudness normalization in matching audio levels across different sources, such as music and advertisements. The company�s programmatic ad insertion system is designed to ensure ads are transcoded to maintain consistent loudness levels, thus improving the overall listening experience. By tracking broadcast loudness and adjusting ad levels accordingly, Zeno Media aims to create an integrated and seamless audio environment for listeners.