A coding and multiplexing framework based on virtual machines

In this paper we introduce the concept for a coding and multiplexing platform for on air broadcasting services based on virtual machines and describe the implementation of a prototype. The system that we present is based on open source software components running on commodity IT hardware. The system allows real-time encoding and transcoding of standard and high definition source material, and the generation and playout of a multi-program transport stream. Using virtualization as underlying technology for a coding and multiplexing system allows the design of a system that can be easily scaled and that provides a way to implement system redundancy by cloning and migrating the virtual machines. Virtualization adds an additional layer of technology that can involve performance degradation. One of the major challenges in using virtualization for a coding and multiplexing system is the very high demand for processing resources, networking and storage I/O required for real-time encoding of SD and HD video.