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To create an AWS Elemental MediaLive channel, first create an input for your source, then configure the channel’s IAM role, pipeline class and input specifications, attach the input, and add an output group for the destination. Save the channel and start it only when both the source and downstream destination are ready. The exact input and output settings depend on the protocols and delivery path you choose.
Plan the source and delivery path
Before opening channel creation, decide how content will reach MediaLive and where MediaLive should send the finished stream. An input connects an upstream address to a MediaLive address: the upstream system can push content, or MediaLive can pull it. The source operator may need to configure their system before you can complete the input setup. See AWS’s MediaLive input setup guide.
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- Source and protocol: identify the upstream system and whether it will push or MediaLive will pull. Input requirements vary by protocol.
- Pipeline arrangement: choose standard or single-pipeline to fit the source endpoints and intended pipeline arrangement. Do not assume every source has the same redundancy behavior.
- Destination: identify the downstream service or server and whether it expects HLS, RTMP, or another supported workflow.
- Output plan: decide which video, audio and caption streams you need, and whether the HLS workflow requires manifest options, DRM or ad markers.
MediaPackage is one possible HLS destination, not a requirement. AWS documents HLS destinations including S3, MediaStore, MediaPackage and HTTP servers.
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Create the MediaLive input first
Create an input that matches the source protocol and pipeline arrangement before creating the channel. The source-side details and the MediaLive addresses you will provide to that system depend on the input type.
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For a public RTMP push source
- Coordinate the RTMP application and stream names, along with the public IP addresses from which the source will connect.
- Create or select an input security group that allows those source IP addresses. A public RTMP source needs this access control configured.
- Create the RTMP input using a class consistent with the channel design. A standard arrangement provides two source destinations; a single-pipeline arrangement provides one.
- Give the AWS-generated destination address or addresses to the upstream operator and configure their system to push to them.
Do not copy endpoint counts from one class to another: standard and single-pipeline arrangements use different numbers of destinations. Follow the protocol-specific steps in AWS’s input documentation.
For an HLS pull source
- Obtain the HLS source URL or URLs and any credentials required to access them.
- Create an HLS input with a class matching the channel. AWS specifies two source URL fields for a standard HLS input and one for a single-class input.
- Attach the input to the channel. MediaLive connects to and pulls the HLS source when the channel starts.
HLS pull and RTMP push are different workflows: do not apply RTMP source security-group and destination instructions to an HLS source. See AWS’s input setup guide for the selected protocol’s requirements.
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Configure channel details
Once the input exists, open the MediaLive console and create a channel. AWS’s channel details instructions describe the channel-level choices.
- Set a channel name that will help you identify its source and delivery purpose.
- Select the IAM role the channel will use. Use a role appropriate to the AWS resources and destinations in your workflow.
- Choose the channel class: standard or single-pipeline. Match this choice to the source input and the pipeline arrangement you intend to use.
- Match input specifications to the source. Do not choose specifications independently of what the upstream system supplies.
- Choose an output delivery plan before configuring output groups, including the destination service and output format.
AWS Anywhere channels have additional placement settings and, according to the channel-details instructions, must use single-pipeline and public-internet delivery. Use that workflow only when creating an Anywhere channel; do not select a cluster or placement group arbitrarily.
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Attach the input and configure an output group
In the channel configuration, attach the input you created. Then add the output group that matches the downstream system. HLS and RTMP output groups have different destination and stream settings, so choose based on what the recipient supports rather than treating them as interchangeable.
HLS output group
Configure the HLS destination and the outputs and stream settings required by the downstream workflow. Depending on the destination and use case, the HLS configuration can also include manifest options, encryption or DRM, captions, and ad markers. AWS’s HLS output group guide covers the available configuration.
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HLS destinations can include S3, MediaStore, MediaPackage or HTTP servers. If you use MediaPackage, obtain the destination URLs and credentials from that service and enter them in the HLS destination configuration. AWS’s getting-started example uses MediaPackage and stores passwords in Systems Manager Parameter Store; do not publish credentials or embed them in public documentation. Consult the HLS output instructions for the destination workflow you selected.
RTMP output group
Configure the RTMP destination and its connection settings, then configure the stream settings for its single output. Confirm the destination server’s requirements before starting the channel. AWS documents RTMP output group setup in its RTMP output group guide.
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- ⭐【Multi-protocol and Multi-platform Compatibility】- Fully compatible with streaming protocols such as HTTP, RTSP, RTMP(S), SRT, HLS(M3U8), MP4, Multicast(UDP, RTP, PTL), ONVIF, FLV, WebRTC, TRTC, ICECAST, it can simultaneously output 4 video streams with different protocols and push them to live streaming platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, and Vimeo with one click. Simultaneous live streaming across multiple platforms can be achieved without additional equipment.
- ⭐【Highly Customizable Settings to Meet Individual Needs】- It supports adding static text, scrolling captions, brand logos, and timestamps. Users can freely adjust core parameters such as video resolution, frame rate, and bitrate, and also perform personalized editing functions such as video cropping, rotation, flipping, and mirroring. It supports dual input of HDMI embedded audio and line-in audio, with adjustable sound quality, making your live stream content more distinctive and allowing you to create a unique brand live stream style.
- ⭐【Stable and Efficient Transmission, Easy Operation】- Employing HDMI to Ethernet core connection technology, it ensures stable and reliable network transmission with low latency and no lag, adapting to various network environments. Equipped with an intuitive user interface and detailed instruction manual, no professional technical background is required; setup can be completed quickly after connecting the device. It is also compatible with multiple terminals such as computers and mobile phones for management, and the video stream status can be viewed in real time via a URL.
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Save, start and validate the channel
- Review the channel’s input attachment, class, output groups, destinations and stream settings.
- Save the configured channel.
- Start it only after the upstream source is configured and sending or ready to be pulled, and the downstream destination is ready to receive the output.
- Check the protocol- and destination-specific monitoring guidance for the status signals and troubleshooting steps relevant to your workflow.
For an HLS input, MediaLive begins pulling the source when the channel starts. AWS’s channel creation instructions cover the channel setup sequence; exact operational validation depends on the input and destination you selected.
Common setup problems and fixes
- The channel cannot be configured with the intended source: create the input first, and ensure its protocol and pipeline class fit the channel design.
- A public RTMP source cannot reach its input: check that the input security group allows the source’s public IP addresses, then confirm the source is pushing to the AWS-generated destination for its class.
- The source endpoint count does not match the class: standard RTMP uses two destinations and single-pipeline RTMP uses one; standard HLS uses two source URL fields and single-class HLS uses one. Configure the upstream side and input consistently.
- An HLS source is not being pulled before startup: MediaLive pulls the HLS input when the channel starts. Confirm the source URLs and any required credentials, then start only when the source is ready.
- The channel has no usable output: add an output group for the actual downstream destination and configure its destination and stream settings. HLS and RTMP require different output configuration.
- MediaPackage delivery is not configured: use the destination URLs and credentials for your MediaPackage workflow; do not treat MediaPackage as the only HLS option.
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