Smart Play TV Playout Server
Professional Broadcast Playout, Powered by FFmpeg & DeckLink.
Engineered for Reliability
Smart Play TV is a Windows-based playout automation application built with .NET 8 and Windows Forms. It leverages the power of FFmpeg for robust media encoding and LibVLC for seamless preview playback.
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Dual Operation Modes: Run as an interactive GUI controller for live operations or as a headless background Windows Service (via Topshelf) for 24/7 unattended playout.
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Hardware Acceleration: Automatic GPU detection and utilization (NVIDIA NVENC, AMD AMF, Intel QSV) for high-performance encoding.
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DeckLink Support: Native integration with Blackmagic DeckLink cards for SDI ingest and output.
<configuration>
<appSettings>
<add key="Mode" value="Production"/>
<add key="VideoFormat" value="1080p"/>
<add key="Framerate" value="50"/>
<add key="Bitrate" value="6000"/>
<add key="HardwareEncoder" value="h264_nvenc"/>
<add key="EnableLoudnessNormalization" value="True"/>
<add key="LoudnessI" value="-23"/>
<add key="LoudnessTP" value="-1"/>
</appSettings>
</configuration>
Comprehensive Broadcast Toolkit
From scheduling to as-run logging, every aspect of your channel is covered.
Advanced Scheduling
Drag-and-drop playlist management with support for fixed-time events, recurring shows, and gap detection analysis.
Graphics & Branding
Multi-layer graphics engine supporting station logos, "Live" bugs, and dynamic scrolling tickers (crawls) with custom fonts.
As-Run Reporting
Automated generation of reconciliation logs (CSV) for advertisers and regulatory compliance, tracking exact playout times.
EPG Integration
Built-in API client for synchronizing program data and exporting schedules to external Electronic Program Guide providers.
Instant Cartwall
12-button instant playout grid for jingles, bumpers, and emergency fillers, accessible via touchscreen or hotkey.
Audio Processing
Integrated EBU R128 loudness normalization ensures consistent volume levels across all content types.
System Architecture
Smart Play TV uses a modular design where the Playout Engine runs as an isolated service, ensuring playback continues even if the UI is closed.
- Core: C# .NET 8 Windows Service
- Database: Microsoft SQL Server (Dapper ORM)
- Pipeline: FFmpeg (Encoding) + NAudio (Metering)
- Control: TCP/IP Socket API & Web Dashboard
Remote Monitoring
Monitor channel health from any browser with the built-in Web Dashboard.
Transparent Licensing
One-time purchase options with optional support packages.
Lite
For community channels and basic automation needs.
- Standard Scheduling
- Local File Playout
- Basic Logo Overlay
- Email Support
Pro
Full feature set for professional broadcasters.
- DeckLink Ingest/Output
- Secondary Graphics & Tickers
- EPG API Integration
- As-Run Reporting (CSV)
- Instant Cartwall
Enterprise
For mission-critical redundancy and customization.
- Failover Redundancy Setup
- Custom API Development
- Traffic Log Import (Custom Parsers)
- SLA & 24/7 Priority Support