The VMA Playout Package is a software suite for creating and operating a small digital TV playout system using standard video files, generated EPG data, teletext pages, and MPEG transport stream output.
It is designed for broadcast labs, hotels, local TV systems, training environments, test channels, DVB/IPTV demonstrations, and small private distribution networks.
The package allows a single operator to prepare media, generate programme information, create teletext content, and output a multi-service transport stream suitable for monitoring, IPTV distribution, or feeding external modulation equipment.
Main Applications Included
VMA MUX
VMA MUX is the central multiplexing and playout application.
It reads media folders assigned to individual services and generates the final transport stream output. Each service can be configured as a separate channel inside the multiplex.
Typical uses include:
- Creating a multi-channel transport stream
- Building a small DVB/IPTV bouquet
- Generating test services for broadcast labs
- Feeding DVB-T, DVB-S/S2, DVB-C, or IPTV distribution equipment
- Monitoring the output with VMA Transport Stream Analyser, VMA Mosaic, VLC, TSReader, StreamXpert, or compatible receivers
VMA MUX is intended for continuous playout from prepared media folders.
VMA Normalizer
VMA Normalizer prepares video files for stable playout.
In a broadcast workflow, mixed video files with different resolutions, frame rates, codecs, bitrates, or audio formats can cause playback and compatibility problems. VMA Normalizer converts the source files into a more consistent format before they are used by VMA MUX.
This helps reduce problems such as:
- Incorrect aspect ratio
- Audio/video incompatibility
- Playback interruptions
- Bitrate instability
- Receiver compatibility issues
- Problems when switching between clips
VMA Normalizer requires FFmpeg. FFmpeg is not included in the package. Please read the included FFmpeg installation note before using the normalizer.
VMA EPG Content Generator
VMA EPG Content Generator creates programme information files for the media used by the playout system.
It can generate missing EPG data for video files and helps create programme titles, descriptions, and scheduling information for the channels generated by VMA MUX.
The tool can use metadata from TMDB — The Movie Database.
A TMDB API key is required for TMDB-based metadata lookup. TMDB provides API access for non-commercial use under its own terms. Commercial or professional use may require a suitable TMDB licence or approval from TMDB.
The operator is responsible for ensuring that their use of TMDB data complies with TMDB’s terms of use.
VMA Teletext Generator
VMA Teletext Generator creates teletext pages for the generated services.
Teletext can be used for:
- Channel information
- Programme information
- News pages
- Weather pages
- Technical information
- Contact pages
- Demonstration and training pages
The generated teletext data can be inserted into the transport stream and verified on compatible receivers, televisions, or transport stream analysis tools.
Typical Workflow
A typical VMA Playout Package workflow is:
- Create one media folder per TV service.
- Copy the source video files into the folders.
- Use VMA Normalizer to prepare the files for stable playout.
- Use VMA EPG Content Generator to generate or complete programme metadata.
- Use VMA Teletext Generator to create teletext pages.
- Start VMA MUX to generate the final transport stream.
- Monitor the output using professional analysis tools, VLC, VMA Transport Stream Analyser, VMA Mosaic, or a real receiver.
Example Applications
The VMA Playout Package can be used for:
- Broadcast engineering laboratories
- Training and education
- Demonstration channels
- Hotel or private IPTV systems
- DVB-T/DVB-S test multiplexes
- Internal company TV channels
- Museum, school, or institutional TV systems
- Receiver and analyzer testing
- Software-defined broadcast experiments
Output and Monitoring
The generated transport stream can be monitored using standard DVB/IPTV tools and receivers.
Depending on the configuration, the output may be used with:
- IPTV players
- UDP transport stream receivers
- DVB modulators
- Transport stream analyzers
- Professional monitoring equipment
- VMA Transport Stream Analyser
- VMA Mosaic
This makes the package useful both as a playout solution and as a broadcast engineering test platform.
Requirements
The VMA Playout Package is intended for Windows systems.
Recommended requirements:
- Windows 10 or Windows 11
- 64-bit system
- Wired Ethernet connection for UDP/IP output
- Sufficient disk space for media files
- FFmpeg and FFprobe copied into the application folder when using VMA Normalizer
- TMDB API key when using TMDB-based EPG metadata lookup
FFmpeg is not bundled with the package. The user must download FFmpeg separately and copy the required files into the VMA Playout Package folder.
The generated UDP unicast or multicast Transport Stream can be sent directly to compatible IPTV systems, monitoring tools, professional receivers, or modulation equipment.
For DVB-S/S2, DVB-C/C2, DVB-T/T2 or other RF distribution workflows, the output Transport Stream must be connected to suitable modulation hardware.
When using external modulators that do not accept UDP/IP Transport Stream input directly, a DekTec ASI converter or equivalent IP-to-ASI interface may be required.
DekTec modulators or other professional modulators with native IP input can normally receive the generated UDP Transport Stream directly, depending on their configuration and supported input formats.
Price
The VMA Playout Package is available as a complete software package for:
€999 + VAT
The license includes the following applications:
- VMA MUX
- VMA Normalizer
- VMA EPG Content Generator
- VMA Teletext Generator
- User guide
- Basic installation instructions
- Third-party licence information
FFmpeg is not included in the package. The user must download FFmpeg separately and copy the required files into the application folder, as explained in the included documentation.
A TMDB API key may be required when using TMDB-based EPG metadata lookup. TMDB API access and any related commercial rights are not included in the VMA Playout Package licence.
For commercial deployments, integration support, custom configuration, training, or special broadcast workflows, please contact VMA Broadcast.
Download
Download the current VMA Playout Package:
Important Notes
The VMA Playout Package is software for playout, multiplexing, testing, and private or professional distribution workflows.
When using the generated output for public broadcasting, cable distribution, satellite uplink, DVB transmission, IPTV services, or any regulated media service, the operator is responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable technical, copyright, licensing, and regulatory requirements.
The package does not include broadcast licences, content rights, TMDB commercial rights, FFmpeg binaries, or transmission authorizations.
Summary
The VMA Playout Package brings together the essential tools needed to create a small but complete digital TV playout workflow:
- Media preparation with VMA Normalizer
- EPG creation with VMA EPG Content Generator
- Teletext generation with VMA Teletext Generator
- Final multiplexing and output with VMA MUX
It is intended for users who need a practical, Windows-based broadcast playout and transport stream generation environment without the complexity of large enterprise automation systems.