Reeplayer, part of MLS Innovation Lab, is an innovative sports technology company specializing in AI-powered cameras designed for capturing and streaming youth sports events. Their cameras use advanced machine learning algorithms to detect and classify objects and players. Their mission is to bring high quality, accessible video footage and livestreaming to grassroots sports.
The Problem
Reeplayer faced a critical demand from their customers for livestreaming soccer matches. While their camera provided a way for youth soccer teams to capture and record matches, their viewers missed out on the real-time suspense, as well as the emotional connection and shared experience with players and other fans watching simultaneously.
Additionally, there were missed opportunities for teams seeking financial support. Due to a less captive audience for recorded matches, local businesses looking to connect with the community had little incentive to support teams through sponsorship.
While Reeplayer's AI capabilities were cutting-edge, they faced a significant hurdle in delivering a live streaming experience over YouTube live to their users. The varying network conditions on the field and in different households posed a challenge to maintaining consistent video quality without buffering or dropouts.
Reeplayer needed a solution that could:
Adapt to changing network conditions in real-time
Maintain the highest possible video quality without interruptions
Integrate seamlessly with their existing AI processing pipeline
Be implemented quickly to meet their product launch deadline
The Solution: Native Frame's Adaptive Streaming Implementation
Within the span of a few weeks, Reeplayer integrated Native Frame's technology into their AI-powered cameras, creating an adaptive streaming solution using GStreamer, a powerful open-source multimedia framework. This solution dynamically adjusts the video bitrate based on network conditions, ensuring a smooth viewing experience across various devices and internet speeds.
Key components of the solution included:
Custom GStreamer Pipeline: A tailored streaming pipeline that includes video capture, conversion, encoding, and streaming components, optimized for Reeplayer's AI camera hardware.
Buffer Management: Implementation of a queue element to monitor and manage data buffering, crucial for adapting to network fluctuations.
Adaptive Bitrate Streaming: Implementation of dynamic bitrate adjustment to optimize for both quality and stability across varying network conditions.
RTMP Streaming: Integration with RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol) for reliable, low-latency streaming from Reeplayer’s cameras to Native Frame’s private cloud infrastructure.
HLS Playback Integration: Implementation of HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) playback, ensuring broad compatibility across various devices and platforms for end-users viewing the camera feeds.
Webhook Integration for Stream Authorization: Utilization of Native Frame's webhook system to manage stream authorization on Reeplayer's cameras, enhancing security and access control.
Stats API for Quality Monitoring: Integration with Native Frame's stats API to provide Reeplayer with immediate feedback on broadcast quality, enabling real-time optimization and troubleshooting.
Future-Proofing with WHIP: Design considerations for eventual integration of WebRTC HTTP Ingestion Protocol (WHIP), preparing Reeplayer for next-generation streaming capabilities.
The Implementation Process
Requirements Gathering: Native Frame worked closely with Reeplayer to understand their specific needs and constraints.
Integration and Testing: The adaptive streaming solution was integrated into Reeplayer's existing software stack and rigorously tested under various network conditions.
Performance Optimization: Native Frame's engineers fine-tuned the bitrate adjustment algorithm to achieve the optimal balance between video quality and streaming stability.
Knowledge Transfer: Comprehensive documentation and hands-on training were provided to Reeplayer's development team.
“Native Frame's livestreaming technology, integrated into Reeplayer's cameras, has been a game-changer not just for our business, but for our teams. We've seen increased engagement from fans, new sponsorship opportunities, and even interest from college recruiters. It's not just about streaming games; it's about creating opportunities for our young players.”
Orhan Basak Ajredinovski, CEO and founder, Reeplayer
Key Wins
The integration of Native Frame’s platform not only alleviated challenges associated with livestreaming, but also positioned Reeplayer at the forefront of innovation in youth soccer.
Overall, integration with Native Frame delivered top results:
Stream Management: Reeplayer has access to stream analytics to help troubleshoot and prevent video errors and interruptions, as well as the ability to pause and resume a stream seamlessly.
Enhanced Video Quality: Viewers experience higher video quality and lower latency compared with YouTube Live
Scalability: Native Frame’s infrastructure enabled Reeplayer to go from broadcasting one stream at a time to supporting up hundreds of concurrent streams and viewers
It also opened up a plethora of product possibilities that were previously unreachable including:
A new revenue stream with in-app purchases
Sponsorship bidding for local businesses
Real-time graphics and score overlays
Live video feeds from remote or on site commentators
We’re redefining the livestreaming landscape
Built on a foundation of cutting-edge technologies, our platform offers unparalleled performance tailored to your needs. The Native Frame™ platform features provide you with the tools you need to deliver a seamless, fast and reliable livestreaming experience.
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