Media management for government streaming
EarthChannel is a unique ecosystem that streams meetings live, provides on-demand programs directly from your website, and create/manage agendas through an integrated solution. These 100% cloud-based tools were created specifically for open government.
Publish, manage, and deliver civic media from one cloud-based platform.
Stream to mobileNo app required
Live streamingSD or HD
On-demandAvailable 24/7
Media indexingJump to the moment
Agenda Creation/ManagementCreate, import & update
The platform
EarthChannel is a unique ecosystem that allows municipalities to stream meetings live and offer on-demand programs directly from their websites. Constituents can participate more efficiently in the governmental process while publishers manage everything through a cloud-based toolbox.
EarthChannel content can be viewed on iPads, iPhones, Android devices, Kindle Fire, and other modern mobile devices without a custom app. EarthChannel handles the delivery work and presents media natively to devices that support current web and media standards.
Stream live media directly from your website by embedding a custom Live Player with a one-time copy-and-paste process. Control the stream through EarthChannel software and simulcast live video, digital billboards, or prerecorded programming continuously or only while a meeting is in session. Hardware is included.
EarthChannel’s Video-On-Demand and Audio-On-Demand programs give viewers access to streaming media 24 hours a day. An OnDemand Archive allows people to engage with meetings and events whenever their schedules permit.
Connect an agenda or other meaningful data to specific points in a program with one mouse click per item.
EarthChannel's Agenda allows creation or importation from other documents. Complete downloadable PDF Agenda Packets may be posted as an attachment or a stand-alone document. Agenda Items may be rearranged or tabled in real-time during a meeting.
Hardware Included
All Live Stream accounts include an EarthChannel Encoder, either SD or HD. There is no hardware to purchase, support contract, or upgrade fee. If an encoder develops an issue, or an upgrade requires new hardware, EarthChannel supplies a replacement.
The EarthChannel Encoder is a finely tuned appliance positioned within your network without any security risk to create and deliver live media to EarthChannel. Continual monitoring and maintenance are performed by EarthChannel to provide maximum dependability.
An encoder is a hardware device that digitally transforms media and makes it web-friendly. Standard video is too large for practical internet delivery, so the EarthChannel Encoder converts live media for viewing on desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. It was developed for high-quality, dependable streaming, efficient bandwidth use, rapid integration, remote monitoring, and easy updates.
An encoder is not required for a VOD-only package. Publishers can use compatible third-party software to convert media to the correct streaming parameters, eliminating the need for live-streaming hardware and reducing the package cost.
Webcast continuously or only during an event. EarthChannel Encoders can accommodate either SD or HD video streams, interfacing with legacy SD systems and HD systems
All Live + On-Demand packages provide ServerSide Record, which automatically records your webcast on EarthChannel servers as it is streaming Live. This process eliminates the need to manually upload any files. Live events can be published to your On-Demand page within minutes of the webcast's conclusion.
Once your selected EarthChannel as your streaming partner, you will receive a form to describe your network parameters. After EarthChannel receives your setup information, the preconfigured encoder arrives within a few days ready to stream. Connect the audio, video, and network cables and EarthChannel handles the rest. Available connections include analog stereo audio, composite video, SDI, and HDMI.
All controls are available through EarthChannel’s web-based Dashboard. Authorized users can start and stop a stream, create OnDemand files, set index points, and create/manage agendas from virtually anywhere.
When enabled, desktop viewers inside the local network receive the live stream directly from the EarthChannel Encoder without using internet bandwidth. This preserves bandwidth for other services while delivering a high-quality stream to internal viewers at no additional charge.
EarthChannel monitors included hardware around the clock. Updates and maintenance are included and performed by EarthChannel staff. If an encoder fails, a preconfigured replacement is supplied.
No Software To Install
EarthChannel’s software-as-a-service design allows users to control and administer media from any internet-connected computer. There are no applications to install, manage, or keep up to date.
Log in to the EarthChannel control dashboard to manage administration, uploads, indexing, linking, server-side recording, and reporting.
Included in all packages.
MPEG-4/H.264 is a video-compression standard supported on modern mobile devices, PCs, and Apple computers. Paired with AAC audio compression, it delivers media to desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. H.264 supports standard-definition and high-definition video in both 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios. EarthChannel supports SD and HD streaming so publishers can select the best balance of bandwidth and image quality for their audience and programming.
There is no need to create a separate mobile version of a Live Stream or OnDemand program. EarthChannel handles delivery according to the viewer’s computer or device, and no custom app needs to be installed or downloaded. Desktop viewers receive media through widely supported HTML5 technology, while compatible mobile devices use their native H.264/AAC players for a consistent experience across platforms.
Mobile viewers may connect through many different network types and bandwidth levels, including 3G, LTE, 4G, and 5G. EarthChannel profiles are designed to provide the highest practical video quality at the lowest data rate. Encoders and profiles are finely tuned to reach the widest audience with the fewest technical issues while maintaining strong image quality.
The EarthChannel Encoder is designed to provide high quality at low data rates. This headless appliance is fully managed and bundled with the service, so EarthChannel handles monitoring and updates without requiring a locally connected monitor. A single-channel encoder is included with every package containing a Live stream and can be expanded to two SD or HD channels. Multiple encoders can be added when more than two Live streams are required.
Capabilities
Most publishers combine live and on-demand channels. Core capabilities are included, with optional services available for specialized workflows.
Live Streaming
If you already broadcast through a cable channel, you can simulcast programming on the web continuously or only when an event is happening. Streaming from your website can reach cable, DSL, satellite, and other internet viewers.
How it works: Live video, digital billboards, and prerecorded programs can be streamed from a local encoder. Turnkey encoding packages and customized solutions are available.
Video-On-Demand
EarthChannel’s video-on-demand and audio-on-demand programs let viewers engage with meetings and events at their convenience. Calendar-style and list-style archives can be embedded directly into a website.
How it works: A one-time block of code places the archive on your site. Newly published programs then appear automatically. Previously recorded programs can be encoded and uploaded, or a local copy can be created from a live channel.
Media Indexing
Indexing connects an agenda or other meaningful data with specific moments in a program. Viewers can jump to an exact agenda item and avoid searching manually through long-form content.
Publishers can create unlimited index points in the EarthChannel dashboard. There is no editing involved; each point acts as a bookmark within the media.
Cost: Included in all on-demand packages.
Attachments
PDFs, Word documents, and web links can be attached to indexed programs or to individual index points. Supporting documents add context and help viewers participate more fully.
Upload as many digital attachments as needed and select the attachment icon to include them. Existing documents can also be linked from another location. Attachments can be assigned to an entire webcast and to individual agenda items
Cost: Included in all on-demand packages.
Audio Simulcasts
An audio-only simulcast gives viewers the option to listen instead of watch. It can be useful for mobile audiences and crowded office or municipal networks where high-quality video may not be practical.
A 16k audio-only profile is created on the encoder. EarthChannel creates the channel and supplies the website controls and instructions.
Cost: Included in all packages.
RSS Feeds
RSS feeds save viewers from checking the site manually. When a new program is published in the on-demand archive, subscribers can be notified automatically and follow a link back to the media.
RSS feeds are included in every player and can also be linked from a publisher’s website.
Cost: Included in all packages.
Easy Media Management
The web-based control dashboard gives publishers control from upload through the finished program. A single account provides access to the EarthChannel services and online media-management tools.
FTP remains available for publishers who prefer it, but it is not required.
Cost: Included in all on-demand packages.
Agenda Creation/Management
EarthChannel's Agenda allows creation or importation from other documents.
Complete downloadable PDF Agenda Packets may be posted as an attachment or a stand-alone document. Agenda Items may be rearranged or tabled in realtime during a meeting.
Detailed Reports
A wide variety of viewer reports are available. Number of viewers and average length of view are qucikly accessible via date range. Many more granular reports are also available.
Website Integration
Simply paste a permanent, EarthChannel-supplied code-snipet to an appropriate page. One snipet for a live viewer and one for your On-Demand viewer.
Rich Search
Viewers may easily search key-words, numbers, or phrases within a particular meeting. Viewers may also search across any or all meetings with the same parameters. This process allows viewers to follow any topic, parcel, or zoning across its history.
Pricing
EarthChannel was founded in 1995, with the goal of integrating audio and video with the Internet. EarthChannel was one of the very first to provide web-based audio in 1996 and web-based video in 1998. Evolving over the years, we first began offering streaming services to municipalities in 2000. The cornerstones of our philosophy were “Simple Use,” “High Performance” and “Simple Pricing.” In 2002, we introduced the streaming industry’s first “Software-As-A-Service” (SaaS) and “Hardware-As-A-Service” (HaaS) pricing plans, including all the necessary encoding equipment. Today, all our PEG publishers pay a single annual fee to enjoy all the features included in their package, based on population and feature sets.
With EarthChannel's flat-rate pricing, you don’t have to worry about bandwidth charges or tiered pricing structures — one annual fee covers everything for the year. Should a topic come up in a council meeting that spikes the number of simultaneous viewers, you don’t have to worry you’ll receive a bandwidth overage charge or be forced into a higher tier with higher prices.
We also don’t charge any “hidden costs” such as setup fees, license, training, support, or maintenance fees. Our publishers pay a single annual price and nothing more. We invite you to compare us to the competition and see just how different our pricing models can be.
For more specific pricing, simply select this link to request a quote.
Examples
EarthChannel live players and on-demand archives are intended to embed directly into municipal websites with custom graphics and a one-time integration.
Live streaming player embedded directly into the publisher's website.
Live streaming and an on-demand meeting archive embedded directly into the publisher's website.
Live streaming and an on-demand meeting archive embedded directly into the publisher's website.
On-demand meeting archive embedded directly into the publisher's website.
On-demand meeting archive embedded directly into the publisher's website.
Additional Options
Looking for a little more than what is included in the standard plans? These options can be added to an EarthChannel package.
Let’s Get Started
Schedule an online demonstration, ask a question, request a service review, or just have a chat. For specific pricing, select this link. Or give us a call; 678-935-9103.