To create a virtual linear channel with AWS Elemental MediaTailor, point a source location at your origin, add compatible VOD sources and package configurations, create a channel output, build the program schedule, then start the channel and test its playback endpoint. Choose a Basic channel for VOD-only Loop or Linear playback; use Standard for live sources, which require Linear mode.
What you need before you begin
Have your source video available at an origin and know the manifest paths that MediaTailor will retrieve. A source location can point to S3, a web server, a CDN such as CloudFront, or a packaging origin such as MediaPackage. The AWS getting-started flow also uses an ad slate if you intend to configure ad breaks.
Check package compatibility before adding a large library. For sources grouped in a package configuration, AWS requires matching manifest-determined durations and the same number of child streams. Per-title or automated ABR encoding is not suitable when it produces assets that violate those constraints; AWS recommends using a consistent encoding template.
See AWS’s MediaTailor channel assembly getting-started guide and its VOD source requirements.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Choose the channel tier and playback format
| Choice | Use it when | Important constraint |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | You need a VOD-only channel in Loop or Linear mode. | Live sources are not supported. |
| Standard | Your schedule needs live sources. | Standard channels require Linear mode. |
| HLS | Your playback clients support HLS. | Configure an HLS package configuration and a matching channel output. |
| DASH | Your playback clients support DASH. | Configure a DASH package configuration and a matching channel output. |
If viewers need both HLS and DASH, configure both package formats and create an output for each applicable source group. Tier and playback-mode requirements are described in AWS’s channel creation guide.
Create the source location
- In the MediaTailor console, go to Channel Assembly > Source locations and choose Create source location.
- Enter a name and the origin’s base URL. Use a standard HTTP URL beginning with
http://orhttps://. - If the origin is an Amazon S3 bucket, configure optional SigV4 authentication if required by your setup.
- Create the source location. Its base URL is the origin prefix used with the relative manifest paths you supply for sources.
For field details, see AWS’s source location creation instructions.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Add VOD sources and package configurations
- For each media item, add a VOD source under the source location.
- Add at least one package configuration to each VOD source. Specify a source group, select HLS or DASH, and enter the manifest path relative to the origin base URL.
- Keep sources within a package configuration compatible: their manifests must have equal determined durations and expose the same number of child streams.
- Repeat for each format your clients need. Use the package configuration’s source group when setting up channel outputs.
These constraints matter when preparing game trailers, gameplay compilations, tournament VODs, or other scheduled video: a library with inconsistent variants may fail channel-assembly compatibility checks. See AWS’s VOD source documentation.
Create the channel and its output
- Create a channel in the MediaTailor console and select the tier and playback mode that match your schedule. Basic permits Loop or Linear mode; Standard is for live-source schedules and requires Linear mode.
- Configure a channel output with a source group used by your package configurations.
- Set the manifest name. The output exposes the format-specific playback endpoint that clients will request.
- If serving both HLS and DASH, configure a suitable output for each relevant source group and format.
Follow the current console fields in Create a channel using the MediaTailor console.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Build the program schedule
Add programs to define what the channel plays and in what order. A program can use a VOD source; live programs can be used on Standard channels. For a VOD program, you may also define slate-based ad breaks. Personalized server-side ad insertion is an optional layer, not a prerequisite for creating a scheduled channel.
- Open the channel’s schedule and add a program using the desired source.
- Set its position relative to other programs so the schedule reflects the intended playback order.
- Continue adding VOD programs, or configure live programs if the channel is Standard and uses Linear mode.
- For slate-based breaks, associate the appropriate slate source with the VOD program’s ad break configuration.
One scheduling edge case: on a looping channel, changes to a program scheduled within the next 10 minutes may not appear until the next loop. Consult AWS’s schedule program guidance and console steps for adding a program. For live-source behavior and eligibility, see AWS’s live source documentation.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Start the channel and validate playback
- Start the channel from the MediaTailor console.
- Copy the playback endpoint from the channel output.
- Open the endpoint in a suitable HLS or DASH player, according to the format configured for that output.
- Confirm that the manifest loads and that playback follows the expected program order. Check the origin manifest path, package format, source group, and schedule if the endpoint fails or content is missing.
AWS’s getting-started tutorial includes starting, testing, and cleaning up the channel.
Cost and operational considerations
AWS’s getting-started guide gives an estimate of $0.10 per hour for an active channel and says inactive channels are not charged. This is a guide estimate, not a guaranteed current rate: AWS charges can vary by region and change, so check the current MediaTailor pricing page for your region before deploying.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Plan for origin hosting, encoding and packaging, and playback-client compatibility as separate parts of the workflow. MediaTailor channel assembly schedules and exposes source content; it does not make incompatible manifests compatible automatically.
Or let it run in the cloud
StreamNeo is a separate service for keeping a YouTube channel live 24/7 from uploaded videos; it is not a MediaTailor channel-assembly alternative and streams to YouTube only. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. The cloud keeps the loop running without a home computer or connection staying on. It plays uploaded videos rather than broadcasting a camera.
Quick Recap
- Nothing has to stay powered on at home.
- Your upload streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot.
- It automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required.
Monthly: $9.99 per month.
See StreamNeo or start your free first day.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
