To create an AWS Elemental MediaLive channel, first create an input for your video source, then create the channel, attach the input, configure an output group for your destination, save, and start the channel when both ends are ready. The exact input and output settings depend on whether your source pushes video or MediaLive pulls it, the pipeline class you choose, and where the stream will be delivered.
Plan the source and delivery path
Before opening channel creation, decide how video will reach MediaLive and where the encoded output should go. AWS describes input delivery as either a push from the upstream system or a pull by MediaLive. Each input type has its own setup requirements, and the upstream system may need configuration first. See AWS’s MediaLive input setup guide.
- Source and protocol: identify the upstream system and whether it will push or MediaLive will pull the stream.
- Pipeline arrangement: decide whether the channel should use standard or single-pipeline class, then ensure the source arrangement supports that choice.
- Destination: identify the downstream service or server and whether it expects HLS, RTMP, or another supported workflow.
- Output needs: establish the video, audio, and caption streams required, plus any manifest, DRM, or ad-marker needs for HLS.
MediaLive does not require a camera or capture card specifically: the source can be an existing system that supplies the stream over a supported input workflow.
Create the MediaLive input first
Create an input before creating the channel. Input setup connects an upstream address to a MediaLive address; AWS provides the MediaLive destination details for the upstream system. Protocol, credentials, source-side settings, and endpoint count depend on the input type and channel class.
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Example: public RTMP push
- Coordinate the RTMP application and stream names with the upstream system, along with the public IP addresses it will use.
- Create or select an input security group that permits those source IP addresses. A public RTMP source needs this access control configured.
- Create the RTMP input and select an input class that matches the planned channel arrangement.
- Give the AWS-generated input destinations to the upstream operator and configure their encoder or system to push to them.
A standard arrangement uses two source destinations; a single-pipeline arrangement uses one. Do not configure the source with an endpoint count that conflicts with the selected arrangement. AWS’s input documentation covers the available input workflows.
Example: HLS pull
Gather the HLS source URL or URLs and any credentials the source requires. MediaLive connects to and pulls the HLS content when the channel starts. AWS specifies two source URL fields for a standard HLS input and one for a single-class input. This differs from RTMP push: configure the source details and access requirements for HLS rather than reusing the RTMP procedure. See AWS’s input setup documentation.
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Create the channel and choose its class
Once the input exists, open the AWS Elemental MediaLive console and create a channel. The channel-details flow includes naming the channel, selecting an IAM role, choosing a channel class, matching input specifications to the source, and choosing the output delivery arrangement. AWS documents these choices in Create a channel: step 1.
- Channel name: use a name that identifies the stream or workflow in your AWS account.
- IAM role: select the role that allows MediaLive to access the resources required by the configuration.
- Channel class: choose standard or single-pipeline based on the source endpoints and pipeline arrangement you have planned. The right choice depends on the actual source and desired setup; the classes are not interchangeable assumptions about every source’s redundancy.
- Input specification: match it to the characteristics of the source content.
- Delivery and placement: choose settings for the intended output workflow. Do not select placement options arbitrarily.
If you are configuring an AWS Anywhere channel, AWS’s channel-details instructions specify additional placement settings and require single-pipeline class and public-internet delivery. That is a distinct configuration path, not a general requirement for every MediaLive channel.
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Attach the input and configure an output group
In the channel configuration, attach the input you created and add the output group that matches the downstream system. HLS and RTMP have different destination and stream settings, so use the output workflow expected by the destination rather than treating one as a universal default.
HLS output group
Set the HLS destination and configure the number of outputs and their stream settings. Depending on the delivery plan, HLS configuration can also include manifest options, DRM, captions, and ad markers. AWS’s HLS output group guide describes the relevant settings.
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HLS destinations are not limited to MediaPackage. AWS documents HLS destination configuration for Amazon S3, AWS Elemental MediaStore, AWS Elemental MediaPackage, and HTTP servers. Choose the destination that fits the rest of your delivery workflow.
RTMP output group
Configure the RTMP destination and connection settings, then configure the stream settings for the output. AWS documents an RTMP output group as having one output. Use the destination parameters expected by the receiving service or server.
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Using MediaPackage
MediaPackage is one possible HLS destination. In AWS’s getting-started example, the HLS group uses MediaPackage destination URLs and credentials. Keep destination credentials private; AWS’s example stores passwords in Systems Manager Parameter Store rather than publishing them in the configuration. Follow the relevant AWS instructions for your account and destination rather than copying example credentials. See the AWS HLS output group guide.
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- Review that the channel has the intended input, class, output group, destinations, and stream settings.
- Save the channel configuration.
- Make sure the upstream source is ready and the downstream destination is configured to receive the output.
- Start the channel. For an HLS input, MediaLive begins pulling from the source when the channel starts.
- Check the protocol- and destination-specific AWS monitoring guidance for the status and delivery signals appropriate to your workflow.
Validation is destination-specific: the setup instructions do not establish one universal status checklist for every input and output combination. Consult the documentation for the protocol and downstream service you selected. AWS’s channel creation guide and HLS output guide are starting points for those configurations.
Common setup problems and fixes
- Channel creation starts before the input is ready: create and configure the input first, then select it in the channel configuration.
- Wrong endpoint count for the pipeline class: align the RTMP or HLS source endpoints with the standard or single-pipeline arrangement; RTMP standard uses two destinations and single-pipeline uses one, while HLS uses two source URLs for standard and one for single-class.
- Public RTMP pushes cannot reach the input: check that the input security group allows the public source IP addresses used by the upstream sender.
- HLS source does not arrive as expected: confirm the correct source URL fields and credentials, and remember that MediaLive pulls when the channel starts.
- Output group has no working destination: obtain the destination details and any required connection credentials from the receiving service before configuring the output group.
- MediaPackage is treated as mandatory: select it only when it fits the workflow; HLS destinations can include S3, MediaStore, MediaPackage, or HTTP servers.
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