To create a virtual linear channel with AWS Elemental MediaTailor, point a source location at your media origin, add compatible VOD sources and package configurations, create a channel and output, schedule programs, then start the channel and test its playback endpoint. Choose Basic for VOD-only Loop or Linear schedules; choose Standard in Linear mode if the schedule must include live sources.
What you need before you begin
MediaTailor channel assembly builds a scheduled stream from manifests hosted at an origin; examples include Amazon S3, a web server, a CDN such as CloudFront, or a packaging origin such as AWS Elemental MediaPackage. Gather your origin’s base URL and each asset’s manifest path before configuring the channel. Follow AWS’s Getting started with MediaTailor channel assembly guide for the full console workflow.
- For each VOD asset, identify its HLS or DASH manifest and the source group it will belong to.
- Assets grouped in a package configuration must have equal manifest-determined durations and equal numbers of child streams. AWS recommends using a consistent encoding template. Per-title or automated ABR encoding is not supported when it results in assets that violate these requirements.
- If you are following the ad-enabled getting-started path, prepare an ad slate. Ad insertion is optional; it is not required to create a scheduled channel.
See AWS’s VOD source requirements before loading a large library, so incompatible manifests do not become a scaling problem.
1. Create a source location
- In the MediaTailor console, open 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 Amazon S3, configure optional SigV4 authentication if your access setup requires it.
The source location tells MediaTailor where to retrieve manifests. AWS describes the fields and setup in Working with source locations and Creating a source location.
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall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.
2. Add VOD sources and package configurations
Create a VOD source for each media item you want available to the schedule. Each VOD source needs at least one package configuration, which specifies the package format, source group, and manifest location relative to the source location’s base URL.
- Add the VOD source under the source location.
- Create a package configuration and choose HLS or DASH.
- Enter the relative path to the corresponding manifest and assign a source group.
- Repeat for other assets, keeping each source group compatible: the manifests must determine equal durations and expose the same number of child streams.
A channel output uses a source group to expose a playback format. If clients need both HLS and DASH, configure both formats with the relevant source groups and create an output for each. Consult AWS’s VOD source documentation for package configuration details.
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.
3. Choose a channel tier and create the channel output
| Tier | Playback modes | Live sources | Use it when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | Loop or Linear | Not supported | The schedule is VOD-only. |
| Standard | Linear required | Supported | The schedule needs live sources. |
Create the channel in the console, select the mode permitted by its tier, then configure an output with the source group and manifest name. The output provides the format-specific playback endpoint. For the current console sequence and tier details, use AWS’s channel creation guide.
4. Add programs to the schedule
A program connects a source to the channel schedule; the program order determines what plays and when. Add VOD sources as programs and position them in the desired sequence. To include live programming, use a Standard channel and configure eligible live sources. AWS documents the process in Adding a program to a channel’s schedule and its console walkthrough.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
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.
- A VOD program can include ad breaks represented by a slate source.
- Personalized server-side ad insertion is an optional layer, not a prerequisite for channel assembly.
- On a looping channel, an edit to a program scheduled within the next 10 minutes may not appear until the next loop.
For live-source setup and eligibility, see Working with live sources.
5. Start the channel and validate its output
- Start the channel in the MediaTailor console.
- Copy the playback endpoint from the channel output.
- Open the endpoint with a player that supports the configured manifest format, HLS or DASH, and verify that programs play in schedule order.
A successful channel start does not by itself validate that every origin manifest is reachable or playable. If playback fails, check the endpoint format and source group, confirm the relative manifest path resolves under the origin base URL, and verify that the assets satisfy the package configuration’s duration and child-stream requirements. AWS’s getting-started guide includes start, test, and cleanup steps.
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
Cost considerations
AWS’s getting-started guide gives an estimated charge of $0.10 per hour for an active channel and says inactive channels are not charged. The guide does not state a publication year for that estimate, so treat it as indicative rather than a current quote; check the current AWS regional pricing before budgeting.
Or let it run in the cloud
MediaTailor is for assembling scheduled channels from origin-hosted manifests. If instead your goal is to keep uploaded videos looping as a YouTube live stream, StreamNeo is a separate cloud service for that use case: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; the uploaded video streams as made, up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, and StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteBest 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.
Learn more at StreamNeo, or start the free first day.
Quick Recap
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.
