To switch a live stream input in AWS Elemental MediaLive, attach the intended inputs to the channel, then create input-switch actions in that channel’s schedule. Attaching several inputs does not make MediaLive rotate through them automatically. Choose a fixed, immediate, or follow start time for each action, based on when the transition should happen and whether it depends on another action.
How MediaLive input switching works
A MediaLive channel’s schedule controls when it switches among its attached inputs. AWS describes the attachments as a pool: there is no special “main” input that the channel automatically returns to, and the attachment list is not an automatic rotation. A schedule action identifies the target input attachment and specifies when to switch. AWS: Multiple-input channels and the schedule and Working with the schedule.
The schedule belongs to the channel; it is not a separate schedule resource. You can prepare actions before startup and add or update actions while the channel is running. For a planned sequence, create the known actions ahead of time where practical. AWS: Working with the schedule.
Choose the right start mode
| Mode | Use it when | Important behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed | The transition is planned for a particular wall-clock time. | The action is scheduled for a UTC date and time. AWS’s input-switch behavior page gives a window of at least 15 seconds in the future and no more than 14 days away. However, AWS’s fields page specifies at least 30 seconds for a fixed switch to a static live input. These published requirements differ; use the validation for your exact console or API path and configuration, and confirm the current requirement before a time-critical event. |
| Immediate | The transition is ad hoc or its exact time was not known in advance. | MediaLive initiates the switch immediately. For standard channels with two pipelines, MediaLive sets an internal start time 10 seconds ahead so both pipelines can switch together. |
| Follow | The next input should begin when a specified earlier input-switch action ends, commonly for a file-input sequence. | The action references an earlier input-switch action. AWS says the reference input must have Source end behavior set to Continue. |
The timing details above are from AWS’s input-switch action behavior documentation and input-switch schedule fields. Fixed-start validation varies by the documented case, so do not assume one minimum applies to every input and configuration.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#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.
Set up and schedule the switches
- Create or identify the inputs. Confirm each intended source exists in MediaLive, then attach each target input to the channel. A schedule action selects an attachment on that channel, not an unattached source.
- Plan the sequence. For each switch, record an action name, the target input attachment, and its start mode: fixed, immediate, or follow. For a file input, decide whether the action should use clipping settings to limit the source segment.
- Prepare the initial schedule. Where practical, add known fixed-time and follow actions before starting the channel. AWS recommends making the first switch immediate, and the first switch must target a static input. Review the schedule setup guidance and input-switch limits.
- Start the channel. Once the channel is running, continue to add planned or ad-hoc actions to its schedule as needed.
- Prepare for short-notice immediate switches if needed. A prepare-input action can reduce delay before a planned immediate switch. Consider it when the transition’s responsiveness matters. See AWS schedule actions.
- Test the full sequence. Verify that each action targets the intended attachment and starts at the intended point in the schedule before relying on it for a live event.
When you switch away from a static file input and later switch back, ingest starts again at the beginning of the file or its selected clip. Account for that restart when sequencing file inputs. AWS: Input-switch limits.
Schedule actions through the AWS CLI
The AWS CLI represents a schedule action with the channel ID, an action name, start settings, and InputSwitchSettings containing an InputAttachmentNameReference. The start settings select one of the fixed, immediate, or follow modes. AWS documents payload patterns for fixed-time live switching, a file switch that follows another action, and an immediate dynamic-file switch. See AWS CLI schedule fields for input switches.
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.
Treat those examples as payload patterns rather than production-ready commands: replace the example channel and attachment identifiers, action names, timestamps, and input details with values from your channel. Check the mode-specific field requirements and the service’s validation response before scheduling a time-sensitive transition.
Scheduled switching is not automatic failover
An operator-planned schedule action changes inputs at a chosen time or after a referenced action. It does not, by itself, react to a source failure. Input-loss handling governs replacement content after a source becomes unhealthy, while automatic input failover is a separate feature that can switch to another input when its configured trigger occurs. Configure and test the behavior appropriate to your channel’s reliability needs; see AWS: Input loss behavior and automatic input failover.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver 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.
Startup detection is another distinct case: if MediaLive cannot detect the first input when the channel starts, the input or channel can fail. Correct the source or configuration and restart as needed; do not treat a scheduled switch as a remedy for an input that failed initial probing. AWS: Input loss behavior.
Troubleshoot common switching problems
- The channel stays on the current input. Check that the target is attached to the channel and that a schedule action names that attachment. Multiple attachments alone do not trigger a switch.
- A fixed action is rejected or misses its intended time. Check the UTC date and time, the selected start mode, and the validation message for the specific input and interface. AWS documents different minimum lead times for fixed switching in different contexts; do not apply a single minimum universally.
- A follow action does not start as expected. Confirm that it references the intended earlier input-switch action and that the reference input’s Source end behavior is Continue.
- A file begins from the start again. This is expected when returning to a static file input: MediaLive starts ingest at the beginning of the file or selected clip.
- The source fails when the channel starts. Investigate whether MediaLive can detect the initial input. Startup probing failure is different from a later input-loss event and may require correcting the input and restarting.
- A source outage does not produce the expected alternate input. Check the channel’s input-loss and automatic failover configuration separately from operator-directed schedule actions. A scheduled action is not a substitute for configured failure handling.
Or let it run in the cloud
MediaLive schedule actions are the way to switch among attached inputs in this workflow. If your separate goal is to keep uploaded videos looping as a YouTube live stream, StreamNeo is a different, YouTube-only service—not a MediaLive input switcher. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live; StreamNeo loops the uploaded video from the cloud, so your computer and home connection do not need to stay on.
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
- One flat price per slot for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, without re-encoding or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery 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.
Quick Recap
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.
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.
