FAST CHANNEL · FREE AD-SUPPORTED STREAMING
From content library to 24/7 linear channel —
in under sixty seconds.
Point Media Tech FAST is an end-to-end platform for OTT linear channels. AI scheduling, SCTE-35 ad insertion, automated EPG. One-click delivery to Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus, Roku Channel. Turn an existing library into a 24/7 ad-monetized channel.
60s
From brief to live
20
Channels per host
SCTE-35
SSAI ad insertion
24/7
Linear loop playout
WHY NOW
From "three months to launch one channel"
to AI in one click — a step change in OTT monetization.
Legacy OTT monetization: launching a single FAST channel requires four teams — programming, ad sales, integration engineering, platform onboarding. From content selection to going live on Pluto TV takes two to three months. Each new channel adds another three person-months. Point Media Tech FAST moves that pipeline onto AI: select a library category and AI schedules the channel; SCTE-35 cues are inserted automatically; SSAI matches programmatic ads in real time; EPG is generated automatically; one click pushes to Pluto / Samsung / Roku. Launch five channels in an afternoon.
LEGACY · MANUAL OTT
Manual scheduling, outsourced sales, per-platform integration
Programming editors sequence episode by episode; ad sales is outsourced to agencies; engineering integrates each platform separately; EPG is maintained in spreadsheets; one channel goes from plan to live in 2-3 months; scaling to 10 channels means two years of work.
FAST · AUTOMATED OTT
AI scheduling, automated ads, one-click delivery
AI schedules and paces from your library; SCTE-35 cues are tagged automatically; SSAI plus programmatic ads match in real time; EPG generates itself; up to 20 channels per host; one click pushes to Pluto TV / Samsung TV Plus / Roku Channel.
CAPABILITIES · THREE LAYERS
Three layers, one continuous
FAST channel pipeline.
AI scheduling → ad monetization → multi-platform distribution. Each layer is sized independently, licensed by channel and module, and extensible as you grow.
AI scheduling & EPG · AI Scheduling & EPG
Automatic content selection from your MAM library; AI pacing and rhythm; theme-based categorization; EPG generation (XMLTV / DASH MPD); multi-time-zone scheduling; automatic interstitials and continuous looping.
- AI content selection + pacing
- Automatic theme categorization
- EPG XMLTV / DASH MPD
- Multi-time-zone + loop scheduling
SCTE-35 ad insertion · Ad Insertion
Automatic SCTE-35 cue tagging; SSAI (Server-Side Ad Insertion) stitching; integration with Google Ad Manager / Magnite / FreeWheel; real-time programmatic matching; fill-rate monitoring; revenue and ad-log dashboards.
- Automatic SCTE-35 cue tagging
- SSAI server-side stitching
- Programmatic (GAM / Magnite)
- Fill-rate + revenue dashboards
Multi-platform distribution · Multi-Platform Distribution
Direct delivery to Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus, Roku Channel, Plex, LG Channels, Vizio WatchFree+; HLS / DASH streaming; multi-bitrate adaptive; CDN-friendly; one channel pushed to multiple platforms in parallel.
- Pluto TV / Samsung TV+ / Roku
- HLS / DASH multi-bitrate
- CDN-ready (CloudFront / Akamai)
- One channel, many platforms
WORKFLOW
FAST is a shortcut from library to viewer —
from selection to revenue, end-to-end automated.
FAST translates your MAM library into a 24/7 linear channel and connects it to ad monetization. The process is automated, measurable, and adjustable in real time.
FIGURE 01 · FAST CHANNEL WORKFLOW (LIBRARY → SCHEDULE → ENCODE → AD INSERT → DISTRIBUTE)
SPECIFICATIONS
Engineering specifications.
A full spec sheet and live engineering walkthrough are available on request.
| AI scheduling | Automatic library selection · theme categorization · pacing control · multi-time-zone · loop + interstitials · 60s from brief to live |
|---|---|
| EPG generation | XMLTV · DASH MPD · platform-specific specs (Pluto / Samsung / Roku) · multilingual · automatic refresh |
| Ad insertion | SCTE-35 standard cues · SSAI server-side stitching · programmatic (GAM / Magnite / FreeWheel) · fill-rate monitoring |
| Output formats | HLS · DASH · multi-bitrate adaptive (ABR) · CMAF · 4K / HDR optional · clear or Widevine DRM |
| Distribution platforms | Pluto TV · Samsung TV Plus · Roku Channel · Plex · LG Channels · Vizio WatchFree+ · own OTT |
| Concurrency | Up to 20 channels per host · linear scale-out to hundreds · containerized deployment · cloud or on-premise |
| Licensing | Licensed by channel count and feature modules; monthly or annual contract; software license + annual maintenance |
HOW TO START
Three steps, from evaluation to production.
Request a trial
Submit the contact form. Sales will respond within one business day to schedule a technical consultation.
Integration assessment
Our consultant reviews your library, target distribution platforms, and ad monetization strategy, and plans the AI scheduling and SSAI integration.
Deploy and go live
After MAM integration, AI scheduling tuning, and platform onboarding, we run acceptance tests and phase your first channels live, then scale.
READY?
Ready to turn your library
into a 24/7 monetization engine?
Book a demo and see what AI does to a one-afternoon launch of five FAST channels.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
What is a FAST channel and how does ad-supported streaming generate revenue?
FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) is a linear streaming channel that viewers watch for free, monetized through ad breaks. Compared to subscription OTT, FAST channels have a lower barrier to entry and reach a broader audience, making them a key channel for broadcasters and media groups to expand OTT monetization.
How can broadcasters and media groups launch FAST channels quickly?
Point Media Tech FAST Channel integrates AI-driven channel builder tools that cover content selection, scheduling, and EPG generation in under 60 seconds. Paired with an existing content library, a single host can output up to 20 FAST channels simultaneously without additional staffing for ad sales and scheduling.
How do FAST channels launch on Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus, and similar platforms?
Point Media Tech FAST Channel supports distribution specifications for Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus, Roku Channel, and other leading FAST platforms. It outputs standards-compliant EPG data and streaming formats that meet each platform's requirements, enabling fast multi-platform rollout.
How do FAST channels automate revenue through SCTE-35 ad insertion?
The platform integrates the SCTE-35 ad insertion standard with programmatic advertising to automatically match advertisers and insert ads at designated break points during program playback. Ad revenue is maximized automatically with no manual scheduling required.
What is the budget for launching a FAST channel, and how is licensing calculated?
FAST Channel is licensed by channel count and feature modules, with flexible monthly or annual contract options. The system runs on standard server hardware, and pricing depends on the number of output channels and ad insertion requirements. Contact sales for a detailed quote.
How should we evaluate FAST channel platform vendors? What are the key selection criteria?
Key criteria include: AI scheduling automation capability, supported distribution platforms (Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus), SCTE-35 ad insertion integration, automated EPG generation, and simultaneous multi-channel output capacity. Contact us to arrange a free technical consultation.
What technical infrastructure and systems are required to operate a FAST channel?
Core FAST channel infrastructure includes: (1) scheduling system (playlist/EPG generation), (2) ad insertion system (SCTE-35 compliant, integrated with SSAI ad servers), (3) streaming encoder output (HLS), and (4) CDN distribution. The Point Media Tech FAST solution integrates all of these layers and provides ready-made channel templates, so operators can configure a channel in under 60 seconds and significantly reduce the technical barrier.
FAST channels vs. paid OTT subscriptions: which model suits mid-sized media companies better?
For mid-sized media companies, FAST channels offer a zero subscription barrier (free for viewers), fast time-to-market (Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus, and similar platforms), and ad revenue share monetization without building a subscription system. It is well suited to broadcasters and production companies with deep existing libraries that want to reach new audiences at lower cost. Paid OTT is a better fit for platforms with an established subscriber base and the marketing budget to grow it.