Migration Guide
Azure Media
Services Migration
Seamlessly migrate your existing back catalog from AMS, continuing to serve your content from your existing Azure storage without the need to re-encode. Our migration tool is the simplest way to continue serving video content via Azure without disruption to your service.
TIME LEFT TILL AMS SUNSETS
Microsoft is retiring Azure Media Services (AMS) by June 30, 2024. As we are officially recommended by Microsoft in their migration guide, transition to Bitmovin before this date to avoid disruptions and not miss a play. Sign up on the Azure Marketplace to get started within minutes with our simple migration tool.
4 main benefits of Bitmovin’s Streams
Easily get set up with our dedicated migration tool
Scale seamlessly and reduce workflow costs
Pre-Integrated with the Azure Cloud
Simple onboarding process with access to video experts
Let us know what your workflow needs are
Choose below which best describes what you’re looking for
Get set up and go with our out-of-the box end-to-end workflow.
| Feature | Streams (end-to-end streaming solution) |
|---|---|
| Solution Access | Platform Dashboard and Complete API library |
| Live encoding |  |
| File-based Transcoding | |
| Video Resolution | Standard, HD, 4K |
| Video Inputs | Live: RTMP and RTMPS / VOD: HLS, MP4, MOV |
| Audio Inputs | AAC, MP3 |
| Streaming Formats | HLS |
| Audio Outputs | AAC, MP3 |
| Cloud Storage | Azure Blob Storage |
| Additional Features | Live-to-VOD, Trimming, Monetization (Pre-roll, Mid-roll and Post-roll), Player UI customizations, Thumbnails, Posters |
| Video Player | Pre-Integrated with Bitmovin’s Player |
| Playback Analytics | Pre-Integrated with Bitmovin’s Analytics |
| Device Testing | Bitmovin’s Stream Lab |
| Available in the Azure Marketplace | |
Select from our range of products to integrate within your custom workflow and fit to any use case.
| Feature | Live Encoder | VOD Encoder |
|---|---|---|
| Solution Access | Platform Dashboard and Complete API library |
Platform Dashboard and Complete API library |
| Live encoding | |
 |
| File-based Transcoding | |
|
| Multi-DRM and Content Encryption | Playready, Widevine, Fairplay, Marlin and AES-128 |
Playready, Widevine, Fairplay, Marlin and AES-128 |
| Forensic Watermarking | |
Nagra’s Nexguard |
| Video Resolution | Standard, HD, 4K | Standard, HD, 4K, 8K |
| Video Inputs | HLS, RTMP, RTMPS, ZIXI, SRT, DASH-IF | HLS, MP4, MOV, MKV, AV1 + more |
| Audio Inputs | AAC, Vorbis | AAC, MP3, AC3 for & E-AC3 (Dolby Digital & Plus) + more |
| Streaming Formats | MPEG-DASH, HLS | MPEG-DASH, HLS, Smooth Streaming |
| Audio Outputs | AAC, HE-AAC V1 & V2, Vorbis and Opus |
AAC, Dolby Atmos, Digital & Plus, MP3 + more |
| Cloud Storage | Azure Blob Storage | Azure Blob Storage |
| Content Delivery Network | Azure Front Door & Azure CDN | Azure Front Door & Azure CDN |
| Additional Features | Subtitles, Captions, SCTE-35 Signal pass through, Live transcription, Live-to-VOD + more |
Subtitles, Captions, Content Aware Encoding, Multi-Pass, Smart Chunking, Dolby Vision & Atmos (HDR) |
| Video Player | Pre-Integrated with Bitmovin’s Player | Pre-Integrated with Bitmovin’s Player |
| Playback Analytics | Pre-Integrated with Bitmovin’s Analytics | Pre-Integrated with Bitmovin’s Analytics |
| Device Testing | Bitmovin’s Stream Lab | Bitmovin’s Stream Lab |
| Available in the Azure Marketplace | |
|
Learn how to migrate your video seamlessly
Migrate to Bitmovin in 4 easy steps
Create an Azure account
Subscribe to Bitmovin Streams
Migrate your
existing library
Get
Streaming
You can also watch these quick video guides:
With no waiting lists or lengthy forms to complete you can start the process today with just a few clicks.
Utilizing a system integrator or need advanced customizations?
Prevent disruptions and plan for a smooth migration by working with one of our recommended ISV partners. They have teams of highly skilled developers ready to transition you away from AMS with minimal time investment.
Fast and easy integration
From small to large teams, Bitmovin’s robust API and solution documentation gives you all of the tools you need to get set up and streaming easily on Streams
Step-by-step guides
Product tutorials
Code Samples
AMS Migration Documentation
Developer Community
<script type="text/javascript" src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/bitmovin-player@8/bitmovinplayer.js"></script>
<div class="player-wrapper">
<div id="player"></div>
</div>
<script type="text/javascript">
var conf = {
key: '<your_player_key_from_bitmovin-dashboard>'
};
var source = {
title: 'Art of Motion',
dash: 'https://bitmovin-a.akamaihd.net/content/MI201109210084_1/mpds/f08e80da-bf1d-4e3d-8899-f0f6155f6efa.mpd'
};
var player = new bitmovin.player.Player(document.getElementById('player'), conf);
player.load(source);
</script>
Frequently asked questions
Our team of video experts are on hand to guide you through the process as you move from AMS to Streams; but as a starting point, we’ve put together this list of common questions about the retirement of Azure Media Services.
Which Azure Media Services are being retired?
Microsoft is retiring Azure Dynamic Packaging, Content Protection, VOD Encoding, Live Streaming, and Media Player.
Why is Azure Media Services being retired?
Microsoft has chosen to retire these services as part of their focus on secular growth and long-term competitiveness plans. They are also prioritizing media services solutions from the Microsoft partner ecosystem to improve access to the highest-quality services.
What does this mean for my current services in Azure?
Azure Media Services will stop working. It is essential that users migrate to alternative solutions such as Bitmovin to support their future streaming and encoding needs. It’s fairly straightforward to transition away from AMS to a SaaS solution such as Streams; and we’re here to guide you through the process alongside our ISV partners Eyevinn and Southworks.
How long do I have to change over services?
You will have until 30 June 2024 to switch over your on-demand encoding, live streaming, on-demand streaming and content protection workflows.
Where can I find more information about the retirement of AMS services?
Microsoft has prepared a retirement guide to support you in your transition from their services which you can access here: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/media-services/latest/azure-media-services-retirement
What is Bitmovin Streams on Azure Marketplace?
Bitmovin on Azure Marketplace is an exciting collaboration between Bitmovin and Microsoft Azure that brings you a powerful video streaming solution. Whether you need to deliver live or on-demand content, this partnership offers cost-effective streaming, seamless workflows, and top-notch video encoding capabilities.
What are the benefits of using Bitmovin Streams on Azure?
It’s quick and easy to move your existing back catalog to Bitmovin using our simple migration tool. When you choose Bitmovin on Azure, you unlock a world of benefits. Our industry-leading technology, including Per-Title encoding, ensures that your viewers enjoy a seamless experience across various devices. By automating the encoding process, we save you time and reduce costs, making your videos look great while managing your streaming expenses efficiently.
How can I start using Bitmovin Streams on Azure?
Starting your journey with Bitmovin on Azure is easy! Simply head to the Azure Marketplace and begin your trial. You’ll have access to Bitmovin’s Dashboard, an end-to-end video on-demand and live streaming solution. Using our simple migration tool you can move your existing back catalog to Bitmovin without the need to re-encode, continuing to use your existing Azure storage. Then for new content, you can effortlessly upload, encode, and host your content on Azure while taking advantage of Bitmovin’s advanced video encoding features. Find out more.