# Categories for inputs
<a name="input-categories"></a>

In MediaLive, inputs can be categorized in several ways:
+ **Type** – An input has a type of source and delivery protocol. For example, an HLS input or an RTMP input. For more information, see [Input types supported in MediaLive](inputs-supported-containers.md).
+ **Live versus VOD ** – An input is either a live (streaming) input or a video on demand (VOD) input. For more information, see [Input types supported in MediaLive](inputs-supported-containers.md).
+ **Push versus pull** – An input is either a push input or a pull input.
  + With a push input, the upstream system pushes the input to *endpoints* on MediaLive. The input holds these endpoints.
  + With a pull input, MediaLive pulls the input from the upstream system. The input holds these *source* addresses on the upstream system. 

  For more information, see [Input types supported in MediaLive](inputs-supported-containers.md).
+ **Input class** – An input can be set up as either a standard-class input or single-class input:
  + You can use a standard-class input with a standard channel or a single-pipeline channel. 
  + You can use a single-class input only with a single-pipeline channel. 

  For more information on the purpose of input classes, see [Implementing pipeline redundancy](plan-redundancy-mode.md).

  For information on the classes applicable to each input type, see [Supported input class](inputs-single-standard-vpc.md).
+ **Anywhere mode** – Some inputs apply only to channels running in the AWS Cloud, or only to channels running in a MediaLive Anywhere cluster. Some inputs work in either mode. For more information, see [Input deployments: AWS Cloud and MediaLive Anywhere](inputs-emla.md).
+ **Static versus dynamic** – When you create the input, you decide if it is static or dynamic.
  + A static input has a URL (that points to the content source) that never changes. 

    Any input type can be set up as a static input.
  + A dynamic input has a URL that includes a variable portion. It is intended for use with input switching. 

    Only MP4 and Transport Stream (TS) inputs can be set up as dynamic inputs.

  For more information, see [Setting up for input switching](scheduled-input-switching.md).