Overview
IEC 62766-2-2:2016 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) focusing on consumer terminal functions for access to IPTV and open internet multimedia services, specifically detailing HTTP adaptive streaming technologies. This standard specifies media formats for adaptive unicast content streaming over HTTP, providing two key adaptive streaming formats used in consumer multimedia terminals.
The first streaming format is entirely based on MPEG DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP), a widely adopted international standard for streaming multimedia content with adaptive bitrate to optimize user experience over varying network conditions.
The second format covered is the OIPF HTTP Adaptive Streaming (HAS) format, developed initially by the Open IPTV Forum (OIPF). This format derives from 3GPP’s release 9 adaptive HTTP streaming (AHS) standard with added profiling to support media component features and MPEG-2 Transport Stream (TS) content segment formats. Though formulated before MPEG DASH's publication, the OIPF HAS format remains important for legacy applications.
Key Topics
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MPEG DASH-based adaptive streaming
- Entirely based on the MPEG DASH international specification for adaptive streaming
- Supports content segmentation and media presentation description (MPD)
- Accommodates different system layer formats such as MPEG-2 TS and MP4
- Includes support for protected content and key management
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OIPF HTTP Adaptive Streaming (HAS) format
- Based on 3GPP's AHS with enhancements for component management and MPEG-2 TS segments
- Designed for IPTV and related services over IP networks
- Features segmentation constraints, media presentation descriptions, and adaptive media format handling
- Maintains compatibility with legacy IPTV systems still in use
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Content segmentation and MPD details
- Defines how multimedia content is segmented for efficient HTTP delivery
- Specifies MPD schema for signaling stream components, adaptation sets, and protection info
- Enables live streaming and trick play use cases
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Operational parameters and synchronization
- Guidelines on audio/video synchronization within adaptive streams
- Support for dynamic MPD updates for ongoing stream adaptation
Applications
IEC 62766-2-2:2016 is crucial for manufacturers and developers involved in consumer multimedia terminals, IPTV services, and open internet multimedia service platforms. Key practical applications include:
- IPTV terminals and set-top boxes leveraging HTTP adaptive streaming to deliver high-quality video and audio content dynamically adjusted to network conditions
- Multiscreen multimedia services supporting unified streaming approaches across different consumer devices over managed or unmanaged IP networks
- Service providers using MPEG DASH or OIPF HAS formats for scalable and interoperable content delivery to end users
- Legacy IPTV system maintenance, ensuring continued operation of devices and services that rely on older adaptive streaming protocols
- Live streaming and video-on-demand (VOD) platforms benefiting from adaptive bitrate streaming for enhanced user experience and network resource optimization
Related Standards
IEC 62766-2-2:2016 should be used in conjunction with other standards and specifications that complement IPTV and multimedia streaming functions:
- IEC 62766-1 - Defines general consumer terminal functions for IPTV and open internet multimedia services
- MPEG DASH ISO/IEC 23009-1 - International standard specifying Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP for multimedia content
- 3GPP Release 9 Adaptive HTTP Streaming (AHS) - Basis for the OIPF HAS format for adaptive streaming
- OIPF specifications - Earlier reference documents related to IPTV forum standards and profiles
- ISO/IEC 13818-1 - MPEG-2 Transport Stream format, relevant for content segmentation defined in IEC 62766-2-2
Implementing IEC 62766-2-2:2016 enables industry stakeholders to deliver adaptive streaming solutions that are interoperable, reliable, and optimized for diverse network environments, ensuring high-quality multimedia service delivery in IPTV and internet-based multimedia platforms.