ISO/IEC 23008-1:2023

Overview

ISO/IEC 23008-1:2023 defines MPEG Media Transport (MMT) technologies for efficient encapsulation, signalling and delivery of multimedia over heterogeneous packet‑switched networks. The standard specifies a single encapsulation format (an mpuf‑branded ISO Base Media File Format, ISOBMFF), signalling messages for managing content delivery/consumption, and a delivery protocol including packet payload formats and an application‑layer transport (MMTP). Supported delivery environments include bidirectional IP networks and unidirectional broadcast networks (IP or non‑IP).

Key technical topics and requirements

• Functional areas
  • Media Processing Unit (MPU) format: ISOBMFF‑based self‑contained files that encapsulate timed and non‑timed media and hide codec specifics from delivery.
  • Signalling messages: Formats and semantics for discovering media locations, delivery configuration and runtime control (e.g., PA, MPI, MPT and many other signalling message types listed in the standard).
  • Delivery protocol (MMTP): Packet structure, payload formats and session description for reliable, fragmented and aggregated delivery across packet networks.
• Payload modes and packetization
  • Supports MPU mode, generic file delivery mode, and signalling message mode for flexible transport of packaged content and control messages.
  • Payload formats are media‑ and codec‑agnostic, enabling fragmentation, aggregation and advanced delivery features.
• Interoperability and operation
  • Defines descriptors for Asset Delivery Characteristics (ADC) and Bundle Delivery Characteristics (BDC) for consumption planning.
  • Specifies MMTP header semantics, session description and options like header compression and ARQ/feedback messages (operation and quality reporting).

Practical applications and who uses this standard

• Use cases
  • Hybrid broadcast/IP television, OTT streaming, low‑latency live streaming, content distribution across CDNs and broadcast networks, and synchronized multi‑device delivery.
• Who benefits
  • Broadcasters, streaming platform providers, CDN operators, device and set‑top box manufacturers, middleware and application developers, protocol implementers and systems integrators building interoperable media pipelines.
• Benefits
  • Unified file and transport model (mpu/ISOBMFF + MMTP) simplifies delivery across heterogeneous networks, improves interoperability and supports advanced delivery control and feedback mechanisms.

Related standards

• ISO Base Media File Format (ISOBMFF) as the encapsulation foundation and the broader ISO/IEC 23008 series for high‑efficiency coding and media delivery.

Keywords: ISO/IEC 23008-1:2023, MPEG Media Transport, MMT, MMTP, ISOBMFF, MPU, media delivery, packet‑switched networks, media signalling.