Overview
ISO/IEC 23009-1:2026 specifies the foundational formats and descriptions for Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH), focusing on the Media Presentation Description (MPD) and the segment formats for delivery of MPEG media via HTTP. This sixth edition introduces key updates for enhanced streaming flexibility, low-latency applications, and compatibility with emerging technologies in the rapidly evolving internet media landscape.
DASH is an internationally recognized standard developed by ISO/IEC for adaptive streaming, enabling efficient, high-quality streaming of audio, video, and timed text over regular HTTP infrastructure, including caching solutions and standard web servers. Rather than dictating how a client or server should operate, the standard outlines interoperable data formats, ensuring broad compatibility and scalability across platforms and services.
Key Topics
- Media Presentation Description (MPD):
- The central descriptor for a DASH media presentation, including resource locations (HTTP URLs), structure, timelines, codecs, and adaptation sets.
- MPDs provide context for seamless adaptive streaming, supporting both live and on-demand content.
- Segment Formats:
- Defines the structure and types of segments, essential units of data retrievable via HTTP GET requests, typically containing audio-visual media encoded in formats such as ISO Base Media File Format (ISOBMFF) or MPEG-2 Transport Streams.
- Supports advanced segment features like initialization, index, bitstream switching, and partial segments for low-latency use cases.
- Profiles & Extensions:
- Includes profiles for common scenarios such as on-demand, live, broadcast TV, CMAF content, and low latency (LL-DASH).
- Enhanced support for alternative media presentations, supplemental video services, and addressable resource tracking.
- New Functionalities in 2026 Edition:
- Media Presentation Insertion events and List MPDs for flexible content assembly.
- Overhauled segment sequencing for low-delay streaming.
- Content Steering and real-time reporting with CMCD (Common Media Client Data).
- Integration of Addressable Resource Index (ARI) tracks and improved management of nonlinear timelines and popularity rates.
Applications
- Internet Video Streaming: Ideal for over-the-top (OTT) media services, video-on-demand (VOD) platforms, and live event streaming.
- Multimedia Platforms: Ensures interoperability across web, mobile, and smart TV applications, leveraging HTTP CDN infrastructures.
- Broadcast and hybrid services: Facilitates seamless switching between live and on-demand content, as well as integration with broadcast environments.
- Adaptive Streaming: Enables media clients to dynamically switch bitrates and media components based on network conditions for optimal user experience.
- Emerging Media Use Cases: Supports advanced features such as spatial relationship description (for immersive content), event notifications, alternate presentations, and rich metadata signaling.
Related Standards
The implementation and interoperability of ISO/IEC 23009-1:2026 depend on and are closely related to several other key standards, including:
- ISO/IEC 13818-1 (MPEG-2 Systems): Baseline media transport structure
- ISO/IEC 14496-12 (ISO Base Media File Format)
- ISO/IEC 23000-19 (Common Media Application Format, CMAF)
- ISO/IEC 23091-2/3 (Coding-independent code points for video/audio)
- IETF RFC 9110 (HTTP Semantics)
- ETSI TS 103 998 (DASH-IF: Content Steering)
- CTA-5004 (Common Media Client Data, CMCD)
Summary
ISO/IEC 23009-1:2026 is the authoritative document for structuring and delivering adaptive streaming content over HTTP. By offering standardized formats for MPDs and media segments, it promotes reliable, scalable, and flexible delivery of multimedia services over the web. As video consumption grows across devices and networks, this standard remains crucial for service providers, technology vendors, and developers seeking future-proof, high-performance streaming solutions.