Movie Package File Format for Adaptive Video Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing technologies face challenges in providing a flexible and adaptable file format for video and audio content that can be easily accessed across various devices and networks, leading to multiple versions of the same content being created and stored, which complicates access and playback.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a movie package file format that behaves like a standalone, self-contained media file, allowing for efficient multi-tiered delivery and playback, with tiers that can be selectively downloaded and updated, and compatibility with HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), enabling seamless playback across different devices and networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple versions of the same content are created and stored for different devices and networks, then compatibility across various devices is improved, but file format complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The media content is divided into multiple independent tracks, each representing a different version or variant (e.g., different resolutions, languages, or formats). The manifest file organizes these tracks separately, allowing the player to select and download only the needed tracks for the specific device, thus maintaining compatibility without requiring a completely separate file for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
A single unified file format is designed to serve multiple functions and device types. The manifest-based structure allows the same file to adapt to different playback environments (mobile devices, desktops, televisions) by dynamically selecting appropriate tracks, eliminating the need for device-specific file formats while maintaining broad compatibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple versions of the same content are created and stored for different devices and networks, then compatibility across various devices is improved, but storage space and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of storing complete duplicate files for each device type, the content is segmented into modular tracks that can be independently stored and retrieved. The manifest file acts as an index, allowing the system to store one master set of content tracks and dynamically assemble the appropriate version for each device, dramatically reducing storage requirements while maintaining compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than creating and storing multiple complete copies of the content for different devices, the system creates a single master copy and uses the manifest to reference and assemble the necessary portions (tracks) for each device type. This eliminates redundant storage of identical content across multiple file versions.
3Reliability
If complete media files are downloaded before playback, then playback reliability is improved, but download time and network bandwidth consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manifest file is downloaded and processed in advance, allowing the system to pre-determine which tracks are needed for the specific device and playback conditions. This preliminary action enables the player to start downloading only the necessary content tracks immediately, rather than waiting for complete file downloads, thus reducing download time while ensuring playback reliability through pre-planned track selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically determines which tracks to download based on device capabilities, network conditions, and user preferences, rather than downloading a fixed complete file. This dynamic approach allows the player to adapt the download set in real-time, downloading only the minimum necessary tracks for reliable playback given current conditions, thereby reducing download time while maintaining playback reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for improved video formats used in delivery and playback are presented. According to an embodiment, the movie package format contains tiers that provide for multiple sets of movie variations that are individually selectable for transfer to a device for local playback. A locally stored movie package may contain any subset of available tiers for a movie. Non-resident tiers can be discovered and downloaded into the movie package as needed or when available. Tiers, and other movie files may be updated or added to the movie package at any time. Then users can request updates or the updates can be pushed to the user without affecting the previously downloaded files.