This article covers packaging Dolby encoded audio and video bitstreams into adaptive bitrate streaming formats such as MPEG-DASH and HLS. Different packaging use-cases and workflows are explained; sample workflows and resources are shared to help users to build on-premises solutions or use one of the professional products provided by vendors or cloud services.

1. File-based Packaging (VOD Content)

For VOD services, the source files are first encoded into multiple renditions (i.e. different codecs, bitrates and resolutions) and then those encoded files are packaged into MPEG-DASH or HLS packages for HTTP delivery. In this case, the encoding processes only once for each rendition, and the output of the packager includes all audio video renditions as well as subtitles and DRM content protection.

In general, the file-based packaging process for Dolby audio or video is not particularly different than packaging other formats. However, the file-based packager must recognize Dolby audio and video formats and signal them properly. For example by adding the required parameters for Dolby Atmos immersive audio or Dolby Vision video to DASH and HLS manifests, as defined in DASH and HLS specifications and guidelines.

Please find below more information on commonly used file-based packaging tools and services that support Dolby formats.

Example file-based Packagers that support Dolby formats:

 

2. Live Packaging (Live Content)

Live packaging is the process for converting live streams into DASH and HLS formats for live delivery. The linear packager segments the input streams into files, and either pushes them to a CDN or stores them in the origin server so that the CDN can pull them from the origin. In most cases, the input to a live packager is MPEG-2 Transport Stream (TS) and output is DASH and HLS.

In general, the linear packaging process for Dolby audio and video is not particularly different than packaging other formats. However, the linear packager must recognize Dolby audio video formats and signal them properly, for example by adding required parameters for Dolby Atmos immersive audio or Dolby Vision video to DASH and HLS manifests, as defined in DASH and HLS specifications and guidelines.

Please find below more information on commonly used linear packaging tools and services that support Dolby formats.

Example linear Packagers that support Dolby formats:

 

3. Just-In-Time Packaging

Just-In-Time Packaging (JITP) refers to the method where the packager generates the appropriate packages dynamically based on playback request coming from a user device. Unlike traditional packaging, an intermediate format of audio and video is kept in the origin server, and it is packaged into the format and DRM settings supported by the user's device. Just-In-Time packaging eliminates the need to keep multiple copies of the same content and can repackage your library to meet new device or DRM requirements; however it requires additional processing power since the packaging process is executed for every request.

AWS Elemental MediaPackage and Broadpeak Origin Packaging solutions are example JITP solutions with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and EC-3 support. 

Example just-in-time Packagers that support Dolby formats: