By Nick Flaherty www.flaherty.co.uk
STMicroelectronics has been working with Fraunhofer's Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI) on the first 3D video receiver to use the new MPEG-DASH standard for dynamic and adaptive HTTP streaming. The fully working prototype was developed within the EU-funded COAST (Content Aware Searching and Streaming) project.
HTTP streaming enables high-quality video delivery over IP to connected TV sets, set-top boxes and mobile terminals. Recently released by the 3GPP and MPEG groups, Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH) aims to simplify the deployment of broadband video streaming services across different network infrastructures and end devices, replacing the multitude of proprietary HTTP streaming protocols with one open, standardized solution. DASH defines formats for content preparation and tools for fast and efficient content adaptation. It supports trick modes, multi-language subtitles and audio tracks, ad insertion and multiple digital rights management technologies aimed at protecting content, and works with standard web-server and cache technologies.
The ST-HHI DASH-based software video receiver uses sophisticated algorithms to guarantee uninterrupted video delivery and optimal viewing experiences through automatic selection of bit-rate, video resolution and format based on the actual network conditions, end-device capabilities and user preferences. Bandwidth fluctuations are compensated for by automatic variation of the video bit-rate while the video format is automatically selected according to the type of terminal, so that consumers are able to watch the same 3D content on standard 2D-display devices.
The ST-HHI 3D adaptive streaming environment comprises a video server, a PC connected to a 3D monitor, and a thin client with 2D display. The 3D video content is generated and delivered over IP from a remote server to both terminals, while the same 3D video flow is automatically adapted to 2D in the thin client. The prototype implements the DASH technology in GStreamer, a popular multimedia framework for PC and embedded platforms that supports a wide range of media formats and streaming protocols.
"DASH enables efficient and easy video delivery – both on-demand and live streaming - over the existing Internet infrastructure to any connected device without any special provisions," said Amedeo Zuccaro, Director, Security & Multimedia System R&D, ST's Advanced Systems Technology Group. "Through our collaboration with HHI, we are the first silicon manufacturer with native support for DASH-based adaptive video streaming integrated in our devices."
"3D video technology left the labs and niches, hit the market and is now available for everyone," said Dr.-Ing. Thomas Schierl, head of Fraunhofer HHI's Multimedia Communications Group. "We are happy to be collaborating with ST to prepare the next generation of devices for the delivery of stereoscopic and multiview video content."
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