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DASH

Quick look-up table​

DASH
Type of streamingSegmented streaming
Development StateIn active development
Expected Latency2-15s
Connection typeHTTP
Container typeMP4 (CMAF) / MPEG2-TS / Matroska
WhereScripted players
Default Port80, 443
Modern codecsAll
Difficulty of readBeginner
Notes*

What do I need to know about DASH?​

DASH stands for Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP, it's also known as MPEG-DASH and first released in 2012. It's the industry answer to Apple HLS and was meant to replace all other segmented streaming options. One thing that holds DASH back is that it has included many features that are completely unused or unpopular. Matroska container format is supported, but effectively almost no one uses this. This bloat makes full implementation harder.

Servers have an easier time implementing DASH as they only need to support what is used, while players need to support all options even if they're effectively not used (like Matroska in DASH).

When would you use DASH?​

Segmented delivery to non-MacOS/IOS users

DASH is a good method to reach your viewers through segmented streaming. The biggest hurdle will always be Apple as only HLS is supported in Apple products. As long as this is not a problem for you DASH is a great option.

Important things to know about DASH

  • MPEG2-TS and Matroska are compatible with DASH, but today most use is MP4 (CMAF)
  • The DASH specification contains way more than what is used.

Advantages of DASH​

  • Reliable segmented streaming to non-Apple users
  • Default latency is better compared to other segmented streaming protocols

Disadvantages of DASH​

  • Bloated specification makes it a difficult implementation for players

How do you get started with DASH?​

Want to know how to set up your DASH delivery? Contact us and learn how we can help you.