HLS & DASH Academy
Learn how adaptive streaming actually works
Streaming Engineering Knowledge Hub (HLS & MPEG-DASH)
Interactive guide to adaptive streaming protocols, manifest anatomy, ABR algorithms, and DRM
1. Ingest & Transcoding
Raw video feeds are transcoded into aligned multi-bitrate ladders (1080p, 720p, 480p) using H.264, HEVC, or AV1.
2. Segmentation (CMAF)
Media is cut into 2-6 second fragmented MP4 chunks (.m4s) compatible with both HLS and DASH.
3. Manifest Publishing
The packager writes .m3u8 for Apple ecosystem and .mpd for Android/Web/Smart TVs.
4. CDN & Playback
Edge CDNs cache chunks. Client engines (hls.js & dash.js) download fragments via Media Source Extensions (MSE).
Learn how adaptive streaming actually works
A practical, no-fluff reference for HTTP adaptive streaming. It walks the full delivery path from encoder to player, compares HLS with MPEG-DASH honestly, dissects real manifests tag by tag, and explains the ABR decisions that make playback smooth or terrible. Written for engineers who need to ship, not pass an exam.
Delivery architecture
Follow a stream from source through encoder, packager, origin and CDN to the player, and see where latency and failure actually come from.
HLS vs MPEG-DASH
A side-by-side comparison of manifests, segment formats, DRM support and device reach, so you can pick the right one instead of shipping both by default.
Manifest anatomy
Master playlists, media playlists and MPD structure broken down line by line, with annotated real-world examples.
Searchable tag database
Every significant #EXT-X- tag and DASH element with its scope, what it does and a working example — filterable as you type.
Adaptive bitrate explained
How players estimate bandwidth, when they switch levels, and how buffer targets and level caps change the viewer's experience.
Low-latency HLS
Partial segments, blocking playlist reloads and preload hints — what LL-HLS requires from your packager and CDN to hit sub-three-second glass-to-glass.
Troubleshooting playbook
The failures you will actually hit — CORS, mixed content, codec mismatches, stalled buffers, key errors — and how to tell them apart from the logs.
What people use it for
- Onboard onto a video team without reading four RFCs first
- Decide between HLS, DASH or both for a new product
- Look up what an unfamiliar manifest tag means, fast
- Understand a bug report before you try to reproduce it