DVB, HbbTV release MPEG-DASH validation tool

Nov. 19, 2018
DVB has collaborated with the HbbTV Association to create an MPEG-DASH validation tool for application developers and content providers ...

DVB has collaborated with the HbbTV Association to create an MPEG-DASH validation tool for application developers and content providers. The newly released tool conducts checks of ISO/IEC 23009-1 MPEG-DASH media presentation descriptions (MPDs) and segments to ensure conformance with DASH-related specifications from DVB and HbbTV.

"DVB and HbbTV have a close relationship and common membership, making this the perfect partnership," said Peter MacAvock, chairman of DVB. "Content delivery is becoming increasingly complex. Working together, we are bringing simplicity to content conformance for DASH-delivered streams."

Extending the existing DASH-IF validator, the new tool includes:

  • Checks for MPEG-DASH MPD validation (XML, DASH schema, and MPEG-DASH MPD rules), segment validation (ISO BMFF and MPEG-DASH segment rules), cross-representation validation (MPEG-DASH cross-representation rules), and live MPD segment access validation
  • Compliance with a range of specifications
  • Support for DVB-DASH Profile v1.1.1 and HbbTV 1.5 extensions

After performing conformance checks, the tool generates reports for users to analyze. The reports are color-coded to highlight important information, warnings and error messages. The tool is also intended to complement the HbbTV Association DRM Reference Application and Test Suite.

"We are excited about the release of this DASH validation tool, which will help application developers and content providers verify that their services are compliant with the HbbTV/DVB DASH profiles, enabling them to offer compelling hybrid services that enhance the viewer experience," said Vincent Grivet, chairman of the HbbTV Association.

The validator source code is now available for free under an open source license and can be found at https://github.com/Dash-Industry-Forum/Conformance-Software.