Common media server data (CMSD) - update on implementations and validation of key use cases

Abstract

The CTA-5006 (Common Media Server Data, CMSD) specification establishes a uniform method for media servers to exchange data with each media object response. The aim is to enhance distribution efficiency, performance, and ultimately, the user experience. We provide an overview of CMSD implementations and focus on integrating CMSD into the dash.js reference player. Three use cases are evaluated to demonstrate the advantages of CMSD, including leveraging edge server throughput estimates to improve initial bitrate selection and low-latency live streaming, prefetching manifests and segments to improve startup delay, and allowing an edge server to suggest a playback bitrate to improve the collective experience. The outcomes from the initial implementations confirm the benefits of using CMSD.