Video streaming is dominating the market of online content today thanks to the high-quality streaming platform. To deliver impeccable quality of video content, it is important to choose the right protocol. This explosive growth highlights the importance of selecting an efficient streaming protocol.
HLS and DASH are two protocols that provide better compatibility, video content support, low latency, and flexibility. Knowing the HLS vs DASH differences to figure out which option to pick to ensure your content is delivered in the highest quality. Read this blog and gather the necessary differences between HLS and DASH.
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What Is Adaptive Bitrate Streaming?
Adaptive bitrate streaming is the most adapted streaming technique used by video streaming platforms to optimize video playback quality based on the internet connection. With this method, the video quality is adjusted dynamically in real time to ensure smooth and uninterrupted viewing, especially during internet fluctuations.
This approach is introduced to enhance the viewer’s experience by reducing interruptions by efficiently managing the network resources. Adaptive bitrate streaming is used by modern streaming platforms like Enveu to deliver high-quality and consistent video content across various devices. The process works by encoding the streaming video at multiple bitrates and breaking them into small chunks. During playback, the video player will assess the viewer’s bandwidth and CPU capacity. When the network is strong, high-quality chunks are streamed and vice-versa.
What Is HLS?
HTTP live streaming (HLS) is a video streaming protocol developed by Apple for delivering audio and video content across the internet. The protocol breaks down the video content into small segments, thereby delivering it using standard HTTP protocol. This process allows HLS to dynamically adjust video streaming quality in real time based on the viewer’s network condition.
HLS process flow works by creating multiple versions of the same video at different bitrates. These multiple versions are then segmented into small chunks of 2–10 seconds. During playback, HLS continuously monitors the viewer’s bandwidth to switch between the best mode available.
HLS is widely accepted on various live-streaming platforms and Apple devices.
Pros of HLS
- Live-streaming capability: HLS is perfect for both on-demand and live video streaming. It can deliver live broadcasts within minimal latency and adaptive quality to keep the performance right for real-time events.
- DRM support: All the HLS videos are encrypted and protected from unauthorized access under digital rights management. This support makes video streaming secure and premium.
- Reliable performance: HLS can handle network fluctuations effectively. It has a segmented approach, which allows the system to quickly recover from buffering issues and maintain reliable performance.
- Easy implementation: HLS implementation is a straightforward and easy method for developers with HTTP-based protocols. The tools and libraries are easily available to create and distribute content in HLS streams.
- Compatibility: This method of video streaming is supported on all Apple devices and streaming platforms. It is an advanced streaming technique providing media solutions to video streaming platforms for smooth video playing even at a low internet connection.
Cons of HLS
- Latency: HLS has higher latency as compared to any other streaming protocol. This segment-based delivery of content and buffering in advance can cause delays, which can impact real-time shows like sports and gaming.
- Segment overhead: HLS stores multiple bitrate versions into video segments. This can create storage load and additional processing overhead pressure during the encoding phase.
- Apple-centric: HLS is widely used by multiple video streaming platforms today, but its origin as an Apple-developed protocol makes it unoptimized for non-apple platforms when compared to other protocols like MPEG-DASH.
- Limited sub-second latency: HLS finds it difficult to achieve sub-second latency due to the segment-based process. While other protocols like WebRTC are comfortable for ultra-low latency applications.
- Playback support: HLS is the most accepted method today but native playback support goes across different browsers and devices. In such a case, third-party players or additional software is required to maintain a consistent playback experience.
What Is DASH?
DASH refers to Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP. It is a streaming protocol designed to deliver high-quality video content. This HTTP is developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). It is an open standard that allows the implementation of video across multiple devices and platforms.
DASH process flow works by segmenting video content into small chunks and then encoding these segments into multiple bitrates. During playback, DASH accesses the viewer’s internet bandwidth and capabilities to ensure smooth and uninterrupted streaming.
A consistent viewing experience is delivered even during network fluctuation. DASH has features that enhance the streaming experience via multiple audio and subtitle tracks.
Pros of DASH
- Platform agnosticism: DASH is an open-start protocol that does not tie to any specific platform or device. This process is widely adopted across multiple operating systems, smart TVs, tablets, and even desktops. This versatile choice opens the doors to reach a broad audience.
- Adaptive: DASH adjusts the video quality on network viewing conditions. It encodes the video segment at multiple bitrates and switches them in real time. This ensures a smooth and uninterrupted viewing experience.
- Better latency: DASH can offer lower latency compared to other protocols. This offer is important for live events and real-time interactions. This ensures that viewers will experience a minimum delay between broadcast and reception.
- DRM support: DASH follows DRM schemes and protects the content from unauthorized access and piracy.
- Multi-track: DASH offers the option of multiple audio and subtitle tracks for a richer and inclusive viewing experience. This feature caters to audiences globally.
- Efficient: DASH is highly efficient as it only delivers the necessary bitrate for the current network conditions. This right usage of bandwidth reduces buffering and loading times.
- Scalability: DASH can leverage existing content delivery networks for efficient and scalable distribution of video content. This process flow makes it easier for video streaming platforms to deploy and manage large-scale streaming services.
Cons of DASH
- Implementation: DASH is complicated to implement as multiple bitrates, segments, and DRM require significant development resources.
- Variable playback support: DASH is widely compatible yet support in native browsers and devices can vary. This brings into the picture additional software or third-party players to ensure smooth playback.
- Storage overhead: DASH stores multiple versions of each video segment at different bitrates. This increases the load on storage and induces costs.
- DRM: DASH supports DRM, yet there is a lack of standardized schemes that complicate content protection and distribution strategies.
HLS vs DASH
Conclusion
It is important to choose between HLS and DASH to deliver high-quality video content and a seamless viewing experience. Both the protocols have their advantages and disadvantages, so the choice depends on the specific needs and target audience of your business.
Enveu stands out here by offering an advanced streaming solution that incorporates the best features of these protocols. With Enveu, get an expert-optimized streaming portal where your viewers will experience superior performance, reliability, and quality.
