Performance considerations of HTML5-based dynamic packaging for media streaming

HTML5 based video players are able to perform a client-side conversion from HTTP Live Streaming and Smooth Streaming content to ISO base media file format compliant media streaming formats supported by the native browser extensions Media Source Extensions and Encrypted Media Extensions. Transmuxing and converting segments and manifests on the client side is a reasonable approach on fast desktop devices, but comparatively slow devices like smart-phones, TV sets, and set-top boxes might run into performance problems. In the worst case this leads to playback and buffering problems and a bad user experience. This paper examines the efficiency of client-side conversion solutions on different platforms and devices. For that purpose a testing framework is integrated into the open source players hasplayer.js and hls.js. The results show significant performance differences in manifest and segment conversion speed between desktop and mobile devices.