In the digital age, Broadcast, Media, & Entertainment companies have undergone significant evolution. On the web, the industry has moved away from proprietary plug-in based solutions (flash/silverlight) and opted for universal open-source and plug-in free video systems based on the HTML5 specifications and industry requirements for things such as adaptive packaging and content encryption. Browsers had their own built-in plug-ins such as ActiveX in Internet Explorer, and they are now using solutions that are more secure, more stable, and more extensible. This is much easier for viewers as well, since everything uses open standards built into the browsers, the viewer does not have any plug-ins to install or update.
Historically web video was primarily protected using a handful of DRM schemes. Google Widevine, Adobe PrimeTime, and Microsoft PlayReady are a few of the leading DRM Schemes. While these worked very well, and they were very effective for protecting content, the were siloed technologies. This means that they were proprietary and locked customers into one way of doing things. The next generation of DRM schemes solved this problem. A few API based standards have emerged as clear leaders, Media Source Extensions, and Encrypted Media Extensions. These are open platforms that allow customers to bring their own scheme and easily change between schemes. The first major tech giant to adopt EME/MSE is Apple, Inc., with their FairPlay, which protects content served by AppleTV.
Media Source Extensions (MSE)
MSE is an API standard for JavaScript that generates video streams for playback over HTML5 using standard media tags. JavaScript acts as the intermediary for the streams which can be either live or on-demand. Because of this, video players can operate without the use of a plug-in, and enables leading streaming standards like HTTP-Live-Streaming, time shifting, and alternate audio tracks. MSE is not specific to any codec, conainer, or DRM scheme, so it can work with any format the browsers supports, creating the opportunity for seamless cross-platform playback.
The MSE uses the HTMLMediaElement via JavaScript to provide detailed controls of the standard HTML5 video tag. All of the properties for this JavaScript element can be found on the Mozilla Developer page. By leveraging an open framework, MSE allows developers to completely customize the components of an application. They are not limited to a specific DRM scheme of method of adaptive playback. The possibilities are endless.
Encrypted Media Extensions (EME)
This is a JavaScript API that is part of a larger content protection and delivery system for HTML5. EME uses Content Decryption Modules (CDM) which are built into the browser, but function independently of the browser. This was a requirement from the media and entertainment industry since the browser is viewed as insecure and untrusted. The CDM is the trusted component that content owners rely on for copyright protection.
For DRM, EME uses a Key System instead of what is traditionally referred to as a DRM scheme. The Key System is the component of the CDM that handles encryption and decryption of content. In the case of the web browser, each browser would have it's own unique key system, which ensures cross browser compatibility.
What makes EME unique is that it is not tied to any specific DRM scheme. The CDM can accommodate whatever scheme the content distributor prefers. This encourages both cross-platform compatibility and improved playback experience. Whether decrypting and serving, encrypting & decrypting, or bypass the CPU by using the GPU, the more the CDM handles the more secure the content remains in the end-to-end workflow. Essentially the more the CDM manages the content-protection process, the less the user can interfere and potentially violate content copyrights. In some cases the copyright holders will place stricter controls on HD vs. SD content. CDM is compatible with the following container formats: MP4/H.264 & WebM/VP8. Encryption can happen both within and without the container, but generally happens within the container. However the beauty of the CDM being abstracted means the container/codec combos can work with any number of encryption schemes.
Ultimately the EME provides several benefits to both content creators, content consumers, and the engineers building content solutions. Creators enjoy a standardized means for securely delivering audio and video, standardization often results in decreased delivery costs. For developers, a streamlined structure means easier cross-platforms implementations because of the use of existing web technologies and an open API. Consumers enjoy the ability to view a broader range of content on a broader range of devices. Because the EME API is so lightweight, all parties enjoy a vastly improved user experience.
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
01/06/2026
January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026
Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...
02/05/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
01/05/2026
January 5 2026, 18:30 (PST) NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to ...
01/04/2026
January 4 2026, 18:00 (PST) DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION
Douyin Users Can Now Create And Share Videos With Stun...
19/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/03/2026
How Chris Bolte Builds the Sound of PlayStation Games Chris Bolte '16 is a technical sound designer at Sucker Punch Productions, where he helps create the...
18/03/2026
Newly named chief product officer (CPO), Larissa G rner Meeus will return to Net Insight on May 4.
Larissa G rner Meeus will become CPO of Net Insight on May 4...
18/03/2026
SVG Europe's The Football Summit 2026 explored how the sports broadcasting i...
18/03/2026
The 2026 NAB Show kicks off one month from today and SVG is once again set to cover the show from every angle. SVG's SportsTech@NAB Show Blog is now live - ...
18/03/2026
(L-R) The cast and crew of Dead Lover at The Ray Theater for its premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. (Photo by Robin Marshall/Shutterstock for Sundan...
18/03/2026
Yamaha C7 captured in Nashville
Wiltone Productions have announced the release of Music Row Piano, a deeply sampled Yamaha C7 piano library that's been ...
18/03/2026
Bass-enhancement plug-in upgraded
Along with a steady stream of new releases, Techivation have recently been revisiting some of the older plug-ins in their ...
18/03/2026
Mix-reference plug-in overhauled
iZotope's powerful mix-referencing plug-in has just reached its third major version, and now boasts a new capture proce...
18/03/2026
Latest EZKeys 2 expansion arrives
Toontrack's staggering collection of EZKeys 2 expansions has grown once again, and the latest instalment delivers a on...
18/03/2026
Jess Ho explores the politics of food in new SBS Audio podcast For The Culture
18 March, 2026
Media releases
New SBS Audio podcast For The Culture, hosted ...
18/03/2026
Future-ready broadcasts with ATSC 3.0 and enhanced services from Rohde & Schwarz...
18/03/2026
London Calling - When The Industry Convened to Help Streaming Find its MoJo In this blog, Laura Rognoni reflects on key discussions from the Connected TV World...
18/03/2026
SMPTE Unveils 2026 NAB Show Educational Presentations
Brie Clayton March 18, 2026
0 Comments
SMPTE , the home of media professionals, technologists, a...
18/03/2026
Auditel Ad Campaign Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 12K
Brie Clayton March 18, 2026
0 Comments
LED wall virtual production blends 12K open gate acquisition w...
18/03/2026
Brainstorm transforms productivity and sustainability with Suite 7 at NAB Show 2...
18/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
18/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
18/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
18/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
18/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
18/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
18/03/2026
SMPTE , the home of media professionals, technologists, and engineers, today unveiled its educational presentations for the 2026 NAB Show. This year SMPTE will ...
18/03/2026
Maxon, maker of powerful, approachable software solutions for creators working in 2D and 3D design, motion graphics, visual effects, gaming, and more, today ann...
18/03/2026
Digital Alert Systems
Preview
2026 NAB Show
April 19 - 22
Booth C3452
At the 2026 NAB Show, Digital Alert Systems will showcase Version 6.0 of its DASDEC ...
18/03/2026
Setplex today announced that it will showcase its complete, fully integrated Zapflex platform for the first time at the 2026 NAB Show, introducing powerful new ...
18/03/2026
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT RELATES TO THE DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION THAT QUALIFIED OR MAY HAVE QUALIFIED AS INSIDE INFORMATION WITHIN THE MEANING OF ARTICLE 7(1) OF THE ...
18/03/2026
COW Jobs: Seeking DP for Low Budget Dramedy - Chicago
Brie Clayton March 17, 2026
0 Comments
Seeking Director of Photography for Low Budget Dramedy Fe...
18/03/2026
COW Jobs: Seeking Gaffer for Low Budget Dramedy - Chicago
Brie Clayton March 17, 2026
0 Comments
Seeking Gaffer for Low Budget Dramedy Feature Film- I...
18/03/2026
COW Jobs: Seeking Location, Sound for Low Budget Dramedy - Chicago
Brie Clayton March 17, 2026
0 Comments
Seeking Location/Sound for Low Budget Dramed...
18/03/2026
COW Jobs: Seeking Child Wrangler for Low Budget Film - Chicago
Brie Clayton March 17, 2026
0 Comments
Seeking Child Wrangler for Low Budget Dramedy Fe...
18/03/2026
Calrec Redefines Broadcast Workflows at NAB 2026 with its Most Powerful Hardware...
18/03/2026
Oscar Nominated Two People Exchanging Saliva Posted with DaVinci Resolve Studio
Brie Clayton March 17, 2026
0 Comments
DaVinci Resolve Studio handle...
18/03/2026
Boston Conservatory Presents Celebrated Musical Satire Urinetown Performances for this Center Stage production will take place at Boston Conservatory Theater ...
18/03/2026
Charlie Puth Joins Switched on Pop at Berklee NYC The Berklee alum spoke with host and Berklee NYC professor Charlie Harding for a live taping, answering audi...
18/03/2026
X-Rite Pantone Demonstrates Advanced Color Management Solutions to Support Smart...
18/03/2026
Wednesday 18 March 2026
BAFTA winner James McAvoy to star in Sky Original serie...
18/03/2026
Wednesday 18 March 2026
Sky Sports and Zuffa Boxing announce multi-year agreement for the UK and Ireland
Sky Sports and Zuffa Boxing have announced a new mult...
18/03/2026
Wednesday 18 March 2026
Sky Unveils Poster and Trailer for Original Feature Fil...
In the digital age, Broadcast, Media, & Entertainment companies have undergone significant evolution. On the web, the industry has moved away from proprietary plug-in based solutions (flash/silverlight) and opted for universal open-source and plug-in free video systems based on the HTML5 specifications and industry requirements for things such as adaptive packaging and content encryption. Browsers had their own built-in plug-ins such as ActiveX in Internet Explorer, and they are now using solutions that are more secure, more stable, and more extensible. This is much easier for viewers as well, since everything uses open standards built into the browsers, the viewer does not have any plug-ins to install or update.
