The packager takes encoded renditions and produces the delivery format: it segments the media, writes the HLS and DASH manifests, and applies Common Encryption for DRM. It is the bridge between encoding (what the bits are) and delivery (how the player gets them).
Packaging can be static (pre-package every format and store it) or just-in-time (a JIT packager builds segments and manifests on demand from a single stored mezzanine-like set). JIT trades compute for storage flexibility and is what lets one set of files serve HLS, DASH, and different DRM combinations on the fly - especially powerful when paired with CMAF.
The handbook · 7 volumes
Fora Soft Video Engineering Handbook
The packager turns encoded renditions into HLS and DASH segments, writes manifests, and applies encryption, so most delivery bugs start or end there. The seven volumes cover the video stack; for the packager start with Volume 2 on CMAF, HLS, DASH, and segmenting, then Volume 1 on encoding, with DRM and players in Volume 3. Written by Nikolay Sapunov, CEO at Fora Soft.
Choosing a packager or moving to just-in-time packaging?
We will review your encoding and delivery setup and send a packaging plan with formats, encryption, and storage cost. 250+ video products shipped since 2005.
