Meta-Issue: Streaming Extensions Suite (HLS + DASH + Future Formats)

[baconpantsuppercut]

Meta-Issue: Streaming Extensions Suite (HLS + DASH + Future Formats)

Summary

This issue tracks the full suite of adaptive streaming extensions for arkA, including:

• HLS (.m3u8)
• MPEG-DASH (.mpd)
• Future possibilities (LL-HLS, CMAF, Encrypted HLS/DASH)

The goal is to provide advanced streaming options while keeping arkA’s core protocol simple and beginner-friendly.

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Included Extensions

✔ HLS Extension (Draft Complete)

• Adaptive bitrate
• Standard for Apple ecosystem
• Spec: /docs/extensions/hls.md
• Issue: #

✔ DASH Extension (Draft Complete)

• Broad device support, especially Android/Smart TVs
• Spec: /docs/extensions/dash.md
• Example: /examples/video-dash.json
• Issue: #

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Tasks

Standardization

• Ensure both extensions follow the same structural conventions
• Define consistent fallback behavior
• Review fields across both extensions for symmetry (codecs, profiles, etc.)

Documentation

• Add a Streaming Extensions overview to /docs/extensions/README.md
• Add diagrams comparing HLS vs DASH use cases
• Add guidelines for creators on when to use which protocol

Future Extensions (Discussion)

• Low-Latency HLS
• Low-Latency DASH
• Encrypted HLS/DASH for parental-control or restricted content
• CMAF unified segments (HLS + DASH compatibility)

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Why This Matters

Many creators will choose simplicity (single MP4/WebM).
But advanced creators and high-performance clients need adaptive streaming.

By keeping HLS and DASH as optional extensions:

• arkA remains simple at the core
• power users get professional capabilities
• clients can evolve independently
• creators can choose the level of complexity they want

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Status: Open
Labels: meta, extension, streaming, video, help wanted