ISO/IEC 14496-14:2020
(Main)Information technology — Coding of audio-visual objects — Part 14: MP4 file format
Information technology — Coding of audio-visual objects — Part 14: MP4 file format
This document defines the MP4 file format, as derived from the ISO Base Media File format.
Technologies de l'information — Codage des objets audiovisuels — Partie 14: Format de fichier MP4
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INTERNATIONAL ISO/IEC
STANDARD 14496-14
Third edition
2020-01
Information technology — Coding of
audio-visual objects —
Part 14:
MP4 file format
Technologies de l'information — Codage des objets audiovisuels —
Partie 14: Format de fichier MP4
Reference number
©
ISO/IEC 2020
© ISO/IEC 2020
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Fax: +41 22 749 09 47
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO/IEC 2020 – All rights reserved
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Storage of MPEG-4 . 1
4.1 Elementary stream tracks . 1
4.1.1 Elementary stream data . 1
4.1.2 Elementary stream descriptors . 2
4.1.3 Object descriptors . 2
4.2 Track identifiers . 3
4.3 Synchronization of streams . 4
4.4 Composition . 5
4.5 Handling of M4Mux . 5
5 File identification . 6
6 Additions to the Base Media Format . 6
6.1 General . 6
6.2 Object Descriptor Box . 7
6.2.1 Description . . . 7
6.2.2 Syntax . 7
6.2.3 Semantics . 7
6.3 Track reference types . 7
6.4 Track header box . 8
6.5 Handler reference types . 8
6.6 MPEG-4 media header boxes . 8
6.6.1 General. 8
6.6.2 Syntax . 8
6.6.3 Semantics . 8
6.7 Sample description boxes . 9
6.7.1 Description . . . 9
6.7.2 Syntax .10
6.7.3 Semantics .10
6.8 Degradation priority values .10
7 Template fields used .11
Annex A (informative) Handling of audio timestamps and profile/level indication .12
Bibliography .13
© ISO/IEC 2020 – All rights reserved iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical
Commission) form the specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that
are members of ISO or IEC participate in the development of International Standards through
technical committees established by the respective organization to deal with particular fields of
technical activity. ISO and IEC technical committees collaborate in fields of mutual interest. Other
international organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO and IEC, also
take part in the work.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for
the different types of document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject
of patent rights. ISO and IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights. Details of any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the
Introduction and/or on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents) or the IEC
list of patent declarations received (see http:// patents .iec .ch).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information technology,
Subcommittee SC 29, Coding of audio, picture, multimedia and hypermedia information.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO/IEC 14496-14:2018), of which it
constitutes a minor revision. The changes compared to the previous edition are contained in Annex A
and the Bibliography.
A list of all parts in the ISO/IEC 14496 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
iv © ISO/IEC 2020 – All rights reserved
Introduction
This document defines MP4 as an instance of the ISO Media File format (ISO/IEC 14496-12).
The general nature of the ISO Media File format is fully exercised by MP4. MPEG-4 presentations can be
highly dynamic, and there is an infrastructure — the Object Descriptor Framework —, which serves to
manage the objects and streams in a presentation. An Initial Object Descriptor serves as the starting
point for this framework. In the usage modes documented in the ISO Media File, an Initial Object
Descriptor would normally be present, as shown in Figures 1 to 3.
Figure 1 gives an example of a simple interchange file, containing two streams.
Figure 1 — Simple interchange file
In Figure 2, a set of files being used in the process of content creation is shown.
Figure 2 — Content creation file
© ISO/IEC 2020 – All rights reserved v
Figure 3 shows a presentation prepared for streaming over a multiplexing protocol, only one hint track
is required.
Figure 3 — Hinted presentation for streaming
Handling of audio timestamps and profile/level indication is covered in Annex A.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) draw attention to the fact that it is claimed that compliance with this document may
involve the use of a patent.
ISO and IEC take no position concerning the evidence, validity and scope of this patent right. The holder
of this patent right has assured ISO and IEC that he/she is willing to negotiate licences under reasonable
and non-discriminatory terms and conditions with applicants throughout the world. In this respect, the
statement of the holder of this patent right is registered with ISO and IEC. Information may be obtained
from the patent database available at www .iso .org/ patents.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject
of patent rights other than those in the patent database. ISO and IEC shall not be held responsible for
identifying any or all such patent rights.
vi © ISO/IEC 2020 – All rights reserved
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/IEC 14496-14:2020(E)
Information technology — Coding of audio-visual
objects —
Part 14:
MP4 file format
1 Scope
This document defines the MP4 file format, as derived from the ISO Base Media File format.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO/IEC 14496-1:2010, Information technology — Coding of audio-visual objects — Part 1: Systems
ISO/IEC 14496-12, Information technology — Coding of audio-visual objects — Part 12: ISO base media
file format
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/IEC 14496-12 and the
following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http:// www .iso .org/ obp
4 Storage of MPEG-4
4.1 Elementary stream tracks
4.1.1 Elementary stream data
To maintain the goals of streaming protocol independence, the media data is stored in its most ‘natural’
format, and not fragmented. This enables easy local manipulation of the media data. Therefore media-
data is stored as access units, a range of contiguous bytes for each access unit (a single access unit is the
definition o
...
INTERNATIONAL ISO/IEC
STANDARD 14496-14
Third edition
2020-01
Information technology — Coding of
audio-visual objects —
Part 14:
MP4 file format
Technologies de l'information — Codage des objets audiovisuels —
Partie 14: Format de fichier MP4
Reference number
©
ISO/IEC 2020
© ISO/IEC 2020
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Fax: +41 22 749 09 47
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO/IEC 2020 – All rights reserved
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Storage of MPEG-4 . 1
4.1 Elementary stream tracks . 1
4.1.1 Elementary stream data . 1
4.1.2 Elementary stream descriptors . 2
4.1.3 Object descriptors . 2
4.2 Track identifiers . 3
4.3 Synchronization of streams . 4
4.4 Composition . 5
4.5 Handling of M4Mux . 5
5 File identification . 6
6 Additions to the Base Media Format . 6
6.1 General . 6
6.2 Object Descriptor Box . 7
6.2.1 Description . . . 7
6.2.2 Syntax . 7
6.2.3 Semantics . 7
6.3 Track reference types . 7
6.4 Track header box . 8
6.5 Handler reference types . 8
6.6 MPEG-4 media header boxes . 8
6.6.1 General. 8
6.6.2 Syntax . 8
6.6.3 Semantics . 8
6.7 Sample description boxes . 9
6.7.1 Description . . . 9
6.7.2 Syntax .10
6.7.3 Semantics .10
6.8 Degradation priority values .10
7 Template fields used .11
Annex A (informative) Handling of audio timestamps and profile/level indication .12
Bibliography .13
© ISO/IEC 2020 – All rights reserved iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical
Commission) form the specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that
are members of ISO or IEC participate in the development of International Standards through
technical committees established by the respective organization to deal with particular fields of
technical activity. ISO and IEC technical committees collaborate in fields of mutual interest. Other
international organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO and IEC, also
take part in the work.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for
the different types of document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject
of patent rights. ISO and IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights. Details of any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the
Introduction and/or on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents) or the IEC
list of patent declarations received (see http:// patents .iec .ch).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information technology,
Subcommittee SC 29, Coding of audio, picture, multimedia and hypermedia information.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO/IEC 14496-14:2018), of which it
constitutes a minor revision. The changes compared to the previous edition are contained in Annex A
and the Bibliography.
A list of all parts in the ISO/IEC 14496 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
iv © ISO/IEC 2020 – All rights reserved
Introduction
This document defines MP4 as an instance of the ISO Media File format (ISO/IEC 14496-12).
The general nature of the ISO Media File format is fully exercised by MP4. MPEG-4 presentations can be
highly dynamic, and there is an infrastructure — the Object Descriptor Framework —, which serves to
manage the objects and streams in a presentation. An Initial Object Descriptor serves as the starting
point for this framework. In the usage modes documented in the ISO Media File, an Initial Object
Descriptor would normally be present, as shown in Figures 1 to 3.
Figure 1 gives an example of a simple interchange file, containing two streams.
Figure 1 — Simple interchange file
In Figure 2, a set of files being used in the process of content creation is shown.
Figure 2 — Content creation file
© ISO/IEC 2020 – All rights reserved v
Figure 3 shows a presentation prepared for streaming over a multiplexing protocol, only one hint track
is required.
Figure 3 — Hinted presentation for streaming
Handling of audio timestamps and profile/level indication is covered in Annex A.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) draw attention to the fact that it is claimed that compliance with this document may
involve the use of a patent.
ISO and IEC take no position concerning the evidence, validity and scope of this patent right. The holder
of this patent right has assured ISO and IEC that he/she is willing to negotiate licences under reasonable
and non-discriminatory terms and conditions with applicants throughout the world. In this respect, the
statement of the holder of this patent right is registered with ISO and IEC. Information may be obtained
from the patent database available at www .iso .org/ patents.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject
of patent rights other than those in the patent database. ISO and IEC shall not be held responsible for
identifying any or all such patent rights.
vi © ISO/IEC 2020 – All rights reserved
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/IEC 14496-14:2020(E)
Information technology — Coding of audio-visual
objects —
Part 14:
MP4 file format
1 Scope
This document defines the MP4 file format, as derived from the ISO Base Media File format.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO/IEC 14496-1:2010, Information technology — Coding of audio-visual objects — Part 1: Systems
ISO/IEC 14496-12, Information technology — Coding of audio-visual objects — Part 12: ISO base media
file format
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/IEC 14496-12 and the
following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http:// www .iso .org/ obp
4 Storage of MPEG-4
4.1 Elementary stream tracks
4.1.1 Elementary stream data
To maintain the goals of streaming protocol independence, the media data is stored in its most ‘natural’
format, and not fragmented. This enables easy local manipulation of the media data. Therefore media-
data is stored as access units, a range of contiguous bytes for each access unit (a single access unit is the
definition o
...
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