MPD Manifest Analyzer
Parse an MPEG-DASH manifest online and inspect its periods, adaptation sets, representations, codecs, bandwidth, segment addressing and DRM metadata.
Quick guide
How to analyze an MPD manifest
Inspect an MPEG-DASH manifest in three steps without uploading it to a processing server.
Add the MPD source
Paste a public .mpd URL or switch to XML input and paste the manifest text.
Review the hierarchy
Check periods, adaptation sets and representations, then compare codecs, resolution and bandwidth.
Investigate warnings
Review missing attributes, live update configuration and ContentProtection signals before debugging playback.
What is an MPD file?
An MPD, or Media Presentation Description, is the XML manifest used by MPEG-DASH streaming. It describes the presentation timeline, available video and audio qualities, segment locations and playback configuration.
Static MPD vs dynamic MPD
A static MPD normally describes on-demand media with a fixed duration. A dynamic MPD describes a live presentation and commonly includes update intervals, availability timing and a time-shift buffer.
What this DASH manifest analyzer checks
Video and audio representations
Find resolutions, bitrates, codecs, MIME types, frame rates, sample rates and languages.
Segment addressing
Identify SegmentTemplate, SegmentTimeline, SegmentList, SegmentBase and BaseURL patterns.
DRM and encryption signals
Surface ContentProtection schemes and default key identifiers without attempting decryption.
Practical diagnostics
Common MPD analyzer use cases
Use the report as an online MPD parser and DASH manifest inspector when building, testing or troubleshooting MPEG-DASH playback.
Debug MPEG-DASH playback errors
Check whether an MPD contains periods, adaptation sets, usable representations, codecs and segment addressing before investigating the player.
Inspect live DASH configuration
Review dynamic MPD attributes such as minimumUpdatePeriod and timeShiftBufferDepth when a live stream refreshes late or loses its window.
Compare bitrate and codec ladders
Audit resolutions, bandwidth values and codecs to spot gaps or unexpected renditions in an adaptive bitrate ladder.
Detect DRM signaling
Locate ContentProtection entries and key identifiers when determining why a DASH manifest requires a licensed playback environment.
Common MPD elements explained
Period
A time range in the presentation, often used for chapters, ads or content changes.
AdaptationSet
A group of interchangeable video, audio or subtitle components.
Representation
One selectable quality, codec, bitrate or language option within an adaptation set.
SegmentTemplate
A reusable URL template and timing model for initialization and media segments.
Common MPD parsing and playback problems
The MPD URL cannot be loaded
The server may block CORS, require cookies or a Referer, or use an expired signed URL. Try XML input when you can access the manifest text legitimately.
Representations are missing metadata
Some MPDs inherit attributes from AdaptationSet. This analyzer applies common inheritance rules, but custom profiles may organize metadata differently.
The stream reports ContentProtection
Protected media may require a licensed DRM playback environment. FlowPick does not bypass DRM or access controls.
Need to save an accessible DASH stream?
Open the DASH / MPD Downloader to select available video and audio representations from a public, unprotected manifest.
Open DASH / MPD DownloaderMPD Manifest Analyzer FAQ
What is an MPD manifest analyzer?
It is an MPD parser that turns MPEG-DASH XML into a readable report of periods, adaptation sets, representations, codecs, bitrates, segments and protection metadata.
Can I validate a live MPEG-DASH manifest?
Yes. Dynamic MPDs can be inspected for live-specific attributes such as minimumUpdatePeriod and timeShiftBufferDepth. This first version checks structure and common configuration signals rather than full conformance to every DASH profile.
Does the analyzer download or decrypt video?
No. It analyzes manifest metadata only. Use the separate DASH downloader for accessible, unprotected streams. FlowPick does not decrypt DRM-protected media.
Why does a working MPD fail in the browser?
The origin may disallow cross-origin requests or require cookies, headers or a signed session. Browser CORS rules can block the analyzer even when the same stream works on its original site.