Meeting minutes
Introduction
Chris: Welcome to CTA WAVE and SVTA members
… We set up this meeting in response to a liaison we received from CTA WAVE on EME testing
and interoperability
… and also invited SVTA members
EME Testing
Slideset: https://
Thomas: We did a survey in CTA WAVE relating to EME
Thomas: I'll talk about how we got to where we are, then discuss
… On the test suite, WAVE is creating unit tests for the integration of browsers on media
consumption devices
Thomas: CTA 503 Issue B, currently working on Issue C
… Next revision to include commercial DRM
Thomas: The test suite is available, it's a massive amount of
excellent work that should be used by more service providers and device manufacturers for
interoperability
… We use MSE and, to a lesser extent, EME. We haven't done many tests, mainly for ClearKey,
but should also include commercial DRM
… CMAF content is used doing unit test instructions in a browser. Content is annotated, and
you make observations, either manually or automated by the observation framework
… Check whether the device is operating correctly, from the point of view of the application
using the APIs
… The focus today is on media playback, EME only supported to some extent
Thomas: We wanted to look at EME in more detail, asking for input
from the industry on what should be tested, and specifically where we observe problems
… Survey closed in May 2025. The results include freeform responses
… We know who responded, but not reached out to anyone. The results are anonymised. It's a
good reflection of where the industry is
… 23 respondents said they use EME, so clear indication of usage
… Survey of which DRMs are used. Fairplay, Playready in 2 modes (CBC and CENC), and Widevine
(2 modes)
Q1 Do you use, have you used, or do you want to use Web APIs (EME, MSE) for playback of encrypted media?
Q2 Have you used these Web APIs or do you want to use them on media consumption devices (phones, tablets, sticks, Smart TVs...)?
Q3 Which of the following DRM systems have you used (or do you hope to use) with EME?
Q4 Have you encountered problems using EME
Thomas: Problems using EME, only a minority said they used it without problems
Q5 Would you have any interest in a set of unit tests for the integration of a web browser with DRM systems) on media consumption devices?
Thomas: Interest in having unit tests, and collaborate on them?
… Some want them be run as part of a certification programme. But a large proportion showed
interest in collaborating
Q6 Would you have any interest in contributing to such a set of unit tests?
Thomas: Interest in contributing. I believe if we set something up, we'll get a critical mass
Thomas: Other responses, corner cases. livsim2 is a good option for extending tests
Q7 What are the key problems with DRMs in combination with EME on devices that would require consistent testing?
Thomas: In terms of the substance, what are the key problems with
DRM that would require consistent testing?
… List of responses to this question.
… Combinations of key systems with different codecs, etc
… Transitions between encrypted or unencypted content
… decenc is maybe something we wouldn't do right now
Thomas: Inconsistent APIs. Querying which keys are available.
Testing against popular hardware
… Tests typically try to nail down the problem where inconsistencies happen
… We'd provide the means for testing in context, e.g., we work with HbbTV, or with
ATSC
Thomas: We shared with results with other orgs, MPEG, 3GPP, DVB, and
so on
… W3C responded on August 14, to mention Media WG rechartering, and new features being added
to EME
… Includes an invitation to this meeting
… The test suite is developed on a voluntary basis. We can't develop tests without industry
support. Could be through sponsoring, or individual contribution. A small donation, if accumulated,
helps move forward
… We've done this before
… Support is essential to move it forwards. WAVE can only do so much, without individual and
contribution support
… Discussion?
Chris: This is very welcome. W3C focuses on the Web Platform Tests framework, which doesn't cover the range of commercial systems you're talking about. We don't have people from all the major browser engines here today
Greg: At Netflix we support all the 3 major DRM systems, so we run canaries daily, we don't have a test suite
Thomas: We understand that large service and content providers do their own testing and certification of devices. We're trying to engage with some of the larger ones, but obviously this is built more for the horizontal market, where maybe apps are not fully certified. A key target is systems like HbbTV
Greg: I recognize the importance of what you're asking for. I support EME, but don't have an answer to the community needs
Thomas: Some of the feedback might indicate spec level problems.
Chris: Would you prefer to receive financial support or development
effort?
… The Streaming Media Test Suite is an excellent project, and needed funding.
Thomas: Primarily we want funding. At a certain level we could just
go ahead and do it.
… With less funding we'd also ask for development support.
… CTA WAVE is sponsoring it, there's a commitment to move forward, as consumer electronics
is relevant for them.
… We also are interested in input from experts to define tests and identify the
priorities
… I don't know how much interest there is in W3C
Chris: Interested to hear feedback
… I can follow up with people who didn't make it today, and see how we bring this back to
continue the conversation
… It seems to me that it would be useful to review the current state of the web platform
tests for EME, see what gaps there are, and if there are current plans to develop those tests
Thomas: Thank you all for joining today. I hope to continue the conversation
[adjourned]