Apparatus and method for providing streaming content

A terminal providing media for a media presentation, comprising:na processor;memory;program instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor, the program instructions comprising:nan access engine to receive metadata of the media, to receive segments of the media based on information provided by the metadata, and to decode data of the media that is included in the segments, the metadata comprising one or more periods; anda media engine to receive the data of the media from the access engine, and to output the media, wherein each of the periods comprises one or more representations of the media, wherein each of the representations starts from a beginning point of a period and continues to an ending point of the period, and comprises one or more segments, wherein each one of the periods is defined by a period element which includes a duration attribute indicating a duration of a period, and wherein the metadata further comprises a period timeline element which includes a presentation timeline of periods of the media presentation,wherein the each of the periods include a partial play attribute in the period timeline, andwherein the partial play attribute allows portions of the each periods to be replayed one or more times.

A method for providing media for a media presentation, the method comprising:nreceiving metadata of media, the metadata comprising one or more periods;accessing segments of the media based on information provided by the metadata; anddecoding and rendering data of the media that is included in the segments,wherein each of the periods comprises one or more representations of the media,wherein each of the representations starts from a beginning point of a period and continues to an ending point of the period, and comprises one or more segments,wherein each of the periods is defined by a period element,wherein the period element comprises a duration attribute indicating a duration of a period, andwherein the metadata further comprises a period timeline element which includes a presentation timeline of periods of the media presentation,wherein the each of the periods include a partial play attribute in the period timeline, andwherein the partial play attribute allows portions of the each periods to be replayed one or more times.