Abstract: A system and method for embedding a streaming media format header within a session description message. The streaming media format header is encapsulated within a session description message as a header attribute. The streaming media format header describes complex relationships between available media streams. The session description message also includes a list of content description attributes storing metadata about the media streams. A media description field in the session description message stores a stream attribute identifying a media stream associated with the media description field.

Abstract: A method for displaying streamed digital video data on a client computer. The client computer is configured to receive the streamed digital video data from a server computer via a computer network. The streamed digital video data is transmitted from the server computer to the client computer as a stream of video frames. The method includes receiving a first plurality of video frames at the client computer. The plurality of video frames represents a subset of the stream of video frames. The stream of video frames comprises independent playable video frames and dependent playable video frames. The method further includes displaying the first plurality of video frames on a video display terminal associated with the client computer. There is further included issuing a rewind command from the client computer to the server.