The resulting technology will help in optimizing the overall end-user experience by providing the best service quality for a given context. In addition to increased end-user QoS content and service providers will also benefit from reduced cost in providing the service: Instead of generating the content multiple times to match the requirements of different networks, terminals and user preferences content only has to be produced once and can be adapted to the needs of the single use.
Whenever possible the DANAE work will be based on the existing MPEG standards. However these standards need to evolve so that they cover the new technical aspects that will be pioneered by the project. The DANAE partners are fully aware of this and commit themselves to actively contribute to the setting of the new standards needed for the new evolving technical context.
 
To these ends, the project will focus on two technical areas with, in each, key outcome:

1. Advanced MPEG-21 Chain:
a. Development of an advanced MPEG-21 architecture focusing on end-to-end QoS support, personalization and DIA (Digital Item Adaptation) as well as DIP (Digital Item Processing);
b. Development of context-aware, dynamic and distributed service adaptation schemes and techniques;
c. Integration of features and tools available from MPEG-4 and MPEG-7 into the currently developed MPEG-21 framework;
d. Integration of DRM support in the adaptation chain;
e. Implementation of MPEG-21 peers:
2. MPEG Scalable Codecs with emphasis on Video:
a. Development and contribution to standardization of a compression-efficient wavelet-based scalable video codec amenable to fine granular stream adaptation in resolution and quality;
b. Development of error resilience mechanisms applicable to various types of media;
c. Development of enhancements to existing audio, 2D graphics and 2D/3D virtual characters, in terms of adaptability to session context.
d. Development of media-specific adaptation tools and integration of codecs in the MPEG-21 chain.