Stored Media Distribution - The original MPEG system (MPEG-1) was first developed for stored media (CD ROMs) distribution systems. This type of distribution system provides relatively high and stable transmission rates with minimum delays and low amounts of errors.

Broadcast Distribution - The next version of MPEG (MPEG-2) was designed for broadcast distribution systems. Broadcast systems can provide continuous high data transmission rates with small amounts of delay and low bit error rates (called Quasi error free). Examples of broadcast systems include cable systems, satellite systems and digital terrestrial television (e.g. DVB).

Packet Data Distribution - MPEG then evolved to provide television signals over packet data broadcast distribution systems (MPEG-4). Packet broadcast systems often provide variable data transmission rates with varying amounts of delay. Packet broadcast channels can sometimes experience high bit error rates. Examples of packet broadcast systems include broadband television (Internet television) and mobile video.

This figure shows some of the types of distribution systems that can be used to transfer MPEG. This example shows that MPEG media may be delivered on systems that range from high bandwidth, low error rate stored media systems (e.g. CD ROM) to limited bandwidth, high error rate mobile video. MPEG-1 was designed for stable error free stored media such as CD ROMs. Stored media systems have high-transfer rates and very low error rates. MPEG-2 was developed to allow transmission over broadcast networks such as satellite systems, digital terrestrial television (DTT) and cable television systems. These broadcast systems have some errors and small delays. The MPEG-4 system was developed to allow transmission over packet data networks such as the Internet. These packet data systems usually have variable data transmission rates, unpredictable delays and may experience significant amounts of burst error rates.