Distribution Systems - MPEG defines how groups of signals (channels their media streams) can be transferred on communication channels such as via radio broadcast, cable systems, or satellite systems.

Audio Compression - MPEG defines audio compression options that vary from fairly simple compression (MP1) to high compression MP3 and AAC formats.

Video Compression - MPEG defines video compression options that range from simple digital video (MPEG-1) to low bandwidth multimedia digital MPEG-4 compression.

Media Streams - MPEG defines the different types of media streams which can include media channels (audio, video), data channels (closed captioning), and channel guides (program tables).

MPEG Transmission - MPEG defines how channels may be combined and shared on one transmission channel (program stream) or how multiple channels can be combined to a broadcast channel.

Display Formatting - MPEG systems can control which items are selected and how they are positioned and displayed on screens.

MPEG Standards - MPEG standards have evolved from early digital video formats that are used on CD ROMs to multimedia standards that define categories (metadata) and rights management of items.