Server for source encoding of media encoded for adaptive bitrate streaming using trick play streams

An origin encoding server (12) generates a top-level index for a plurality of container files containing alternative streams, when a playback device requests the start of playback of the encoded media. Alternate streams are used during normal playback and a separate trick-play stream, and are streams that encode the same media content in different ways and at different bit rates to enable adaptive bitrate streaming by switching between streams during normal playback based on streaming conditions. Trick play sequencing is used to perform a fluid visual search of encoded media in forward or reverse direction at a speed that is typically faster than the normal playback speed. (Automatic translation with Google Translate, no legal value)