After which standard did the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) abandon the sequential numbering of standards?

The Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) transitioned away from sequential numbering of standards starting with MPEG-4. The decision to abandon this method was largely influenced by the complexity and diversity of the technologies that were being developed and incorporated into multimedia standards. MPEG-4 introduced a range of features and capabilities beyond what was available in previous iterations, necessitating a more flexible and descriptive naming convention that could accommodate new technologies without being constrained by a strict numerical sequence.

This move allowed MPEG to better categorize standards by their specific functionalities and applications, reflecting the evolving nature of digital media technologies. By choosing a more descriptive approach, MPEG could address various multimedia applications, including both audiovisual content and new data formats, without being limited to the linear progression established by earlier standards.