scope:

This CEA standard includes mechanisms to allow audio/video (A/V) devices connected via a home network to present a status and control user interface (UI) on a network-attached renderer. A/V devices may include a source of home-network content, such as a cable or terrestrial set-top box, digital VCR, or DTV. A renderer in the current version of this standard may be a DTV or a PC, but it is intended that other rendering devices will be added in a later version. This standard specifies a method for encapsulating UI data using web and Internet protocols. The UI data are sent from a server in a device to be controlled to a browser in a client device through which control is exercised. The design of the UI is determined by the manufacturers implementing this standard. To assist in the UI design, an example implementation for a UI is included, but is not mandated.

This standard enables user control of remote devices via a control device (such as a Remote Control Unit (RCU)) and a web browser graphical user interface (GUI) contained in a renderer. The server in the controlled device passes requested GUI data to the renderer for presentation. A top-level controller server that orchestrates the top-level GUI is defined, while lower level GUIs are presented solely by the connected device.

The control graphics, typically embedded in the controlled appliance, may utilize any content design up to and including the full capability of the appliance and network technology. This specification describes the minimum capability of the client browser and the controller server. A compliant browser may have additional capabilities for worldwide web surfing, E-Commerce, or Enhanced TV applications, but that is out of scope for this standard.

This standard addresses user-to-device control in home networks. For implementations utilizing IEEE 1394, Annex A is normative. Future versions of this standard are expected to address other home networking technologies in additional Annexes.