scope:

AIM

The aim of this agreement is to promote the interoperability of present and future platform level digital video distribution systems. The video distribution system specified is based on Ethernet (predominately Gigabit Ethernet) as the network technology and allows, as an option, the incorporation of digital audio and data distribution on the same network.

The architecture of the system includes the provision for multiple service providers (individual video, audio and data sources) to access the network infrastructure and for multiple service users (displays, data processors and audio sinks) to receive information from the network infrastructure. The distribution of video, audio or data from one service provider to one service user (unicast) or many service users (multicast) is supported.

The standard describes the mechanisms and protocols that shall be employed to facilitate the distribution of and control of digital video, audio and data. All the protocols and mechanisms selected are open, widely used, Internet standards. This standard does not define any new protocols but provides guidance on how the selected protocols and mechanism are used. For most protocols, the actual Internet standards will need to be consulted to obtain additional detailed information to implement the protocol in an actual system. This document should therefore be used as the starting point when designing and implementing a system.