Guide To DTV Standards: Signals and Interfaces
Advanced Technical Standards for Television (ATSC)
Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE)


1920 X 1035
1920 X 1080
1280 X 720
720 X 483
NTSC - Analog
NTSC - Digital Component
NTSC - Digital Composite
AES3 Digital Audio Interface
Serial Data Transport Interface
HD Bit Serial
540 Mb/s SDI
Transport Stream

 

1920 × 1035

SMPTE 240M-1999: Signal Parameters—1125-Line High-Definition Production Systems
This standard defines the basic characteristics of the analog video signals associated with origination equipment operating in 1125-line high-definition television production systems. This standard defines systems operating at 60.00 Hz and 59.94 Hz field rates. The digital representation of the signals described in this standard may be found in SMPTE 260M. These two documents define between them both digital and analog implementations of 1125-line HDTV production systems.

SMPTE 260M-1999: Digital Representation and Bit-Parallel Interface—1125/60 High-Definition Production System
This standard specifies the digital representation of the signal parameters of the 1125/60 high-definition production system as given in their analog form by SMPTE 240M.This standard also specifies the signal format and the mechanical and electrical characteristics of the bit-parallel digital interface for the interconnection of digital television equipment operating in the 1125/60 high-definition production system.

SMPTE RP 160-1997: Three-Channel Parallel Analog Component High-Definition Video Interface
This practice defines the physical characteristics of an interface using three parallel channels for the interconnection of equipment operating with analog component HDTV signals. For SMPTE 240M-1995, the signals carried across this interface have a scanning structure of 1125 lines, 60.00 fields per second, 16:9 aspect ratio, and 2:1 interlace. This interface is also appropriate for HDTV signals having other scanning structures.

Note: 1920 × 1035 deprecated in favor of 1920 × 1080 (below).

1920 × 1080

SMPTE 274M-1998: 1920 X 1080 Scanning and Interface
This standard defines a family of raster-scanning systems for the representation of stationary or moving two-dimensional images sampled temporally at a constant frame rate and having an image format of 1920 X 1080 and an aspect ratio of 16:9. This standard specifies:

·         R'G'B' color encoding

·         R'G'B' analog and digital interfaces

·         Y'P'BP'R color encoding and analog interface

·         Y'C'BC'R color encoding and digital interface

An auxiliary component A may optionally accompany Y'C'BC'R; this interface is denoted Y'C'BC'RA.

SMPTE 295M-1997: 1920 X 1080 50 Hz—Scanning and Interfaces
This standard defines a family of raster scanning systems for the representation of stationary or moving two-dimensional images sampled temporally at a constant frame rate and having an image format of 1920 X 1080 and an aspect ratio of 16:9 as given in table 1. This standard specifies:

·         R'G'B' color encoding

·         R'G'B' analog and digital interfaces

·         Y'P'BP'R color encoding and analog interface

·         Y'C'BC'R color encoding and digital interface

An auxiliary component A may optionally accompany Y'C'BC'R; this interface is denoted Y'C'BC'RA.

SMPTE RP 211-2000: Implementation of 24P, 25P, and 30P Segmented Frames for 1920 X 1080 Production Format
This practice defines the changes to SMPTE 274M to implement various 1920 X 1080 progressive systems in their segmented frame format: 24sF, 25sF, and 30sF. Only the changes to the appropriate clauses of SMPTE 274M are contained herein. The same clause, table, and figure numbering system, as used in SMPTE 274M, is employed in this practice.

1280 × 720

SMPTE 296M-2001: 1280 X 720 Scanning, Analog and Digital Representation and Analog Interface
This standard defines a family of raster scanning systems for the representation of stationary or moving two-dimensional images sampled temporally at a constant frame rate and having an image format of 1280 X 720 and an aspect ratio of 16:9. This standard specifies:

·         R'G'B' color encoding

·         R'G'B' analog and digital representation

·         Y'P'BP'R color encoding, analog representation and analog interface

·         Y'C'BC'R color encoding and digital representation

An auxiliary component A may optionally accompany Y'C'BC'R; this representation is denoted Y'C'BC'RA. A bit-parallel digital interface is incorporated by reference in clause 12.

720 × 483

SMPTE 293M-1996: 720 X 483 Active Line at 59.94-Hz Progressive Scan Production—Digital Representation
This standard defines the digital representation of stationary or moving two-dimensional images for television production. The representation is sampled linearly in the spatial domain and sampled temporally at a constant frame rate. The scanned image has an aspect ratio of 16:9. This standard includes both R',G',B' and Y',C'B,C'R expressions for the signal representation.

NTSC, Analog

SMPTE 170M-1999: Composite Analog Video Signal—NTSC for Studio Applications
This standard describes the composite analog color video signal for studio applications: NTSC, 525 lines, 59.94 fields, 2:1 interlace with an aspect ratio of 4:3.This standard specifies the interface for analog interconnection and serves as the basis for the digital coding necessary for digital interconnection of NTSC equipment.

SMPTE 253M-1998: Three-Channel RGB Analog Video Interface
This standard defines the component analog video interface for studio applications using three primary color signals carried on parallel channels for the interconnection of television equipment. The signals carried across the interface have a typical scanning structure of 525 lines, 59.94 fields/s, 2:1 interlace and 4.3 or 16.9 aspect ratio. The signals have a vertical blanking interval that is divided into an active line period and a horizontal blanking interval. Signal characteristics are defined by a gamma-corrected set of red, green, and blue R'G'B' primary video signals. In addition to general interconnection of television equipment at the component analog level of operation, the signals defined by this standard are suitable as inputs to analog-to-digital conversion systems in compliance with ANSI/SMPTE 125M and ANSI/SMPTE 267M or as inputs to NTSC composite encoders in compliance with ANSI/SMPTE 170M.

SMPTE EG 27-1994: Supplemental Information for ANSI/SMPTE 170M and Background on the Development of NTSC Color Standards
This guideline is intended to provide supplemental and background information for ANSI/SMPTE 170M-1994. This guideline also provides information on the development of the National Television System Committee 1953 Recommendations for Transmission Standards for Color Television. Use of this guideline will aid in the understanding and implementation of modern NTSC television signals, equipment, and practices.

NTSC, Digital Component

SMPTE 125M-1995: Component Video Signal 4:2:2—Bit-Parallel Digital Interface
This standard defines an interface for system M (525/60) digital television equipment based on ITU-R BT.601. The standard has application in the television studio over distances up to 300 m (1000 ft).

SMPTE 267M-1995: Bit-Parallel Digital Interface—Component Video Signal 4:2:2 16 X 9 Aspect Ratio
This standard defines an interface for system M (525/59.94) wide screen, 16 X 9 aspect ratio, digital television equipment based on ITU-R 601-3. Two luminance sampling rates are provided, 13.5-MHz sampling providing full-signal compatibility with equipment operating in compliance with ANSI/SMPTE 125M, and 18-MHz sampling providing equivalent horizontal resolution for the 16 X 9 aspect ratio of this standard as compared to the 4 X 3 aspect ratio of ANSI/SMPTE 125M. Use of the 18-MHz sampling method also provides 16 X 9 to the 4 X 3 aspect ratio translation by sample selection rather than sample interpolation as would be required with 13.5-MHz sampling. The standard has application in the television studio over distances up to 300 m (1000 ft) for 13.5-MHz sampling and 225 m (750 ft) for 18-MHz sampling.

SMPTE 261M-1993: 10-Bit Serial Digital Television Signals—4:2:2 Component and 4fsc NTSC Composite, AMI Transmission Interface
This standard describes an interface which transmits serial digital video data coded in scrambled bipolar NRZI per ANSI/SMPTE 259M, via alternate-mark-inversion (AMI) communication channels.

SMPTE 259M-1997: 10-Bit 4:2:2 Component and 4fsc NTSC Component Digital Signals—Serial Digital Interface
This standard describes a serial digital interface system M (525/60) digital television equipment operating with either 4:2:2 component signals or 4fsc NTSC composite digital signals. (For 625-line PAL composite implementation, see annex E.) This standard has application when the signal loss at 70 MHz (4fsc) or 135 MHz (4:2:2) due to coaxial cable characteristics does not exceed approximately 30 dB.

SMPTE RP 174-1993: Bit-Parallel Digital Interface for 4:4:4:4 Component Video Signal (Single Link)
This practice describes the means of interconnecting digital video equipment operating in system M (525/60) and complying with the 4:4:4 encoding parameters as defined in CCIR Recommendation 601-2, annex 1 with a nominal sampling frequency of 13.5 MHz. Provision is made to convey signal at 10-bit precision and to carry a fourth, auxiliary, channel as part of the signal multiplex (yielding 4:4:4:4 or 4 X 4 overall). The practice has application in the television studio over distances up to 100 m (320 ft).

SMPTE RP 175-1997: Digital Interface for 4:4:4:4 Component Video Signals (Dual Link)
This practice describes a means of interconnecting digital video equipment operating in system M (525/60) and complying with the 4:4:4 sampling and encoding parameters defined in CCIR Recommendation 601-2, annex 1, with a nominal sampling frequency of 13.5 MHz. Provision is made to carry a fourth, auxiliary, channel as part of the signal multiplex, yielding 4:4:4:4 (or 4 X 4) overall.

NTSC, Digital Composite

SMPTE 244M-1995: System M/NTSC Composite Video Signals—Bit-Parallel Digital Interface
This standard describes a bit-parallel composite video digital interface for systems operating according to the 525-line, 59.94-Hz NTSC standard, as described by ANSI/SMPTE 170M, sampled at four times color subcarrier frequency. Sampling parameters for the digital representation of encoded video signals, the relationship between sampling phase and color subcarrier, and the digital levels of the video signal are defined. This standard has application for use with shielded twisted 12-pair cable of conventional design over distances up to 50 m, without transmission equalization or any special equalization of the receiver. Longer cable lengths may be used, but with rapidly increasing requirement for care in the cable selection and possible receiver equalization or the use of active repeaters or both. Digital composite video signals, as defined by this standard, are the signals conveyed by the composite implementation of the serial digital interface.

SMPTE 259M-1997: 10-Bit 4:2:2 Component and 4fsc NTSC Component Digital Signals—Serial Digital Interface
This standard describes a serial digital interface system M (525/60) digital television equipment operating with either 4:2:2 component signals or 4fsc NTSC composite digital signals. (For 625-line PAL composite implementation, see annex E.) This standard has application when the signal loss at 70 MHz (4fsc) or 135 MHz (4:2:2) due to coaxial cable characteristics does not exceed approximately 30 dB.

SMPTE 261M-1993: 10-Bit Serial Digital Television Signals—4:2:2 Component and 4fsc NTSC Composite, AMI Transmission Interface
This standard describes an interface which transmits serial digital video data coded in scrambled bipolar NRZI per ANSI/SMPTE 259M, via alternate-mark-inversion (AMI) communication channels.

SMPTE 272M-1994: Formatting AES/EBU Audio and Auxiliary Data into Digital Video Ancillary Data Space
This standard defines the mapping of AES digital audio data, AES auxiliary data, and associated control information into the ancillary data space of serial digital video conforming to ANSI/SMPTE 259M. The audio data and auxiliary data are derived from ANSI S4.40, generally referred to as AES audio. This standard provides a minimum of two audio channels and a maximum of 16 audio channels based on available ancillary data space in a given format (four channels maximum for composite digital). Audio channels are transmitted in pairs combined, where appropriate, into groups of four. Each group is identified by a unique ancillary data ID. Several modes of operation are defined and letter suffixes are applied to the nomenclature for this standard to facilitate convenient identification of interoperation between equipment with various capabilities. The default form of operation is 48-kHz synchronous audio sampling carrying 20 bits of AES audio data and defined in a manner to ensure reception by all equipment conforming to this standard.

SMPTE 297M-2000: Serial Digital Fiber Transmission System for ANSI/SMPTE 259M Signals
This standard defines an optical fiber system for transmitting bit-serial digital signals. It is specifically intended for transmitting ANSI/SMPTE 259M serial signals (143 through 360 Mbits/s). Its optical interface specifications and end-to-end system performance parameters are otherwise compatible with ANSI/SMPTE 292M, which covers transmission rates of 1.3 through 1.5 Gbits/s.

SMPTE RP 165-1994: Error Detection Check words and Status Flags for Use in Bit-Serial Digital Interfaces for Television
This practice, also known as the error detection and handling (EDH) system, describes the generation of error detection check words and related status flags to be used optionally in conjunction with the serial digital interface for system M (525/59.94) and systems B, G, H, and I (625/50) digital television equipment operating with either 13.5-MHz or 18-MHz sampled 4:2:2 component digital signals or 4fsc composite digital signals. Although it is preferred that this error-checking method be used in all serial transmitters and receivers, it is recognized that some equipment must minimize complexity. Additionally, there is nothing in this practice which should preclude its use in a parallel digital interface for 4:2:2 component digital signals.

AES3 Digital Audio
Interface

AES-2id-1996 (r2001): Guidelines for the Use of the AES3 Interface
This document provides guidelines for the use of AES3, AES Recommended Practice for Digital Audio Engineering—Serial transmission format for two-channel linearly represented digital audio data, together with AES5, AES Recommended Practice For professional digital audio applications employing pulse-code modulation—Preferred sampling frequencies, AES11, AES Recommended Practice for Digital Audio Engineering—Synchronization of digital audio equipment in studio operations, and AES18, AES Recommended Practice for Digital Audio Engineering—Format for the user data channel of the AES digital audio interface.

AES-3id-2001 (Revision of AES-3id-1995): Transmission of AES3 Formatted Data by Unbalanced Coaxial Cable
This document contains information regarding cables, cable equalizers, and receiver circuits including adaptors to or from standard AES3 equipment and cabling where it is required to transmit AES3 formatted signals over long distances (up to 1000 m), or in a video installation using analog video distribution equipment. It is not intended to be an alternative electrical specification to AES3, which is based on balanced, shielded, twisted-pair cable transmission over distances of up to 100 m. The information is based on studies and laboratory experiments discussed in a series of technical reports that have been partly summarized and included.

AES18-1996 (revision of AES18-1992): Format for the User Data Channel of the AES Digital Audio Interface
This standard describes a method of formatting the user data channels provided within the digital audio serial interface format (AES3). The transmission format is an adaptation of the packet-based high-level data link control (HDLC) communications protocol and provides for the transmission of ancillary data that may or may not be time related to the audio signal. The data rate is constant within a range of +/– 12.5 percent of a sampling frequency of 48 kHz. The standard also provides a data priority and management strategy to ensure that adequate capacity is available for downstream data insertion.

SMPTE 324M: 12-Channel Serial Interface for Digital Audio and Auxiliary Data
This standard defines a synchronous, self-clocking serial interface for up to 12 channels of linearly encoded audio and auxiliary data. The interface is designed to allow multiplexing of six two-channel streams compliant with AES3.

SMPTE 337M-2000: Format for Non-PCM Audio and Data in an AES3 Serial Digital Audio Interface
This standard specifies an interface format for the transport of non-PCM audio and data in professional applications using the AES3 serial digital audio interface. This standard includes both physical and logical specifications, based on the existing AES3 format, to allow exchange of non-PCM data between different devices. The standard accommodates multiple non-PCM audio and data formats and allows carriage of multiple data streams within a single interface. This standard provides means for carrying time code or time alignment information so that the information conveyed over this interface may be synchronized with information content delivered over other interfaces.

SMPTE 338M-2000: Format for Non-PCM Audio and Data in an AES3—Data Types
This standard describes the data_type field defined in SMPTE 337M. This field describes data types that may be carried in an AES3 digital audio interface according to SMPTE 337M. This standard defines supported data types, but does not cover formatting that may be required for each data type. References are included for additional standards that describe data type specific formatting requirements.

SMPTE 339M-2000: Format for Non-PCM Audio and Data in an AES3—Generic Data Types
This standard specifies data type specific format requirements for several types of data bursts that may be carried within an AES3 interface according to SMPTE 337M. Included are descriptions of the data type, the format of the burst_payload for the data type, the coding of data type dependent fields in the burst_preamble, and additional data burst and bit stream formatting requirements not defined in SMPTE 337M. This includes specific synchronization methods which may affect formatting.

SMPTE 340M-2000: Format for Non-PCM Audio and Data in an AES3—ATSC A/52 (AC-3) Data Type
This standard specifies data type specific format requirements for AC-3 data bursts carried within an AES3 interface according to SMPTE 337M.

SMPTE 341M-2000: Format for Non-PCM Audio and Data in an AES3—Captioning Data Type
This standard specifies data type specific format requirements for caption data bursts carried within an AES3 interface according to SMPTE 337M.

SMPTE 355M-2001 Television—Format for Non-PCM Audio and Data in AES, KLV Data Type
This standard specifies data type specific format requirements for SMPTE 336M (KLV) data bursts carried within an AES3 interface according to SMPTE 337M.

SMPTE EG 32-1996: Emphasis of AES/EBU Audio in Television Systems and Preferred Audio Sampling Rate
This guideline defines the use of emphasis and sample rate in digital audio systems within television facilities. The AES/EBU digital audio standard has four conditions of emphasis and three basic sample rates. Although any or all of the possible emphasis and sample rate combinations can be used, it is good engineering practice to use a common emphasis and a single sample rate within a television facility.

Serial Data Transport
Interface

SMPTE 305M-2000: Serial Data Transport Interface
This standard defines a data stream used to transport packetized data within a studio/production center environment. The data packets and synchronizing signals are compatible with ANSI/SMPTE 259M.

SMPTE 321M-1999: Data Stream Format for the Exchange of DV-Based Audio, Data and Compressed Video Over a Serial Data Transport Interface
This standard defines the format of the data stream for the synchronous exchange of DV-based audio, data, and compressed video (whose data structure is defined in SMPTE 314M) over the interface defined in SMPTE 305M (SDTI). It covers the transmission of audio, subcode data, and compressed video packets associated with DV-based 25 and 50 Mbits/s data structure for 525/60 and 625/50 systems, including faster-than-real-time transmission.

SMPTE 346M-2000: Time Division Multiplexing Video Signals and Generic Data Over High-Definition Interfaces
This standard defines the time division multiplexing (TDM) of various standard-definition digital video and generic 8-bit data signals over high-definition serial digital interfaces (SMPTE 292M).

SMPTE 348M-2000: High Data-Rate Serial Data Transport Interface (HD-SDTI)
This standard provides the mechanisms necessary to facilitate the transport of packetized data over a synchronous data carrier. The HD-SDTI data packets and synchronizing signals provide a data transport interface which is compatible with SMPTE 292M (HD-SDI) such that it can be readily used by the infrastructure provided by this standard.

SMPTE 322M-1999: Format for Transmission of DV Compressed Video, Audio and Data Over a Serial Data Transport Interface
This standard specifies the data structure and the transmission format of DV compressed video, audio, and data over a serial data transport interface (SDTI, SMPTE 305M). The standard is a combination of video, audio, subcode, and control data optimized for the connection between DV-compliant VCRs and disk systems. It ensures high-speed data stream transfer up to five times faster than real time. The video, audio, and subcode data comply with IEC 61834-2 for both 525/60 and 625/50 systems.

SMPTE 326M-2000: SDTI Content Package Format (SDTI-CP)
This standard specifies the format for the transport of content packages (CP) on the serial digital transport interface (SDTI) This format is abbreviated to the term SDTI-CP. This standard defines the structure of the content package mapped onto the SDTI transport. All element and metadata formats are defined by SMPTE 331M.

SMPTE RP 204-2000: SDTI-CP MPEG Decoder Templates
This practice defines decoder templates for the encoding of SDTI content packages (SDTI-CP) with MPEG coded picture streams.

HD Bit Serial

SMPTE 292M-1998: Bit-Serial Digital Interface for High-Definition Television Systems
This standard defines a bit-serial digital coaxial and fiber-optic interface for HDTV component signals operating at data rates in the range of 1.3 Gbits/s to 1.5 Gbits/s. Bit-parallel data derived from a specified source format are multiplexed and serialized to form the serial data stream. A common data format and channel coding are used based on modifications, if necessary, to the source format parallel data for a given high-definition television system. Coaxial cable interfaces are suitable for application where the signal loss does not exceed an amount specified by the receiver manufacturer. Typical loss amounts would be in the range of up to 20 dB at one-half the clock frequency. Fiber optic interfaces are suitable for application at up to 2 km of distance using single-mode fiber.

SMPTE 299M-1997: 24-Bit Digital Audio Format for HDTV Bit-Serial Interface
This standard defines the mapping of 24-bit AES digital audio data and associated control information into the ancillary data space of a serial digital video conforming to ANSI/SMPTE 292M. The audio data are derived from ANSI S4.40, hereafter referred to as AES audio. Audio signal, sampled at a clock frequency of 48 kHz locked (synchronous) to video, is the preferred implementation for intrastudio applications. As an option, this standard supports AES audio at synchronous or asynchronous sampling rates from 32 kHz to 48 kHz.

SMPTE 349M-2001 Television—Transport of Alternate Source Image Formats through SMPTE 292M
This standard specifies the transport of component 525-line interlaced, 525-line progressive, 625-line interlaced, and 625-line progressive scan source formats through SMPTE 292M, the bit-serial digital interface for high-definition television systems.

SMPTE RP 198-1998: Bit-Serial Digital Checkfield for Use in High-Definition Interfaces
This practice specifies digital test signals suitable for evaluating the low-frequency response of equipment handling high-definition serial digital video signals as defined in ANSI/SMPTE 292M. Although a range of signals will produce the desired low-frequency effects, two specific signals are defined to test cable equalization and phase locked loop (PLL) lock-in, respectively. In the past, these two signals have been colloquially called “pathological signals.”

540 Mb/s SDI

SMPTE 344M-2000: 540 Mbits/s Serial Digital Interface
This standard specifies a serial digital interface that operates at a nominal rate of 540 Mbits /s. This standard has application in the television studio over lengths of coaxial cable where the signal loss does not exceed an amount specified by the receiver manufacturer. Typical loss amounts would be in the range of 20 dB to 30 dB at one-half the clock frequency with appropriate receiver equalization. Receivers designed to work with lesser signal attenuation are acceptable. Separate SMPTE documents specify the mapping of source image formats onto the special 540 Mb/s serial interface.

SMPTE 347M-2001: Television—540 Mb/s Serial Digital Interface, Source Image Format Mapping
This standard species the mapping of various source image formats onto the 540 Mb/s serial digital interface. These formats include single link 4:4:4:4 component digital signals (525i/59.94 and 625i/50) as well as progressive scan 4:2:2 component digital signals (525p/59.94 and 625p/50). Additional source image formats may be added in future revisions of this standard.

Transport Stream

SMPTE 310M-1998: Synchronous Serial Interface for MPEG-2 Digital Transport Stream
This standard describes the physical interface and modulation characteristics for a synchronous serial interface to carry MPEG-2 transport bit streams at rates up to 40 Mbits/s. It is a point-to-point interface intended for use in a low-noise environment. The low-noise environment is defined as a noise level that would corrupt no more than one MPEG-2 data packet per day at the transport clock rate. When other transmission systems (e.g., studio-to-transmitter microwave links, etc.) are interposed between devices employing this interface, higher noise levels may be encountered. In such cases, it is recommended that appropriate error correcting methods by used

 

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