Overview
IEC 62328-2:2005 - "Multimedia home server systems – Interchangeable volume/file structure adaptation for broadcasting receivers – Part 2: General recording structure" - defines the required volume and file structure to interchange recorded multimedia between home servers and broadcasting receivers. The standard covers how an AV stream and its associated objects (metadata, thumbnails, timestamps, pointer tables and mark entries) are organized on storage volumes so different devices can read, navigate and manage recorded content reliably.
Key topics and technical requirements
- File and directory composition: formalizes directory layouts (e.g., RT_TVRS) and file naming/placement rules for program and stream-related files to ensure consistent interchange.
- Timestamp and duration formats: generic timestamps (GTS), stream timestamps (TSAVS) and duration fields used for accurate playback, seeking and time-based navigation.
- Pointer and mark formats: pointer position formats, thumbnail pointers and mark-entry specifications that allow random access, chaptering and bookmark functionality across devices.
- Metadata and program management: structures such as PROG_SET.MGR and EXT_PS.MGR for organizing programme information, component details and searchable metadata.
- Thumbnail and auxiliary files: rules for embedded or external thumbnails and compression-type interpretation to support preview and UI displays.
- Access and allocation rules: stream file allocation and aligned recording packet structures (detailed in annexes) to support playback alignment and transfer.
- Search and time-search information: tables and structures enabling time-based search and module-level access units for reliable seek behavior.
- Rights and encryption hooks: placeholders and formats for license/rights management and cipher identifiers to support content protection workflows.
Applications and practical value
- Ensures interoperability between home media servers, NAS devices and broadcasting receivers (set-top boxes, PVRs).
- Enables consistent recording, playback and migration of AV programs across devices from different manufacturers.
- Facilitates robust UI features (thumbnails, time search, marks/bookmarks) and reliable random access to recorded streams.
- Supports product development for consumer electronics, digital video recording firmware, media-server software and broadcast receiver manufacturers.
Who should use this standard
- Device manufacturers (set‑top boxes, PVRs, multimedia home servers)
- Firmware and embedded systems engineers implementing recording/storage stacks
- Software developers building media management or playback applications
- Systems integrators and QA teams validating interchange and interoperability
- Standards and compliance engineers defining product conformance
Related standards
- Other parts of the IEC 62328 series (interchange structure family)
- Common broadcast and multimedia ecosystem specifications (used alongside MPEG/DVB-based workflows)
Keywords: IEC 62328-2:2005, multimedia home server systems, interchangeable volume/file structure, broadcasting receivers, AV stream, recording structure, RT_TVRS, PROG_SET.MGR, timestamps, metadata, interoperability.