Overview
IEC 62379-3:2015 is Part 3 of the IEC 62379 series defining the common control interface for networked digital audio and video products - specifically the video-related elements. It details how video formats, transports and metadata are identified and managed within the control framework introduced in IEC 62379-1. The standard enables interoperable control and monitoring of video functions on networked AV equipment using object identifiers (OIDs), management information (MIB) structures and defined managed objects.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Video format identification
- Video formats are identified by object identifiers (OIDs). The standard permits using both standard and externally defined OIDs so proprietary or emerging formats can be integrated.
- Format parameters (frame rate, vertical resolution, scan type, etc.) are encoded as sub-identifiers appended to the OID. Unspecified parameters are coded as zero and omitted per the OID rules.
- Frame rate encoding
- Frame rates are represented as an integer ratio multiplied by 1000 (e.g., 23.976 Hz = 24000/1001 → stored as 23976).
- Source type enumeration
- Defines source-type values (e.g., unspecified, SD, HD, UHD4K, UHD8K) for managed identification of video origin.
- MIB and managed objects for video blocks
- Specifies MIB definitions and managed object types for common video blocks used in devices:
- Video ports and generic port functionality
- Video locked to reference (synchronization)
- Video mixers, crosspoints, converters
- Video level alarm blocks
- Includes tables and figures listing managed objects and relationships (see Tables 1–6 and Figures 1–5).
- Metadata and transport definitions
- Defines root locations and structures for video transport and video metadata to ensure consistent management of associated data.
- Machine-readable annexes
- Informative annexes provide machine-readable video format and block definitions, example trees and worked examples to support implementation.
Applications and who uses it
- Broadcast manufacturers building networked video devices (encoders, routers, switchers).
- System integrators and AV network designers implementing unified device control and monitoring.
- Network engineers and software developers** creating management systems (SNMP/MIB-based) or control protocols compatible with IEC 62379.
- Broadcasters and facilities seeking interoperable control of multi-vendor equipment for routing, format conversion, monitoring and automation.
Related standards
- IEC 62379-1:2007 (General) - normative reference providing the core common control interface.
- Other parts of IEC 62379 series cover audio (Part 2), data, and network transmission (Part 5) for complete AV system control.
Keywords: IEC 62379-3:2015, common control interface, networked digital audio and video, video format definitions, OID, MIB, video ports, video mixer, crosspoint, converter, metadata, frame rate, HD, UHD.