Overview
IEC 62481-6-2:2017 is an international interoperability guideline published by the IEC that defines how the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) implements the RVU Remote User Interface (RUI) protocol in home networks. The standard specifies how thin clients in the home can present a full-featured user interface while offloading most processing to a remote server. RVU RUI delivers bitmapped and/or vector graphic UI data, enabling a consistent, robust user experience across multiple devices in the home.
Key topics and technical requirements
- RVU RUI model: Defines device roles and capabilities such as +RVUPL+ (RVU Pull Controller), +RVUSRC+ (RVU Source), +RVUSINK+ (RVU Sink) and +RVUCTRL+ (RVU Controller) for discovery, sourcing and rendering of remote UI content.
- UPnP integration: Requires implementation of UPnP RemoteUI Server and Client device/service descriptions (ISO/IEC 29341-12-2, -12-1 and service descriptions -12-11, -12-10). Devices must expose appropriate XML device and service descriptions for discovery and control.
- Connection and session handling: Guidelines cover RVU 2-box and 3-box connection establishment, RUI session establishment, transport mechanisms, and how to combine RUI with audio/video (A/V) transport for synchronized experiences.
- Device model extensions: Extends DLNA home networking architecture and device models (e.g., DMS, DMR, XDMR) to include RVU-specific behaviors and mandatory/conditional requirements for devices that adopt RVU capabilities.
- Interoperability tables and attributes: The document contains tables of mandatory guidelines and attribute mappings (for example, mandatory behavior for MediaRenderer variants and Push Controller roles).
Practical applications and who uses this standard
- CE and STB manufacturers: Implement RVU to provide thin-client user interfaces on smart TVs, set-top boxes, and companion devices without replicating full application stacks.
- Smart TV and media player vendors: Ensure consistent UI rendering and remote control capabilities across rooms and device types in the home.
- Middleware and software developers: Build server-side UI engines that stream UI bitmaps/vector graphics to lightweight clients.
- Home network integrators and system architects: Design multi-room deployments where UI and media services are centrally hosted but rendered on distributed thin clients.
- Service providers: Deliver consistent, branded user interfaces and interactive services (EPG, VOD navigation, DVR control) across customer devices with reduced client-side complexity.
Related standards and references
Keywords: IEC 62481-6-2:2017, DLNA, RVU, Remote User Interface, RUI, UPnP, thin client, home networking, interoperability, remote UI session, media renderer.