Overview
IEC TR 63122-1:2019 is a technical report from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that outlines the conceptual model for smart television systems. Focusing on the core components, basic features, typical use cases, and application scenarios for smart TVs, this standard aims to define what constitutes a smart television and provide guidance for future standardization. The document highlights current technologies and requirements, identifies points where existing standards can be leveraged, and points out areas where further standardization effort is needed. The report was developed with reference to ISO/IEC Guide 71, addressing accessibility in standards development. The goal is to foster innovation and harmonize the ongoing evolution of smart TV systems worldwide.
Key Topics
- Conceptual definition of smart television: Clarifies what differentiates a smart TV from traditional television systems, including software, hardware, and interactive capabilities.
- Framework and architecture: Describes the main building blocks of a smart TV system, such as the service platform, transmission network, and smart television terminal.
- Essential features and technologies: Discusses critical aspects like:
- Human-machine interaction (remote controls, touch, gesture, voice recognition)
- Multi-screen interaction (sharing and controlling content across devices)
- Security mechanisms (system, application, payment, and content security)
- Application ecosystems (app stores and device interoperability)
- Diverse application scenarios: Outlines the deep integration of traditional broadcast TV, internet media, online services, and smart home connectivity.
- Terminology: Provides clear definitions for terms such as smart television system, service platform, terminal, set-top box, application store, and more to ensure consistency and shared understanding.
- Current technological landscape: Presents an overview of existing platforms (Android TV, tvOS, Tizen, HbbTV) and comparative studies on smart TV technologies.
Applications
The practical value of IEC TR 63122-1:2019 lies in its ability to drive harmonized development and deployment of smart television solutions, benefitting manufacturers, service providers, and end-users alike. Key applications include:
- Product Development: Guides designers and manufacturers in integrating required hardware and software features for next-generation smart TVs, ensuring compatibility with a variety of applications and networks.
- System Integration: Offers a framework to facilitate multi-device interaction, enabling seamless experiences between TVs, smartphones, tablets, and other smart devices.
- Service Delivery: Helps broadcasters, content creators, and application developers structure their offerings to exploit smart TV capabilities, such as interactive EPGs, video-on-demand, e-commerce, and social networking integration.
- Security Enhancement: Supports organizations in identifying and implementing appropriate system, application, and content security measures to safeguard users and digital assets.
- Standardization Strategy: Informs standardization bodies and consortia where more detailed technical standards are needed, promoting interoperability and future-forward development.
Related Standards
Smart television innovation relies on a broad ecosystem of standards. IEC TR 63122-1:2019 references and complements several key documents:
- ISO/IEC Guide 71: Addressing accessibility considerations in standardization.
- IEC 63122 series: Other parts cover additional models and detailed requirements for smart television.
- Digital TV and broadcasting standards: Such as DVB, ATSC, ISDB.
- Internet technology standards: Including those provided by IEEE, ISO/IEC JTC 1.
- Home networking and multimedia sharing standards: Such as DLNA, Wi-Fi Direct, and related protocols for device interconnection.
- Platform-specific standards: Referenced in annexes, such as HbbTV, Android TV, tvOS, Tizen, and open webOS.
IEC TR 63122-1:2019 is essential reading for anyone developing, deploying, or specifying smart television solutions, with practical guidance on architecture, features, and standardization needs that are critical for delivering robust, interoperable, and future-proof smart TV experiences.