Overview
IEC TS 62318:2003 - "Multimedia systems and equipment - Multimedia home server systems - Home server conceptual model" - is an IEC Technical Specification that defines a standardized conceptual model for multimedia home servers. Published by IEC TC 100 in 2003, the document specifies the logical elements, modularity and functional relationships needed to clarify existing and future home server designs from a standardization viewpoint. The model is intended as a reference for discussion and further standard work, not as an implementation specification.
Key topics and requirements
- Core model elements: The specification identifies mandatory and optional high-level elements such as head-end, inhouse-network-interface, interchangeable-storage-media-port, user-interface, functional-module, and application-program-interface (API). A home server must include at least one head-end, one inhouse-network-interface and functional modules supporting high-capacity storage.
- Modularity and semantics: Functional modules control the behavior of interfaces and storage. Examples include high-capacity storage control, content control (coding/decoding, content-managing, security-managing, content-editing) and user-assist modules.
- Modelling syntax: The TS uses an XML Document Type Definition (DTD) to express the conceptual structure precisely - enabling a machine-readable, standardized logical description.
- Standardization issues flagged:
- Interchangeable storage media port: standardize how home-server applications use existing volume/file services for removable media (DVD, D-VHS, etc.).
- User interface: encourage standard names and interaction models to reduce user confusion on feature-rich home servers.
- Functional module naming and attributes: define schemes or conventions for function names and attributes to aid interoperability and comparison.
- Application Program Interfaces (APIs): standardize APIs per functional module to improve portability and interoperability of applications.
- Documentation: recommend standardized naming for functions and attributes in user/service manuals.
Applications and who uses it
- Manufacturers of consumer electronics and multimedia home servers - to align product modularity and interfaces for better interoperability.
- Broadcasters and network providers - to specify head-end and network integration points and expected behaviors.
- Software developers and application integrators - to design portable applications using the standardized API model.
- Standards committees and system architects - as a reference model when developing detailed standards for storage, UIs, APIs and connectivity.
- Practical benefits include improved device interoperability, clearer product documentation, easier application portability and reduced user confusion.
Related standards
- IEC 61998 - equipment structure model referenced as the model instance.
- IEC 62291 - example API standard (UDF-based file systems).
- W3C XML and SGML references used for the modelling syntax.
Keywords: IEC TS 62318, home server conceptual model, multimedia home server systems, application program interface, interchangeable storage media, inhouse network interface, high-capacity storage, functional module.