Overview
ISO/IEC 16500-1:1999 (DAVIC Part 1) specifies system reference models and scenarios for generic digital audio-visual systems. It defines an Abstract System Reference Model (ASRM) and a concrete instance, the DAVIC System Reference Model (DSRM), to provide a common vocabulary, functional blocks, information flows, interfaces and reference points. The models are tools for specification, development and interoperability testing rather than prescriptive implementations.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Abstract and concrete reference models: ASRM at a high level, and DSRM as a specific instance for DAVIC-compliant systems.
- Service layers and planes: separation of application, control and management layers to clarify responsibilities and interfaces.
- Object and interface categories: classification of functional entities and their logical interfaces (information flows) and physical interfaces (signal/connector characteristics).
- Reference points and interfaces: definition of logical and physical reference points used to specify protocol stacks and to demonstrate compliance.
- Partitioned system views: P0/P1 partition levels and detailed DSRM elements (e.g., service provider components, delivery system, service consumer).
- Control and user planes: description of Service Provider System control-plane elements and information transport service models.
- Transaction flow scenarios: common functional interactions (e.g., service setup, content delivery, control signaling) used to validate dynamic behavior.
- Compliance and conformance guidance: accessible reference points enable conformance and interoperability testing across vendors and networks.
Note: ISO/IEC 16500-1 contains definitions, conventions and informative annexes (definitions, acronyms, bibliography, interface examples). This part does not include normative references.
Practical applications
- Designing interoperable digital video and audio distribution systems (broadcast, interactive and on-demand services).
- Specifying interfaces between service providers, delivery networks and service consumer devices (e.g., set-top units).
- Guiding development of protocol stacks and control/management architectures for multimedia services.
- Preparing test plans and conformance suites for interoperability testing across vendor equipment and networks.
- Informing system architects, standards bodies and product teams about reference points critical for end-to-end service behavior.
Who should use this standard
- System architects and engineers for IPTV, digital broadcast and multimedia services
- Set-top box and consumer device manufacturers
- Network and access operators (access node, delivery-system designers)
- Standards developers, interoperability labs and conformance testers
- Solution integrators implementing DAVIC-compliant systems
Related standards and keywords
ISO/IEC 16500 series (Parts 2–9) covers dynamics, protocols, contours, lower-layer interfaces, high/mid-layer protocols, information representation, security and management.
Keywords: ISO/IEC 16500-1, DAVIC, digital audio-visual systems, system reference model, ASRM, DSRM, interoperability, reference points, service layers, set-top unit, delivery system.