Overview - ISO/TS 18234-3:2013 (TPEG1-SNI)
ISO/TS 18234-3:2013 defines the Service and Network Information (TPEG1‑SNI) application of the TPEG1 binary data format for Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). It specifies how service providers deliver metadata about services - for example the availability of the same service on another bearer channel or equivalent service data from a different provider - in a compact, language‑independent binary form. The technical version is TPEG‑SNI/3.2/001 and the application identifier AID = 0000 is assigned to TPEG‑SNI.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Application Identification (AID): A unique identifier used in TPEG streams to route SNI data to the correct decoder (AID = 0000 for SNI).
- Conceptual model & design principles: Rules for multiplexed applications, variable content referencing, service allocation and general SNI usage within a TPEG data‑stream.
- Data types and timing: Definitions for periodic time functions (masked time, start time, time slot) and operating time functions for service schedules.
- Geographical coverage: Compound types to describe the spatial coverage of services.
- Service information elements: Structured fields including service name/description, service logo, subscriber information, free text and help information.
- Component information & service tables: Guidance and templates for multiple Service Tables (e.g., fast tuning, time schedules, content description, geographical coverage, reset/versioning, conditional access references).
- Linkage information: Mechanisms to link components within the same service and to related services (enables cross‑referencing between bearers and providers).
- Coding structure: Component frames, SNI component templates and encoding rules for each basic feature and table.
- Mandatory elements: In all TPEG streams, delivery to the mandatory GST (a required service table) is specified.
Applications and typical users
- Use cases: Broadcasting service discovery, transmitter/frequency switching information, cross‑bearer service references, signaling alternative providers, and enabling multilingual, machine‑readable service metadata in navigation and traffic systems.
- Who uses it: ITS architects, TPEG service providers, digital radio and broadcast engineers, automotive OEMs and telematics suppliers, navigation device manufacturers, and software developers building TPEG decoders or service‑agnostic middleware.
Related standards
- ISO/TS 18234 series (TPEG1):
- Part 1: Introduction, numbering and versions (TPEG1‑INV)
- Part 2: Syntax, Semantics and Framing (TPEG‑SSF)
- Part 4: Road Traffic Message (RTM)
- Part 5: Public Transport Information (PTI)
- Part 6–11: Location referencing, parking, congestion, TEC, CAI, LRC (see ISO/TS 18234 series for publication status)
Keywords: ISO/TS 18234-3:2013, TPEG1-SNI, TPEG, Service and Network Information, traffic and travel information, binary data format, intelligent transport systems, AID 0000, service tables, geographical coverage.