Summary

Recommendation ITU-T J.183 describes a time-division multiplexing (TDM) format for transmitting multiple Motion Picture Experts Group version 2 (MPEG-2) transport streams (TSs) or generic formats of TSs by using a simple implementation of an MPEG-2 systems physical interface on cable television systems. The TDM frame encapsulates the MPEG-2 TSs or generic formats of TSs, which are packetized into 188-byte length prior to transmission. It also describes the framing structure for high-speed transmission by channel-bonding technology.

The format features interoperability with the existing satellite transmodulation format, which is based on the specification in Annex C of ITU-T J.83 and Annex C of ITU-T J.84 (satellite master antenna television (SMATV) system C (III)).

It may also be applicable to other transmission systems. When this format is introduced into existing digital cable television systems, it is recommended that information about the frame format be transmitted by the network information table simultaneously. It is necessary for the set-top box to identify the digital channel containing multiple MPEG-2 TSs or generic formats of TSs.