1 Type of Question

Task-oriented Question that should eventually result in a set of Recommendations.

2 Motivation

ITU-T and ITU-R are studying the standards to be used for the digital standard-definition and high-definition television signals. Bit-rate reduction processing of such digital signals are widely used both in studio installations and for direct broadcasting from terrestrial or satellite transmitters as well as for transmission, including transmission for contribution and for primary and secondary distribution.

To facilitate the international exchange of programs and to rationalize the design of equipment, it is desirable to continue to study the methods used for digital source coding of such signals for all those applications. It is also necessary to ensure the utmost compatibility among the methods used for the various applications. The studies include the specification of the availability objectives, and how availability objectives affect the choice of technical solutions for, e.g. digital source coding, multiplexing and error protection.

It is therefore urgent to study the following Questions, taking into account Recommendations J.80, J.81, J.85 and J.86 , as well as the several existing Recommendations on primary and secondary distribution. (Measurement and control of Quality of Service is covered in Question 4/9.)

3 Questions

3.1 Which source coding methods can be recommended for the transmission of standard-definition and high-definition television signals for purposes of contribution over digital transmission circuits and chains?

3.2 Which source coding methods can be recommended for the transmission of standard definition and high-definition television signals for purposes of primary and secondary distribution over digital transmission circuits and chains?

3.3 What are the appropriate multiplexing arrangements (component, service, higher level protocols) for the applications under 3.1 and 3.2?

3.4 What are the service availability requirements and how do they translate into methods of protection against digital transmission errors for the applications under 3.1 and 3.2?

3.5 Which tolerances must be imposed to ensure satisfactory performance for the applications under 3.1 and 3.2?

3.6 For the specific case of MATV, SMATV, MMDS and LMDS networks, what are the distribution configurations appropriate for each system, and their respective operating characteristics?

4 Expected results and anticipated target dates

Depending on the contributions that will be received, and on progress in the work of the appointed Rapporteur(s), it is expected that this Question will result in a number of new draft Recommendations by the end of 2003.

5 Relationships

Cooperation with ITU-R Study Group 6 and ITU-T Study Groups 13, 15 and 16 is needed in the study of this Question.

Note

The revision of Question 2/9 in title and contents was made to allow it to encompass television transport for contribution, primary distribution and secondary distribution, in consideration of the fact that the same technologies are used across the three applications. As a result, Question 2/9 imported the entire content from Question 3/9 and revised it. Then, Question 3/9 was deleted.