IEC 61866-1997 PDF
Name in English:
St IEC 61866-1997
Name in Russian:
Ст IEC 61866-1997
Original standard IEC 61866-1997 in PDF full version. Additional info + preview on request
Full title and description
Audiovisual systems - Interactive text transmission system (ITTS). This international standard specifies the higher-layer system characteristics and data encoding methods used to carry text and sound‑associated data on prerecorded media and across equipment interfaces for audiovisual systems (commonly referred to as ITTS).
Abstract
IEC 61866:1997 (ITTS) defines protocols, character‑set handling, language selection/indexing and the higher-layer data structures needed to encode, validate and transport interactive text and associated metadata independently of the recording or interconnection medium. It is intended to ensure interoperable transmission of textual and sound‑associated information between audiovisual devices and systems.
General information
- Status: Published / current (listed as a valid IEC publication; national adoptions exist).
- Publication date: 14 August 1997 (base publication).
- Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Technical Committee TC100 (Audio, video and multimedia systems and equipment).
- ICS / categories: 33.160.01 (Audio, video and audiovisual systems in general).
- Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (1997).
- Number of pages: 109 pages (IEC base document pagination).
Scope
The standard provides the mechanism for encoding text and sound‑associated data for prerecorded media and for transport across equipment interfaces. It specifies the higher layers of ITTS (system characteristics independent of the recording or interconnection medium), including message and record structures, language and character handling, validation rules and examples of application.
Key topics and requirements
- Definition of the ITTS higher‑layer architecture and message/record structures for interactive text and associated metadata.
- Character set selection and language indexing methods to support multiple languages and mixed scripts.
- Encoding rules for sound‑associated data and synchronization with audiovisual content.
- Validation and error‑handling mechanisms (including sample validation outlines and example coding schemes).
- Examples and informative annexes illustrating 2‑line coding, 12‑character validation and language support strategies.
Typical use and users
Used by broadcasters, professional audiovisual equipment manufacturers, multimedia and accessibility system designers (e.g., subtitling/captioning tools), standards bodies and system integrators who need a stable, medium‑independent method to transport interactive text and metadata alongside audio/video content. ITTS is frequently referenced where broadcast or recorded audio systems require associated text services.
Related standards
EN/UNE/BS national adoptions of EN 61866:1997 exist (text of IEC 61866 adopted as EN 61866). ITTS is referenced by a number of broadcasting and receiver‑interface specifications (for example in digital broadcasting receiver data interfaces and related ETSI/DAB specifications). It sits within the suite of audiovisual standards developed by IEC TC100.
Keywords
ITTS, Interactive Text Transmission System, audiovisual systems, text encoding, sound‑associated data, character sets, language indexing, metadata, validation, broadcasting interfaces.
FAQ
Q: What is this standard?
A: IEC 61866:1997 is an international standard titled "Audiovisual systems - Interactive text transmission system (ITTS)" that specifies higher‑layer mechanisms for encoding and transporting interactive text and sound‑associated data in audiovisual systems.
Q: What does it cover?
A: It covers message and record structures, character and language handling, encoding of text associated with sound, validation rules and informative examples to ensure interoperability across media and equipment interfaces.
Q: Who typically uses it?
A: Broadcasters, AV equipment and receiver manufacturers, subtitle/captioning system developers, multimedia integrators and standards/compatibility engineers who need medium‑independent methods for delivering text and metadata linked to audio/video.
Q: Is it current or superseded?
A: As published by IEC, IEC 61866:1997 remains the base publication (Edition 1.0, 14 August 1997) and is listed as a valid IEC publication in the IEC catalogue (stability information shown by IEC indicates long‑term stability). No later IEC edition or formal withdrawal was identified in the IEC catalogue at the time of this summary. National adoptions (EN/UNE/BS/ČSN etc.) also reference the 1997 text.
Q: Is it part of a series?
A: IEC 61866 is part of the body of audiovisual and multimedia standards managed by IEC TC100 (Audio, video and multimedia systems and equipment). It is a standalone ITTS specification but is referenced by related broadcasting and receiver interface standards.
Q: What are the key keywords?
A: ITTS, interactive text, audiovisual metadata, character set, language indexing, subtitle/caption data, validation, recording‑independent transport.