Overview
IEC 62766-6:2017 specifies the Procedural Application Environment (PAE) component of the OIPF terminal function (OITF). It defines the UNI reference point UNIS‑12 within the OIPF functional architecture (see IEC 62766‑1). The PAE is a Java‑based application environment for IPTV and open internet multimedia services and follows the structure of ETSI TS 102 728. This part provides the architecture, APIs, protocols and profiles needed to deploy interactive IPTV applications on consumer terminals such as set‑top boxes and smart TVs.
Key topics and technical requirements
- PAE architecture & deployment: block diagrams and supported deployment topologies (headed/headless configurations) for IG/AG/OITF components.
- Protocols & transport: broadcast channel, interaction channel and application loading transports; streaming and metadata protocols relevant to IPTV services.
- Content formats: static and streaming formats, resident and downloadable fonts.
- Application model & signalling: broadcast, stored/cached and unbound applications; XML Application Information Table (XML AIT) for app signalling.
- Java platform & GEM mapping: support for GEM 1.3, required Java APIs and mappings/extensions for DVB‑J and GEM environments.
- APIs defined or extended: content/service protection (DRM), user authentication, UI server, content download, service APIs and PVR interfaces.
- Security & certificate management: application authentication, permission request files, security policy enforcement and certificate handling.
- Graphics & system integration: graphics reference model and integration aspects with terminal hardware and middleware.
- Minimum terminal capabilities & HTTP adaptive streaming (HAS): baseline capability definitions and HAS support guidance.
Applications and who uses this standard
IEC 62766‑6:2017 is intended for:
- IPTV middleware vendors implementing the PAE/OITF on set‑top boxes and smart TVs.
- Device manufacturers (STB and TV) ensuring compliance with OIPF terminal functions.
- Service providers / broadcasters developing interactive IPTV applications and signalling.
- Application developers targeting Java/GEM‑based IPTV environments.
- Test labs and integrators validating conformance, security and interoperability.
Practical uses include building compliant interactive TV apps, implementing DRM and PVR features, deploying application download and lifecycle management, and designing headless or headed deployment topologies.
Related standards
- IEC 62766‑1 (OITF architecture)
- DVB‑GEM (GEM 1.3) and DVB‑J
- ETSI TS 102 728 (structure reference)
- OCAP, ACAP and Blu‑ray GEM terminal specifications
Keywords: IEC 62766-6:2017, Procedural Application Environment, PAE, OIPF, OITF, IPTV middleware, GEM, DVB-GEM, Java IPTV, XML AIT, PVR, DRM, HTTP adaptive streaming.