Overview
IEC 61599:1999 – Videodisk Players – Methods of Measurement is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). This standard applies specifically to reproducing equipment for videodisks intended for home use that comply with IEC 60844, IEC 60845, IEC 60856, and IEC 60857. IEC 61599:1999 provides a structured framework for listing and defining the performance characteristics of videodisk players, setting standardized measurement conditions and methodologies, and presenting results in a consistent format. The standard enables reliable assessment of complete videodisk player performance but does not specify minimum performance limits.
Key Topics
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Scope
IEC 61599:1999 covers videodisk players designed for home use, referencing detailed system standards (VHD and LaserVision formats) to ensure alignment with accepted international benchmarks.
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Performance Characteristics
The standard identifies and defines a broad range of videodisk player performance parameters, such as:
- Mechanical and electrical characteristics (dimensions, weight, power supply)
- Video output quality (output level, luminance and chrominance response, signal-to-noise ratios)
- Audio characteristics (output levels, interfaces)
- Control and servo performance (radial and focus error, access times)
- Environmental conditions for operation and measurement
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Standardized Measurement Methods
Detailed procedures are set out to measure key characteristics under defined and repeatable conditions. This includes the use of specific environmental settings, power supply tolerances, and standardized test disks.
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Information Requirements
The standard outlines both mandatory and optional technical information that must be provided by manufacturers, ensuring transparent communication of player capabilities and configurations.
Applications
IEC 61599:1999 is intended for use by:
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Manufacturers
Enables manufacturers of videodisk players to assess, document, and communicate the technical performance of their products using internationally recognized methods. This supports product development, quality assurance, and compliance activities.
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Testing and Certification Facilities
Provides laboratories and testing organizations with uniform procedures for evaluating videodisk player performance, fostering repeatability and reliability in test results.
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Regulatory and Standards Bodies
Offers a reference framework for defining national and regional standards, supporting broader harmonization in consumer electronics.
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End Users and Integrators
Facilitates informed decision-making by ensuring product specifications are based on consistently measured data, enabling easier comparison and interoperability between devices.
Related Standards
IEC 61599:1999 references and aligns with several other international standards critical to videodisk player technology and testing, including:
- IEC 60844, IEC 60845, IEC 60856, IEC 60857: Specifications for VHD and LaserVision videodisk systems
- IEC 60038: Standard voltages
- IEC 60065: Safety requirements for electronic equipment
- IEC 60958: Digital audio interface specifications
- IEC 61938: Preferred matching values for audio and video interconnections
- IEC 61606: Methods of measurement for digital audio in audio and audiovisual equipment
For general terminology, the standard refers to IEC 60050 (International Electrotechnical Vocabulary), and for symbols, IEC 60027, IEC 60417, and IEC 60617.
Practical Value
IEC 61599:1999 plays a key role in ensuring that videodisk players are consistently evaluated across manufacturers and markets. By defining clear measurement methods, environmental conditions, and documentation requirements, it supports:
- Standardized performance assessment
- Enhanced consumer trust through transparent specifications
- Simplified compliance with national and international regulatory requirements
- Improved interoperability and comparability between products
For manufacturers, certification bodies, and end users alike, IEC 61599:1999 ensures that videodisk player quality and capability are evaluated using globally accepted methods, driving higher reliability and industry confidence.