MPEG-2 Systems

August 25, 1999

Michael Isnardi
Sarnoff Corporation
e-mail: [email protected]

Reproduction in any form requires written permission from the Sarnoff Corporation.

1 © 1995-99
Sarnoff Corporation
Outline
• MPEG-2 Systems Overview (13818-1)
• Packet Concepts
• MPEG-2 Program Streams
• MPEG-2 Transport Streams
• Timing Mechanisms
• A/V Synchronization
• Transport System Target Decoder (T-STD)
• MPEG Bitstream Syntax and Table Structure
• Program Specific Information
• DVB and ATSC Transport Formats
2 © 1995-99
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What is MPEG-2 Systems?
• It’s a communications layer that encapsulates
compressed video, audio and data streams in packets.

• Multiplexes elements of a single program: video, audio,

program-related data, etc.

• Multiplexes multiple programs

• Synchronizes all elements of a program

• Provides flexibility by allowing dynamic mix of content

• Provides extensibility by allowing new services to be

added without losing existing audience share.
3 © 1995-99
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MPEG-2 Systems

Video MPEG-2
MPEG-2 MPEG-2
MPEG-2 Video
Video
Video Video
Video
Encoder
Encoder Decoder
Decoder

Audio MPEG/AC-3
MPEG/AC-3 Digital MPEG/AC-3
MPEG/AC-3 Audio
Audio
Audio Channel Audio
Audio
De
Encoder
Encoder Mux Decoder
Decoder
Mux

Timing
Timing&& Timing
Timing&&
Control
Control Control
Control
Data Data

Encoder Decoder
ATSC Transport is based on the MPEG-2 Systems Spec
(ISO/IEC 13818-1), which covers Muxing, Timing and Control

4 © 1995-99
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ISO/IEC 13818-1 Highlights
• Supports two constructs
– Transport Stream
• For error-prone applications
• Transport System Target Decoder (T-STD)
• Program Specific Information (PSI)
– Program Stream
• For error-free applications
• Program System Target Decoder (P-STD)
• Program Stream Map and Directory
– Supports conversion via Packetized Elementary Stream
(PES)
• Defines Program and Program Element
Descriptors
5 © 1995-99
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Programs: Analog and Digital
NTSC VSB NTSC Spectrum
Video
Encoder Mod
+ Video Audio
Audio FM
Mod
fv frequency -> fa
• Analog TV transmission (e.g., NTSC) uses frequency division
multiplexing (FDM) to send program elements.

Video Compress
& Packetize
Mux ... Video Video Video Audio Video ...
Audio Compress
& Packetize time ->

• Digital TV transmission (e.g., ATSC) uses time division

multiplexing (TDM) to send program elements.

6 © 1995-99
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Spectrum: Analog vs. Digital
Analog RF Spectrum
(NTSC)
Sound

Video 1 SDTV
frequency ->

Digital RF Spectrum
(ATSC) 4-6 SDTV
Video, Sound, Data, •••
Program Guide, etc.
or 1 HDTV
frequency ->

+ other
6 MHz services
7 © 1995-99
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Multiple Programs: Analog and Digital
NTSC Spectrum (on Cable)

... Ch 12 Ch 13 Ch 14 Ch 15 Ch 16 ...

frequency ->
• Analog TV uses FDM for multiple programs.

... V1 V2 V3 V1 V2 V3 V1 V2 V3 A1 A2 A3 V1 V2 V3 PG V2 V3 V1 V2 V3 ...

Vn: Video for Program n time ->

An: Audio for Program n
PG: Program Guide

• Digital TV uses TDM for multiple programs within a single

channel, and FDM for multi-channel systems.
8 © 1995-99
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What are Packets?

• Packets are a collection of bits of the same program type:

video, audio or data.
Video Packet
Audio Packet
Data Packet

• Packets can be variable length...

Video Packet Audio Packet Data Packet

• ... or fixed length.

Video Video Audio Video Video Data Video

9 © 1995-99
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Packet Lengths

Video Packet Audio Packet Data Packet

Variable Length Packets

• use the natural grouping of coded data (e.g., pictures)
• tend to be relatively long
• generally used for error-free media (e.g., CD-ROM’s)

Video Video Audio Video Video Data Video

Fixed Length Packets

• tend to be relatively short
• amenable to error correction and fast switching
• generally used for error-prone media (e.g., broadcast)

10 © 1995-99
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Why use Packets?

• Flexibility
Audio Audio

Data Dynamic mix Data

Video of content Video
Video Video

• Extensibility
Audio Audio

Data Adding new Data

services with
Video Video
Video ease Video 3DTV

11 © 1995-99
Sarnoff Corporation
Packets
...the key to flexibility and extensibility...
Contains only one
kind of data
Stream ID
specififies 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0

MPEG-2 Video
contents 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0
1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0
1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0
0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1
1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 Payload size may be
variable or fixed

•• AApacket
packetisislike
likeaafreight
freightcar
carthat
thatcarries
carriesjust
just
one
onetype
typeof
ofdata
data(audio,
(audio,video,
video,etc).
etc).

•• Each
Eachpacket
packethas
hasaa"label"
"label"called
calledaaPacket
PacketID
ID
(PID).
(PID).
12 © 1995-99
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Packet Multiplexing
...like a freight car switch yard...
The
ThePacket
PacketScheduler
Schedulerpermits
permitspackets
packets
into the bitstream according to
into the bitstream according to
need
needand
andpriority.
priority. This
Thisallows
allowsdynamic
dynamic
control
allocation of the channel.
allocation of the channel.
audio 1 audio 1

audio 2 audio 2

Video Video Video Video Video Packet

Scheduler
& Mux
aux data aux data

Video Video audio 1 Video audio 2 aux data control

To Transmitter
13 © 1995-99
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Program and Transport Streams

Video ES Video PES

Packetizer Program Stream
Coder
PS
Mux Video Video Audio
Audio ES Audio PES
Packetizer
Coder

Transport Stream
TS ...
Mux Video Video Audio

ES: Elementary Stream

PES: Packetized Elementary Stream
PS: Program Stream
TS: Transport Stream
14 © 1995-99
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Packetized Elementary Streams (PES)

Video PES Video PES

Video Video Video
Coder Packetizer
PES Header
Audio PES Audio PES
Audio Audio Audio Audio
Coder Packetizer

PES Packet
Stream ID,
Video, Audio or Data Bits
Time Stamps, etc

Header Payload

15 © 1995-99
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PES Stream ID
• Stream ID describes the elementary stream
• Example Stream ID’s
– Program Stream Map
– Program Stream Directory
– Private Stream
– Padding Stream
– MPEG Audio Stream
– MPEG Video Stream
– ECM Stream (used for Conditional Access)
– EMM Stream (used for Conditional Access)
– DSM-CC (Digital Storage Media Command & Control) Stream
– Ancillary Stream

16 © 1995-99
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MPEG-2 Program Streams

Pack
PES Packet
Video Video Audio Video Video Video
Pack Header PES Header

• A Program Stream consist of Packs, which in turn consist

of PES packets.
• The Pack Header contains info about synchronization and
time base recovery.
• Can carry up to 16 video and 32 audio streams, all with
same timebase.

17 © 1995-99
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MPEG-2 Transport Streams

PES Stream
PES Header PES Packet

Transport Header Transport Packet

(188 bytes long) Stuffing

Transport Stream

• A Transport Stream consists of fixed-length Transport

Packets, which are re-packaged PES packets.
• A PES packet header is always preceded by a transport
header.
18 © 1995-99
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MPEG-2 Video Data Alignment
Each picture contains multiple slice headers (SLC), not shown.
Video S
E
G
O
P
I I
P
I P
P
I B
G
O
P
I I
P
I P
P
I B
S
E
G
O
P
I I
P
I P
P
I B
ES Q P C C C P C C C Q P C C C

If data_alignment_indicator = 1 in PES Header, and the data_stream_alignment_

descriptor is not present, then one of the following data alignments is required:

Video PES S PES G PES P PES S

PES Header
E
Q
or Header
O
P
or Header
I
C
or Header
L
C

If data_alignment_indicator = 1 in PES Header, and the data_stream_alignment_

descriptor is as indicated, then one of the specified data alignments is required:

01, 02, 03, 04 01, 02, 03 01, 02 01

Video PES S PES G PES P PES S

PES Header
E
Q
or Header
O
P
or Header
I
C
or Header
L
C

If data_alignment_indicator = 0 in PES Header, then no data alignment is required:

19 © 1995-99
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MPEG-2 Transport Packet
Transport Packet
Transport Header

(188 bytes)

Packet Sync, PID, etc. PCR, etc. Video, Audio or Data Bits

Header Adaptation Payload

(4 bytes) Field
(Up to 184 bytes)

• PID = Packet ID
• PCR = Program Clock Reference (Master Clock)

20 © 1995-99
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Packets - Key to Flexibility and Extensibility
Video
I P P I Frames

Coded
I P P I
Frames

I I I I I I P P P P I I I I I Packets

Fixed Length Packets

• relatively short
• amenable to error correction and fast switching
• best for error-prone media (e.g., broadcast)
• MPEG-2 calls them Transport Packets

21 © 1995-99
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Conversion Between Stream Types

Program Stream

PES Stream

Transport Stream

• Conversion can be performed via intermediate PES format.

22 © 1995-99
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Display Synchronization - Uncompressed

Source Pictures

Frame Frame Frame Frame Frame Frame

#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6

Video Waveform

• Display and Clock Synchronization Info is Carried

Directly by the Video Signal
23 © 1995-99
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Display Synchronization - Compressed

Source Pictures

Frame Frame Frame Frame Frame Frame

#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6

I IPicture
Picture P P I Picture P P

Compressed Digital Bitstream

• Compressed Bitstream Must Carry Display

Synchronization Info and Clock Information
24 © 1995-99
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Program Clock Recovery
Actual clock “ticks”
Encoder’s
Sample & Time Base
Insert Transport Stream
PCR PCR

Extract & Transport Header PCR in Adaptation Field

Process
Decoder’s
Interpolated clock “ticks” Time Base

• Program Clock References (PCR’s) are 42-bit

sample values of the Encoder’s 27-MHz Time Base
(System Clock).
• At the encoder, PCR’s are inserted in selected
Transport Packets, at least 10 times/sec.
• The decoder extracts PCR’s and uses them to
recreate the Program Clock.
25 © 1995-99
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Synchronizing Audio and Video
Encoder’s
Sample & Video PES header Audio PES header Sample & Time Base
Insert Insert
PTS
PCR DTS Transport Stream PTS PCR

Extract &
Process
Decoder’s
Interpolated clock “ticks” Time Base

• Presentation Time Stamps (PTS) indicate when video or audio

frames should be presented.
• Decode Time Stamps (DTS) indicate when video anchor frames
should be decoded.
• PTS and DTS are samples of a 90 kHz clock locked to the PCR
Time Base. They are sent in PES headers.
• Lip Sync is achieved by presenting video and audio frames at the
proper value of the Program Clock (PCR timebase).

26 © 1995-99
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Effect of PCR Jitter
Transport Stream as intended
PTS
PCR DTS PCR PCR

OK Late Early with jitter

PTS
PCR DTS PCR PCR

• PCR jitter can be introduced by variable delays in networks or by

Mux/Remux operations.
• PCR jitter causes decoder’s Program Clock to erroneously speed up
or slow down.
• Depending on decoder implementation, this can lead to frozen or
skipped pictures, unstable color or “wow and flutter”.
• Additional buffers can be used to reduce effect of PCR jitter.

27 © 1995-99
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Video vs. AC-3 Frames

Uncoded Video Frames (29.97 frames/sec)

Video Frame 1 Video Frame 2 Video Frame 3

33.37 ms

Audio Frame 1 Audio Frame 2 Audio Frame 3

32 ms
(1536 samples)

Uncoded Audio (showing AC-3 frame boundaries)

Note: Video and audio frames boundaries are rarely (if ever) aligned.

28 © 1995-99
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 Synchronizing MPEG-2 Video and
AC-3 Audio
PTS PTS PTS PTS PTS PTS
VF1 VF2 VF3 VF1 VF2 VF3

MPEG-2 Video
VF VF
VF1 VF2 VF3 Video PES VF1
2 3
Encoder Encoder
PTS PTS PTS PTS PTS PTS
AF1 AF2 AF3 AF1 AF2 AF3

AC-3 Audio
AF1 AF2 AF3 Audio PES AF1 AF2 AF3
Encoder Encoder

48 kHz 90 kHz

To PCR Encoder in TS Packetizer

27 MHz Clock

29 © 1995-99
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 A/V Synchronization (cont’d)
PTS PTS PTS
VF1 VF2 VF3

VF VF
VF1
2 3 PTS’s provide A/V sync
PTS PTS PTS PTS PTS
AF1 AF2 AF3 VF1 AF1
TS
Packet-
AF1 AF2 AF3 izer VF1 VF1 VF1 AF1 VF1 VF1
&
Mux
PES Streams PCR PCR
1 2
27 MHz
Clock PCR PCR’s establish time base
Encoder

30 © 1995-99
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Transport System Target Decoder (T-STD)
• The T-STD is a conceptual decoder used to
model the decoding process during the
construction or verification of Transport Streams.
• It is described in detail in Annex D of the MPEG-
2 Systems Spec (ISO/IEC 13818-1)
• The T-STD consists of three decoder types:
– video
– audio
– systems
• A demux, buffers and decoders comprise the T-
STD.

31 © 1995-99
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T-STD Block Diagram
…for MP@ML Video and AC-3 Audio...
Video TS Video PES Video
Packets Packets Video ES
ES AU’s MP@ML Decoded
Video
TS PES
Buffer Buffer
Buffer Video
(VBV)
18 Mbps 15 Mbps
(leak method) Decoder
512 10,000 + VBV
Bytes VBV_MAX- VBV Bytes
Bytes AU’s decoded AU’s presented
at DTS times at PTS times

Audio TS
Packets
Audio PES
Packets
Audio
AU’s
AC-3
TS PES
Buffer Buffer Audio
TS
Packets
2 Mbps
Decoder Decoded
Audio
De- 512 2336
Bytes Bytes
mux
PAT,CAT
&
PMT Table Table
Packets TS Data System Data System
Buffer
1 Mbps
Buffer
80 kbps (min) Control
512 1536
Bytes Bytes

Legend
TS: Transport Stream
PES: Packetized Elementary Stream
ES: Elementary Stream
AU: Access Unit
DTS: Decode Time Stamp
PTS: Presentation Time Stamp
32 © 1995-99
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Program Specific Information (PSI)
Table
TableName
Name PID
PID## Description
Description
Program
ProgramAssociation
Association 00 Associates
AssociatesProgram
ProgramNo.
No.with
withPMT
PMT
Table (PAT)
Table (PAT)
Program
ProgramMap
MapTable
Table Assigned
Assigned Associates
AssociatesPID’s
PID’swith
withProgam(s)
Progam(s)
(PMT)
(PMT)
Network
NetworkInformation
Information Assigned
Assigned Contains
Containsphysical
physicalnetwork
networkparams
params
Table (NIT)
Table (NIT)
Conditional
ConditionalAccess
Access 11 Associates
AssociatesPID’s
PID’swith
withprivate
privatestreams
streams
Table (CAT)
Table (CAT)

• In addition to PSIP, PAT and PMT are required in every ATSC

MPEG-2 Transport Stream.
• PAT/PMT form a “mini Program Guide”, and certain information in
those tables and in PSIP must be consistent.
• NIT not used in ATSC. System information contained in PSIP.
• CAT must be present if any stream is scrambled.
33 © 1995-99
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Program Association Table (PAT)
Program
Program## PMT
PMTPID
PID## Meaning
Meaning
22 32
32 PID
PID32
32contains
containsmap
mapfor
forProgram
Program22
33 48
48 PID
PID48
48contains
containsmap
mapfor
forProgram
Program33
44 64
64 PID
PID64
64contains
containsmap
mapfor
forProgram
Program44

Example PAT for 3-program multiplex

• PAT provides correspondence between a Program

Number and the PMT PID that carries program
definition.
• Program # is similar to Channel # in broadcast TV.
• PAT always assigned to PID 0

34 © 1995-99
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Program Map Table (PMT)

PID
PID## Stream
StreamType
Type
32
32 PMT
PMT
33
33 Video
Video&&PCR
PCR
36
36 Audio
Audio
42
42 Data
Data

Example Map for Program 2

• PMT provides correspondence between a Program

Number and the elementary streams that comprise it.
• Descriptors may be sent to provide more information
about the program and/or program elements.

35 © 1995-99
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PMT Stream Type
• Stream Type describes the elementary stream
• Example Stream Types
– MPEG-1 Video
– MPEG-2 Video
– MPEG-1 Audio
– MPEG-2 Audio
– Private Sections
– PES Private Data
– MHEG
– DSM-CC
– User Private (e.g., AC-3 Audio)

36 © 1995-99
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Conditional Access Table (CAT)
CA
CASystem
System CA
CAPID
PID
11 201
201
22 202
202
33 203
203
Example CAT for Transport Stream
Containing 3 CA Systems

• CAT provides correspondence between CA systems and

their Entitlement Management Message (EMM) streams.
• EMM’s are system-wide private streams that specify
authorization levels of specific decoders.

37 © 1995-99
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Other Tables
Network
Network Information
Information Table
Table
•• NIT
NIT provides
provides information
information about
about physical
physical network
network
parameters,
parameters, such
such as as FDM
FDM frequencies,
frequencies, satellite
satellite
transponder
transponder numbers,
numbers, etc.etc.
•• NIT
NIT isis optional
optional and
and its
its contents
contents are
are private.
private.
•• IfIf present,
present, NIT
NIT isis Program
Program 00 in in PAT.
PAT.

Private
Private Tables
Tables
•• Structure
Structure provided
provided forfor transmission
transmission of
of private
private data.
data.
•• Can
Can be
be used
used for
for sending
sending non-MPEG
non-MPEG data,
data, such
such as
as
stock
stock quotes,
quotes, downloadable
downloadablesoftware
software modules,
modules, etc.
etc.
38 © 1995-99
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Multi-Program Multiplex
PID
PID## Type
Type
32
32 PMT
PMT Program 2
33
33 Video
Video (Nova)
Mux
33
33 PCR
PCR Program 3
36
36 Audio
Audio (This Old House)
42
42 Data
Data Program 1
(Victory Garden)
PES Streams Mux

PID Multi-
PID## Type
Type Program
00 PAT
PAT Transport
Stream
Single
Program
Transport
Streams

39 © 1995-99
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Review of Program Mapping
PID 0 Program Association Table
Program
Program## PMT
PMTPID
PID## Meaning
Meaning
11 10
10 Program
Program11(Victory
(VictoryGarden)
Garden)infoinfoatatPID
PID10
10
22 20
20 Program
Program22(This
(ThisOld
OldHouse)
House)infoinfoat
atPID
PID20
20
33 30
30 Program
Program33(Nova)
(Nova)info
infoatatPID
PID3030

PID 30 Program Map Table for Program 3

PID
PID## Stream
StreamType
Type
31
31 Video
Video
32
32 Audio
Audio
33
33 Data
Data
34
34 PCR
PCR

40 © 1995-99
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Tuning Example Using PAT and PMT
Multi- Program 3 PES
Program (Nova) Streams
Transport PID # Type
Stream 31 Video
PID 30
PID 0
32 Audio
33 Data
34 PCR

Note: In ATSC, PAT PMT

faster tuning is
achieved using
PSIP data. Dump
Other
Packets
Obtain PMT PID Obtain PID’s for
for Program 3 Elementary Streams

“Tune to Program 3”
41 © 1995-99
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Packet Demultiplexing
...unrecognized packets are discarded...

De-mux Initialization
Reads PID's and
control
sorts packets
CPU
Video audio 1 Video audio 2 aux data control Packet
Packet
Packets from RF demodulator De-Mux
De-Mux
Video
Video
audio Decoder
2
audio 1
Audio
aux
data Decoder

Unrecognized The
ThePath
Pathtoto
Packets are Extensibility
Extensibility
discarded

Digital Broadcast Receiver

42 © 1995-99
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MPEG-2 Systems Descriptors
• Descriptors can be used to extend the definition of
programs and program elements
• Currently Defined Descriptors
– Video Stream – ISO 639 Language
– Audio Stream – System Clock
– Hierarchy – Multiplex Buffer Utilization
– Registration – Copyright
– Data Stream Alignment – Maximum Bitrate
– Target Background Grid – Private Data Indicator
– Video Window – Smoothing Buffer
– Conditional Access – STD
– IBP

43 © 1995-99
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MPEG Bitstream Syntax
MPEG uses C code conventions:
• while ( condition ) { data_element … }
– If condition is true, then the group of data elements occurs next in the data
stream. This repeats until condition is not true.

• do { data_element … } while ( condition )

– Data element occurs at least once and is repeated until condition is not
true.

• if ( condition ) { data_element … } else { data_element … }

– If condition is true, then the first group of data elements occurs next.
Otherwise, the second group occurs next.

• for ( i=0; i<n; i++ ) { data_element … }

– The group of data elements occurs n times. The loop control variable, i, is
set to zero for the first occurrence and increments each time.

44 © 1995-99
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Example for Transport Packet
Table 2-3 -- ITU-T Rec. H.222.0 | ISO/IEC 13818 transport packet
Syntax No. of bits Mnemonic
transport_packet(){
sync_byte 8 bslbf
transport_error_indicator 1 bslbf
payload_unit_start_indicator 1 bslbf
These transport_priority 1 bslbf
must PID 13 uimsbf
transport_scrambling_control 2 bslbf
appear adaptation_field_control 2 bslbf
continuity_counter 4 uimsbf
if(adaptation_field_control=='10' || adaptation_field_control=='11'){
adaptation_field() af appears only if afc = 10 or 11
}
if(adaptation_field_control=='01' || adaptation_field_control=='11') {
for (i=0;i<N;i++){
data_bytes appear N times
data_byte 8 bslbf
} (N = 184 - af length)
}
}

bslbf Bit string, left bit first, where "left" is the order in which bit strings are written in the
Recommendation | International Standard. Bit strings are written as a string of 1s and
0s within single quote marks, e.g. '1000 0001'. Blanks within a bit string are for ease
of reading and have no significance.
u im sb f U nsig n e d inte g e r, m o st sig n ific a n t b it first
45 © 1995-99
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AFC Values
Table 2-6 -- Adaptation field control values
value description
00 reserved for future use by ISO/IEC
01 no adaptation_field, payload only
10 adaptation_field only, no payload
11 adaptation_field followed by payload

46 © 1995-99
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 Three Basic Transport Packet Types
Table 2-3 -- ITU-T Rec. H.222.0 | ISO/IEC 13818 transport packet
Syntax No. of bits Mnemonic
transport_packet(){
sync_byte 8 bslbf
transport_error_indicator 1 bslbf
payload_unit_start_indicator 1 bslbf
transport_priority 1 bslbf
PID 13 uimsbf
transport_scrambling_control 2 bslbf
adaptation_field_control 2 bslbf
continuity_counter 4 uimsbf
if(adaptation_field_control=='10' || adaptation_field_control=='11'){ Table 2-6 -- Adaptation field control values
adaptation_field() value description
} 00 reserved for future use by ISO/IEC
if(adaptation_field_control=='01' || adaptation_field_control=='11') { 01 no adaptation_field, payload only
for (i=0;i<N;i++){ 10 adaptation_field only, no payload
data_byte 8 bslbf 11 adaptation_field followed by payload
}
}
}

188 bytes
sync tei pusi tp PID tsc afc cc Payload data_bytes
‘0x47’ (1) (1) (1) (13) (2) ‘01’ (4) (184 bytes)

sync tei pusi tp PID tsc afc cc Adapt. Field Decoder ignores these
‘0x47’ (1) (1) (1) (13) (2) ‘10’ (4) (AF bytes) 184-AF bytes

sync tei pusi tp PID tsc afc cc Adapt. Field Payload data_bytes
‘0x47’ (1) (1) (1) (13) (2) ‘11’ (4) (AF bytes) (184-AF bytes)

47 © 1995-99
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MPEG Tables
• Tables are structures that are segmented into one or
more sections.
• A section is used to map a table into Transport
Packets.
• A special private section is defined to carry private
data.
• Sections may be variable in length.
• The beginning of a section is indicated by a
pointer_field syntax element.
• MPEG sets byte limits:
– max length of PSI table = 1024 bytes
– max length of private_section = 4096 bytes

48 © 1995-99
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Tables and Sections
Examples: Program Assocation Table with 3 sections

table_id = 0x00 identifies this section as belong to PAT

section_syntax_indicator=1 identifies short form of table
section_length = 0x55 number of bytes in this section
…
version_number = 1 first version
current_next_indicator = 1 this table is applicable now
section_number = 0x00 this is the first section
last_section_number = 0x02 number of last section
...

table_id = 0x00 identifies this section as belong to PAT

…
section_number = 0x01 this is the second section
last_section_number = 0x02 number of last section
...

table_id = 0x00 identifies this section as belong to PAT

…
section_number = 0x02 this is the third (last) section
last_section_number = 0x02 number of last section
...

49 © 1995-99
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Section Mapping Semantics
Transport Packet Format
sync tei pusi tp PID tsc afc cc Adapt. Field pf PSI sections
‘0x47’ (1) (1) (1) (13) (2) ‘11’ (4) (AF bytes) (8) (184-AF bytes)

• pusi = payload_unit_start_indicator • pf = pointer_field

• if pusi = 0, then no section starts in the • if pf = 0x00, then a section starts
payload, and no pointer field is immediately after this field
present • if pf = 0x09, then a section starts 9
• if pusi = 1, then at least one section bytes after this field
starts in the payload. A pointer field
is the first byte of the payload and
indicates the byte offset to the first
byte of the first section.

50 © 1995-99
Sarnoff Corporation
Example Section Mappings
188 bytes
(no pointer field)
sync tei pusi tp PID tsc afc cc Adapt. Field
Middle of a section
‘0x47’ (1) ‘0’ (1) (13) (2) ‘11’ (4) (AF bytes)

sync tei pusi tp PID tsc afc cc Adapt. Field pf

Start of a Section
‘0x47’ (1) ‘1’ (1) (13) (2) ‘11’ (4) (AF bytes) 0x00

sync tei pusi tp PID tsc afc cc Adapt. Field pf Complete Start of next
‘0x47’ (1) ‘1’ (1) (13) (2) ‘11’ (4) (AF bytes) 0x00 Section Section

sync tei pusi tp PID tsc afc cc Adapt. Field pf Complete

Stuffing
‘0x47’ (1) ‘1’ (1) (13) (2) ‘11’ (4) (AF bytes) 0x00 Section

sync tei pusi tp PID tsc afc cc Adapt. Field pf End of a Complete Start of
‘0x47’ (1) ‘1’ (1) (13) (2) ‘11’ (4) (AF bytes) 0x80 Section Section Section

sync tei pusi tp PID tsc afc cc Adapt. Field pf End of a

Start of a Section
‘0x47’ (1) ‘1’ (1) (13) (2) ‘11’ (4) (AF bytes) 0x80 Section

51 © 1995-99
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Program Association Section
Syntax No. of bits Mnemonic
program_association_section() {
table_id 8 uimsbf
section_syntax_indicator 1 bslbf
'0' 1 bslbf
reserved 2 bslbf
section_length 12 uimsbf
transport_stream_id 16 uimsbf
reserved 2 bslbf
version_number 5 uimsbf
current_next_indicator 1 bslbf
section_number 8 uimsbf
last_section_number 8 uimsbf
for (i=0; i<N;i++) {
program_number 16 uimsbf
reserved 3 bslbf
if(program_number == '0') {
network_PID 13 uimsbf
}
else {
program_map_PID 13 uimsbf
}
}
CRC_32 32 rpchof
}

52 © 1995-99
Sarnoff Corporation
Program Map Section
Syntax No. of bits Mnemonic
TS_program_map_section() {
table_id 8 uimsbf
section_syntax_indicator 1 bslbf
'0' 1 bslbf
reserved 2 bslbf
section_length 12 uimsbf
program_number 16 uimsbf
reserved 2 bslbf
version_number 5 uimsbf
current_next_indicator 1 bslbf
section_number 8 uimsbf
last_section_number 8 uimsbf
reserved 3 bslbf
PCR_PID 13 uimsbf
reserved 4 bslbf
program_info_length 12 uimsbf
for (i=0; i<N; i++) {
descriptor()
}
for (i=0;i<N1;i++) {
stream_type 8 uimsbf
reserved 3 bslbf
elementary_PID 13 uimsnf
reserved 4 bslbf
ES_info_length 12 uimsbf
for (i=0; i<N2; i++) {
descriptor()
}
}
CRC_32 32 rpchof
}

53 © 1995-99
Sarnoff Corporation
Private Section
Syntax No. of bits Mnemonic
private_section() {
table_id 8 uimsbf
section_syntax_indicator 1 bslbf
private_indicator 1 bslbf
reserved 2 bslbf
private_section_length 12 uimsbf
if (section_syntax_indicator == '0') {
for ( i=0;i<N;i++) {
private_data_byte 8 bslbf
}
}
else {
table_id_extension 16 uimsbf
reserved 2 bslbf
version_number 5 uimsbf
current_next_indicator 1 bslbf
section_number 8 uimsbf
last_section_number 8 uimsbf
for ( i=0;i<private_section_length-9;i++) {
private_data_byte 8 bslbf
}
CRC_32 32 rpchof
}
}

54 © 1995-99
Sarnoff Corporation
Transport Stream Splicing
Transport Stream to be Spliced In

PMT
PMT Update PMT
PMT
Transport Transport
Stream ES Stream
In Splicer Out
Elementary ..
Streams .
ES
Splicer

Flow Through

Elementary Stream Termination

55 © 1995-99
Sarnoff Corporation
Specialized Transport Formats
• Digital Satellite
– DIRECTV uses proprietary transport packet structure
– Echostar and DVB-S systems use MPEG-2/DVB packet
structure

56 © 1995-99
Sarnoff Corporation
Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB)
• DVB, started in September 1993, is a European
project that aims at near-term implementation of
digital TV and data broadcasting.
• Consists of 200+ organizations from 25+ countries.
• Includes broadcasters, content providers, network
operators, manufacturers and regulatory bodies.
• Is creating a family of standards for:
– Cable (DVB-C)
– Satellite (DVB-S)
– Terrestrial (DVB-T)
• For more information, see www.dvb.org

57 © 1995-99
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DVB Core System
• Based on MPEG-2 Video, Audio and Transport
• Extends MPEG-2 Service Information with additional tables:
– NIT: Network Information Table
– SDT: Service Description Table
– EIT: Event Information Table
– TDT: Time and Date Table
– BAT: Bouquet Association Table
– RST: Running Status Table
– ST: Stuffing Tables
• Uses Reed-Solomon and FEC
• Uses common Scrambling system and Conditional Access
Interface
• Uses channel-dependent modulation and channel coding
schemes
58 © 1995-99
Sarnoff Corporation
DVB Service Paradigm

Networks Satellite Cable Terrestrial

Xp Xp Xp Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch
Multiplexes 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3

Services Srv Srv Srv Srv Srv Srv Srv Srv Srv
(Programs) 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
“Bouquet”

Components Vid Aud Data

A “bouquet” is a collection of services that

can cross network boundaries.
59 © 1995-99
Sarnoff Corporation
DVB Measurement Guidelines
• At the Transport level, DVB has defined more
stringent guidelines than MPEG-2.
• Some examples:
– PCR’s should be spaced no more than 40 ms apart (MPEG-2
Transport spec says 100 ms max).
– PCR accuracy should be within ±500 ns. (MPEG-2 Transport spec
recommends < 4 ms jitter)
– PTS’s should occur at least every 0.7 sec (same as MPEG-2
Transport spec)
– PAT’s and PMT’s should occur at least every 0.5 sec (no
recommendation given in MPEG-2 Transport spec)
• For more information, see the report:
“Measurement Guidelines for DVB Systems”
60 © 1995-99
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ATSC Transport Format
• ATSC Digital Television Standard
– MPEG-2 Transport Stream with
constraints and extensions
– Supports the following:
• A/V Synchronization
• Electronic Program Guide (PSIP)
• Conditional Access Hooks
• Private Data Services

61 © 1995-99
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ATSC PSI Constraints

• One program per PMT

• Max 400 ms between PMT’s
• Max 100 ms between PAT’s
• Alignment of Video Access Units in PES
Packets
• No Adaptation Headers allowed in PAT
and PMT Packets unless version
number is discontinuous

62 © 1995-99
Sarnoff Corporation
ATSC PES Constraints
• PES Payload must not be scrambled
• PES Header must not contain:
– Clock or Rate Info for Elementary Stream
– CRC or Private Data
– MPEG-1 System Fields
– Program System Target Decoder Fields
• Video PES Packets
– must start with a SEQ, GOP or PICTURE header
– must contain only one coded picture
– must carry PTS and DTS (if applicable)

63 © 1995-99
Sarnoff Corporation
ATSC Video Data Alignment
ATSC Constraint #1: Each PES packet payload shall start with a
video access unit (e.g., SEQ, GOP or PIC header).
data_alignment_indicator = 1 in PES Header. If data_stream_alignment_descriptor is not
present, then one of the following data alignments is required:

Video PES S PES G PES P PES S

PES Header
E
Q
or Header
O
P
or Header
I
C
or Header
L
C

data_alignment_indicator = 1 in PES Header. If data_stream_alignment_descriptor is

present, it should equal 02, and one of the specified data alignments is required:
02 02 02 01
Video PES S PES G PES P PES S

PES Header
E
Q
or Header
O
P
or Header
I
C
or Header
L
C

64 © 1995-99
Sarnoff Corporation
ATSC Video PES Payload

ATSC Constraint #2: Each PES packet payload shall not contain
more than one coded frame.

Video S
E
G
O
P
I I
P
I P
P
I B
G
O
P
I I
P
I P
P
I B
S
E
G
O
P
I I
P
I P
P
I B
ES Q P C C C P C C C Q P C C C

Formation of ATSC Video PES

Video P
E
S
E
G
O
P
I I
P
E
P
I P
P
E
P
I B
P
E
G
O
P
I I
P
E
P
I P
P
E
P
I B
P
E
S
E
G
O
P
I I
PES S Q P C S C S C S P C S C S C S Q P C

65 © 1995-99
Sarnoff Corporation
ATSC Video Transport Packets
MPEG-2 Rules:
1) If payload_unit_start_indicator = 1 in Transport Header, then payload starts with
the first byte of a PES header, and one and only one PES packet starts in this
Transport Packet.
2) If payload_unit_start_indicator = 0 in Transport Header, then no PES packet shall
start in this Transport Packet.
Video S
E
G
O
P
I I
P
I P
P
I B
G
O
P
I I
P
I P
P
I B
S
E
G
O
P
I I
P
I P
P
I B
ES Q P C C C P C C C Q P C C C

Formation of ATSC Video PES

Video P
E
S
E
G
O
P
I I
P
E
P
I P
P
E
P
I B
P
E
G
O
P
I I
P
E
P
I P
P
E
P
I B
P
E
S
E
G
O
P
I I
PES S Q P C S C S C S P C S C S C S Q P C

188 bytes
Formation of ATSC Video TP
Video T P S G P
E E O I I
T
STUFFING I
T P
E
P
I P
T P
E
P
I B
T P G P
E O I I
TP P S Q P C P P S C P S C P S P C

pusi = 1 pusi = 0 pusi = 1 pusi = 1 pusi = 1

66 © 1995-99
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ATSC Transport Extensions
• The 2-bit Scrambling Control Field of the
Transport Header is defined as follows:
Sync PID Cont.
8 bits 111 13 2 2 4 Opt.Adapt Field Payload

Transport Header
(shown shaded) transport_
scrambling_ Function
control
00 Packet Payload not scrambled
01 Not scrambled (flag for private use)
10 Scrambled with “even” key
11 Scrambled with “odd” key

67 © 1995-99
Sarnoff Corporation
Interoperability with ATM
MPEG-2 Transport Stream
Transport Header
TP 1 TP 2

•••

Cell 1 Cell 2 Cell 3 Cell 4 Cell 5 Cell 6 Cell 7 Cell 8

ATM Header
ATM Stream

• ATM = Asynchronous Transfer Mode, a telecommunications

protocol using short, fixed-length packets.
• There are several possible mappings between MPEG-2 Transport
and ATM. One example is shown above.
68 © 1995-99
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So what does this all mean?
With packetized transmission, broadcasters will be able to:
• Alter service mix dynamically throughout programming day.
• Trade off quality among programs, or between program
components (e.g., audio vs. video).
• Authorize pay-per-view and subscription services remotely.
• Add new services without losing existing subscriber base
• Possible new services:
– 3-D TV
– Video games
– Alternate views in picture-in-picture
– Stock quotes
– Advertising brochures and catalogs

69 © 1995-99
Sarnoff Corporation
A Possible Broadcast Day
...matching the service profile to the viewer's needs...

6:00 am to 9:00 am 9:00 am to 3:00 pm 3:00 pm to 1:00 am

HDTV Morning news Daytime HDTV with Prime Time

with Business news in specialized programming HDTV Lineup
standard resolution to Schools and Business

70 © 1995-99
Sarnoff Corporation
References
• Digital Television Standard for HDTV Transmission, U.S.
Advanced Television Systems Committee, Doc. A/53, April
12, 1995.
• Switching Facilities in MPEG-2: Necessary But Not Sufficient,
S. Merrill Weiss, SMPTE Conference Proceedings, San
Francisco, CA, Feb. 1995.
• “Specifications for Service Information in Digital Video
Broadcasting Systems”, ETSI Draft prETS 300 468, November
1994.
• ISO/IEC 13818 Parts 1,2, and 3 – “Information Technology:
Generic Coding of Moving Pictures and Associated Audio”
• ISO/IEC 11172 Parts 1,2, and 3 – “Coding of Moving Pictures
and Associated Audio for Digital Storage Media at up to About
1.5 Mbit/s”
71 © 1995-99
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