Re: OT : Proposed DTV channel changing packet

   > I am about to submit an Internet-Draft for a DTV channel changing packet
   > and protocol to the IETF, and thought you might have an interest in this
   > matter.  The IETF is closed for submissions until the 14th while they have
   > their meeting, but I would be glad to have your comments or suggestions
   > before submitting the first draft.
   > 
   > You can get a copy of the draft at:
   >   http://www.matriplex.com/docs/draft-hodges-dtv-chanchange-00.txt

Some quick comments on this proposal:

- There are 16 bits of bandwidth in units of 1000 bps.  The total that
can be expressed is thus around 64 Mbps.  Given Gigabit Ethernet, it
seems silly to propose a new protocol that can't support existing
networks.

Suggestion: make each 32 bits (in units of 1000 bps).  This gives
speeds up to at least 4 terabits.

- Channel should be specified as tv:<name> URIs (so don't worry about
  having a fixed, 100-byte packet size).  The interface between URIs
  and channel numbers is handled by the guide client.

- You should be able to specify the client's time zone (e.g., for
  sorting out east and west coast feeds).

- In the US. you will need to be able to specify the client's location
  (either in the request or by reference to a database) to determine
  which local channels should be delivered.  (This requirement is
  mandated by legislation.)

- There should be a protocol switch byte and one address.

- There should be a way of adding optional data (e.g., descriptors)
  for future needs.

Craig

Received on Tuesday, 14 August 2001 18:40:33 UTC