EN 50157-2-2:1998

Overview

EN 50157-2-2:1998 (CLC) defines the AV.link mode 2 communication used for interconnection of domestic and similar electronic equipment. The standard specifies the communication protocols and the set of basic system-oriented commands that AV.link devices use to send and receive control messages via contact 10 of the peri-television connector (as defined in EN 50049-1). By using AV.link system-oriented commands, one device (for example an AV.link television) can control basic functions of another device (for example an AV.link video cassette recorder).

Key Topics

• Scope and applicability: Interconnection requirements for domestic video and AV equipment implementing AV.link mode 2.
• Communication medium: Use of the AV.link contact on the peri-television connector (contact 10) per EN 50049-1.
• Protocol definition: Specification of the AV.link mode 2 signalling and message exchange mechanisms.
• Basic system-oriented commands: Standardized command types that enable basic remote control and device coordination across connected AV.link devices.
• Interoperability requirements: Rules to ensure devices from different manufacturers can communicate reliably using the defined protocols.

Applications

• Manufacturers of consumer audio/video equipment implementing AV.link control features between TVs, VCRs, set-top boxes and similar devices.
• Product designers and firmware engineers developing device control logic that must conform to AV.link mode 2 protocols.
• Test laboratories and compliance engineers validating interoperability and correct implementation of AV.link basic commands.
• System integrators and installers who need to understand device control capabilities when designing home entertainment setups that rely on connector-based signalling.

Practical benefits

• Interoperability: Ensures consistent, standardized control signalling between AV devices from different vendors.
• Simplified user experience: Enables coordinated device behavior (e.g., coordinated control between TV and recorder) using a single connector interface.
• Design guidance: Provides implementers with protocol-level requirements to build compliant hardware and firmware.

Related Standards

• EN 50049-1 - Peri-television connector (defines contact allocation including contact 10 used by AV.link)
• Other parts of the EN 50157 series - additional AV.link and small-signal interconnection requirements and options

Keywords: EN 50157-2-2, AV.link, AV.link mode 2, peri-television connector, EN 50049-1, system oriented commands, interconnection requirements, consumer electronics, video systems.