ETSI ETS 300 231 ed.1 (1996-08)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-december-2003
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SURJUDPRY3'&
Television systems; Specification of the domestic video Programme Delivery Control
system (PDC)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: ETS 300 231 Edition 1
ICS:
33.160.40 Video sistemi Video systems
33.170 Televizijska in radijska Television and radio
difuzija broadcasting
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN ETS 300 231
TELECOMMUNICATION August 1996
STANDARD
Source: EBU/CENELEC/ETSI-JTC Reference: DE/JTC-PDC
ICS: 33.020
Key words: Broadcasting, PDC, Teletext, TV, VCR, video
Union Européenne de Radio-Télévision
European Broadcasting Union
Television Systems;
Specification of the domestic video
Programme Delivery Control system (PDC)
ETSI
European Telecommunications Standards Institute
ETSI Secretariat
Postal address: F-06921 Sophia Antipolis CEDEX - FRANCE
Office address: 650 Route des Lucioles - Sophia Antipolis - Valbonne - FRANCE
X.400: c=fr, a=atlas, p=etsi, s=secretariat - Internet: secretariat@etsi.fr
Tel.: +33 92 94 42 00 - Fax: +33 93 65 47 16
Copyright Notification:
No part may be reproduced except as authorized by written permission. The copyright and the
foregoing restriction extend to reproduction in all media.
© European Telecommunications Standards Institute 1996.
© European Broadcasting Union 1996.
All rights reserved.
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ETS 300 231: August 1996
Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation and publication of this document, errors in content,
typographical or otherwise, may occur. If you have comments concerning its accuracy, please write to
"ETSI Editing and Committee Support Dept." at the address shown on the title page.

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ETS 300 231: August 1996
Contents
Foreword .5
Introduction.5
1 Scope .7
2 Normative references.7
3 Definitions and abbreviations .7
3.1 Definitions .7
3.2 Abbreviations .8
4 Application of the PDC system.9
5 The PDC service .9
6 Programme identification .10
6.1 List of programme identification parameters .10
6.2 Coding of the parameters .13
7 Preselection function for recording equipment.19
7.1 Introduction .19
7.2 Manual entry of PDC programme selection data.19
7.3 Preselection via Teletext.20
7.3.1 Specification of transport method "A".20
7.3.1.1 General.20
7.3.1.2 Presentation elements of programme-preview pages.21
7.3.1.3 Definition of the formats.22
7.3.1.4 Position assignment rules between elements .26
7.3.1.5 Interpretation of a normal Teletext display page
transporting data relevant for the preselection of
programmes .28
7.3.2 Specification of transport method "B".30
7.3.2.1 General.30
7.3.2.2 Presentation elements of programme-preview pages.30
7.3.2.3 Coding of preselection data in extension packets X/26.31
8 Recording-control function .33
8.1 Specification of the recording-control commands.33
8.2 The transport of the recording-control commands.33
8.2.1 Transport via Teletext (ITU-R system B).34
8.2.2 Transport via a dedicated television line .35
8.2.2.1 General.35
8.2.2.2 Transmission format for the dedicated line .35
8.3 Availability and repetition rate of the recording-control commands .37
9 Code of practice for broadcasters.38
9.1 Introduction .38
9.2 PDC in programme schedule planning.38
9.2.1 Programme guide.38
9.2.2 Programme labelling .38
9.2.2.1 Normal programmes.38
9.2.2.2 Non-programme items.39
9.2.2.3 Planned segmentation of a programme .39
9.2.2.4 Anticipated changes to schedule dependent upon future
events .39

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9.2.2.5 Indicating end-of-transmission. 39
9.2.2.6 Network topology changes. 39
9.2.2.7 Daylight-saving time-changes. 40
9.2.2.8 Time zone . 40
9.2.2.9 Special uses of PDC labels. 40
9.3 Rescheduled programmes - validity time windows of PIL and PTY labels . 40
9.3.1 Modification to programme guides and informing the user . 41
9.3.2 Programme labelling. 41
9.3.2.1 Programme cancellation . 41
9.3.2.2 Programme insertion. 41
9.3.2.3 Replacement programme . 41
9.4 PDC in programme presentation and operation. 42
9.4.1 Transmission schedule. 42
9.4.2 Programme labelling. 43
9.4.2.1 Planned interruption. 43
9.4.2.2 Anticipated changes to schedule . 43
9.4.2.3 Other unforeseen events . 44
9.5 System installation and evolution . 44
9.6 General observations . 45
9.6.1 Product information. 45
9.6.2 Programme titles . 45
9.6.3 User priorities. 45
9.6.4 Selected programme list amendment. 45
9.6.5 Manual preselection operation. 45
Annex A (informative): The use of Unified Date and Time (UDT). 46
Annex B (informative): Use of packet 8/30 format 1 in CCIR system B Teletext . 47
Annex C (informative): The use of DIDON III for the transport of the recording control commands. 48
C.1 General. 48
C.2 Error protection. 48
C.3 Transmission format of programme delivery data group. 49
Annex D (informative): Interpretation of services codes at the PDC video recorder . 50
Annex E (informative): Some typical sequences of programme labels. 52
E.1 Introduction. 52
E.2 Data capacity requirement. 52
E.3 Examples of programme sequences and the behaviour of VCRs. 53
Annex F (informative): Use of "random number" programme labels . 78
Annex G (informative): Bibliography . 79
History. 80

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Foreword
This European Telecommunication Standard (ETS) has been produced by the Joint Technical Committee
(JTC) of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Comité Européen de Normalisation ELECtrotechnique
(CENELEC) and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).
NOTE: The EBU/ETSI JTC was established in 1990 to co-ordinate the drafting of ETSs in the
specific field of broadcasting and related fields. Since 1995 the JTC became a tripartite
body by including in the Memorandum of Understanding also CENELEC, which is
responsible for the standardization of radio and television receivers. The EBU is a
professional association of broadcasting organisations whose work includes the co-
ordination of its Members' activities in the technical, legal, programme-making and
programme-exchange domains. The EBU has Active Members in about 60 countries
in the European Broadcasting Area; its headquarters is in Geneva *.
* European Broadcasting Union
Case Postale 67
CH-1218 GRAND SACONNEX (Geneva)
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 717 21 11
Fax: +41 22 717 24 81
Transposition dates
Date of adoption of this ETS (doa): 05 July 1996
Date of latest announcement of this ETS (doa): 30 November 1996
Date of latest publication of new National Standard
or endorsement of this ETS (dop/e): 30 April 1997
Date of withdrawal of any conflicting National Standard (dow): 30 April 1997
Introduction
Programme Delivery Control (PDC) is a data broadcasting system which carries programme-related
information for exploitation by suitably-equipped domestic video recorders. In its simplest application the
programmes chosen by the viewer will be recorded by such recorders in their entirety, even if the
transmission time is different from that published in the programme guide (for example owing to the over-
run of a previous programme). More advanced applications may, for example, permit recording to be
suspended and resumed in synchronism with breaks in programme transmission, such as may occur
during a feature film in the event of film breakage.
The PDC system functions may be considered in two parts. Preselection functions deliver information
about the programmes to the domestic recorder; this information may be carried via print media or via
Teletext. In the latter case the user may make his selection of programmes by viewing the Teletext
programme guide pages and, by the use of his remote-control, positions a cursor adjacent to the wanted
programme. At the touch of a button he confirms his choice and the video recorder stores his
requirement. If the video recorder does not incorporate full Teletext decoder functionality, the preselection
information has to be keyed in manually, in the more conventional way. The Recording-control function
depends on the establishment of a match between the viewer's preselection and a programme label
transmitted by the broadcaster with each programme, thereby triggering the start and end of the recording
process in synchronism with the actual transmission time of the programme.
The Programme Delivery Control (PDC) system specification is the result of several years of studies by
the EBU in close collaboration with European industry. In accordance with the wishes of the European
broadcasters, expressed in their replies to an EBU enquiry, the preselection and recording control
functions of the PDC system have been designed mainly around the structure of CCIR Teletext system B.

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The starting point for the development process was the Video Programming System (VPS) in the Federal
Republic of Germany.
The system has been designed to be comprehensive in the facilities it offers, and applicable to the whole
of Europe. It will accommodate all future requirements foreseen by the specialists involved, including
those deriving from the expansion of international television services (e.g. direct broadcasting satellite
services). Downwards compatibility is assured with systems already implemented and optional methods
are provided for performing particular functions where the preferred methods are not appropriate.
To assure the long-term flexibility of the PDC system, the specialists recommend that where ITU-R
Teletext system B is in operation new PDC services should provide both the recording control function and
the programme preselection function by means of data carried in extension data packets. For recording
control this approach offers the most efficient use of the resource represented by the vertical blanking
interval of the television signal; for preselection it allows the Teletext editor greater freedom in the layout of
Teletext programme guide pages. A further advantage is that all PDC data are acquired by a common
process at the receiver.
Although the transport of preselection data by Teletext extension packets is preferred, it is nevertheless
recommend that all decoders should also be able to process preselection data sent within the displayable
Teletext page.
Where no a-priori restriction applies, the preferred method for sending recording control data is in ITU-R
system B Teletext extension data packets of type 8/30 format 2. Other methods nonetheless remain in the
present specification; where these concern services already implemented in certain countries they are
considered in the main text, whilst others are considered in the annexes.
Experience with the services already implemented has highlighted the need for clear operational rules,
and a Code of Practice for Broadcasters has been included to ensure that the intended response is
obtained at the receiver. It will also be necessary to arrange for the orderly introduction of any new
features (see note 1) which the system is potentially able to deliver, or any further enhancements, as they
are specified. The specialists therefore plan to continue their collaboration with industry as the PDC
system is implemented and introduced into service.
NOTE 1: Further enhancements are under study.
Considering that broadcasters may not only wish to modify programme schedules at short notice but also
are required to generate and transmit the real-time commands to VCRs it is essential that both operations
are under their close control.
NOTE 2: The term "PDC" is used here as a technical description of the system and follows the
current ITU-R terminology. Trade names for services provided within the specification
of PDC include VPS, VPT (Video Programming by Teletext) and Startext.

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1 Scope
This European Telecommunication Standard (ETS) specifies the Programme Delivery Control (PDC)
transmission system. PDC is a data broadcasting system which carries programme-related information for
exploitation by suitably-equipped domestic video recorders. Not all the features specified need be
implemented in a particular service. Some of the data is essential if a minimum level of functional
performance is to be achieved, whilst other data may be provided only by broadcasters wishing to provide
viewers with a higher level of PDC performance. Optional data may be sent at the broadcaster's
discretion.
2 Normative reference
This ETS incorporates by dated and undated reference, provisions from other publications. These
normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed
hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications
apply to this ETS only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest
edition of the publication referred to applies.
[1] ETS 300 250 : "Television Systems; EBU/ETSI Joint Technical Committee
(JTC); Specification of the D2-MAC/Packet system".
3 Definitions and abbreviations
3.1 Definitions
For the purposes of this ETS, the following definitions apply:
Programme Delivery Control (PDC): Is a broadcasting service for domestic use which allows
suitably-equipped recorders to record preselected programmes automatically and completely.
- PDC is made up of two distinct service components, defined as the preselection function and the
recording-control function (see figure 1).
preselection function: For recording control of suitably-equipped recorders, this function performs the
loading of the controller memory of the recorder with the information about all programmes required to
be recorded. The viewer chooses the required programmes from television programme guides then
enters the relevant information into the recorder, for example manually via a keyboard or bar-code
reader, or interactively using a cursor on the display screen.
recording-control function: Allows remote control, from a source of transmission, of a recording
made by a receiving equipment capable of preselecting the programme to be recorded. Such a
function depends on the broadcaster sending a programme label in coded form together with the
programme. In the case where no programme label is transmitted, the recording shall be done under
timer-control.
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Method A Row Method B Row
0 0
(Country, Network, D ate)
18,25 weather
18,25 weather
18,30 news (VPS 18,29)
18,30 news (18,29)
18,40 sport
18,40 sport
Key board
(18,25, 18,29, 18,40)
23 23
Extension
data packet(s)
Menu 26
Country, Network, Date
cursor
M CP 18,25, M CP 18,29, M C P 18,40
position
link
M anual Automatic Automatic
Preselection function
Programme preselection
Video
Compare
rec order
PDC
(or switc h to
decoder start/stop
timer control)
signals
Recording-c ontrol c ommand
Automatic Automatic
Timer
R ecording-control function
Dedicated TV line Packet 8/30 format 2
Country, Network, Date & Time
Country, Network, Date & Time
(C NI, PIL.)
(C NI, PIL.)
Method A Method B
Figure 1
Preselection Method A is known as VPT, and it is described in subclause 7.3.1. Preselection Method B is
known as PDC, and it is described in subclause 7.3.2.
3.2 Abbreviations
For the purposes of this ETS, the following abbreviations apply:
AD Announced Date
AT Announced Time
BSDP Broadcast Service Data Packet
CAF Conditional Access Flag
CNI Country and Network Identification
hexadecimal, A number system with base 16. In written form, equivalents of the decimal
or hex numbers 10 to 15 are replaced by the uppercase letters A to F
‘XY Values expressed in hexadecimal notation
INT Interruption code
LCI Label Channel Identifier
LDT Local Date and Time
lsb least significant bit
LTO Local Time Offset
LUF Label Update Flag
MCP Menu Cursor Position
MI Mode Identifier
MJD Modified Julian Date
msb most significant bit
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NI Network Identification
NSPV No Specific PIL Value (PIL defined below)
PCS Programme Control Status
PD Programme Duration
PDC domestic video Programme/Delivery Control system
PIL Programme Identification Label
PRF Prepare-to-Record Flag
PTL Programme Title
PTY Programme Type
PW Protection Word
RI/T Record Inhibit/Terminate
SPL Short Programme Label
TC Timer-control Code
UDT Universal Date and Time
UTC Co-ordinated Universal Time
VCR Video Cassette Recorder
VPS Video Programme System
VPT Video Programming by Teletext
Other abbreviations and specialised terminology is noted where it occurs in the ETS.
4 Application of the PDC system
PDC is a data broadcasting system which carries programme-related information for exploitation by
suitably-equipped domestic video recorders. In its simplest application the programmes chosen by the
viewer will be recorded by such recorders in their entirety, even if the transmission time is different from
that published in the programme guide (for example owing to the over-run of a previous programme).
More advanced applications may, for example, permit recording to be suspended and resumed in
synchronism with breaks in programme transmission, such as may occur during a feature film in the event
of film breakage.
The PDC system functions may be considered in two parts, Preselection functions and Recording-control
functions, see subclause 3.1.
It is recommend that where ITU-R Teletext system B is in operation new PDC services should provide
both the recording control function and the programme preselection function by means of data carried in
extension data packets.
Although the transport of preselection data by Teletext extension packets is preferred, it is recommend
that all decoders should also be able to process preselection data sent within the displayable Teletext
page.
Where no a-priori restriction applies, the preferred method for sending recording control data is in ITU-R
system B Teletext extension data packets of type 8/30 format 2. Other methods are given in this ETS;
where these other methods concern services already implemented in certain countries they are
considered in the main text, whilst others are considered in the annexes.
5 The PDC service
a) To enable the proper recording of programmes at times which differ from the published time of
transmission (as is typical of flexible scheduling), including facilities for the recording of non
pre-announced programmes;
b) the recording of programmes by programme-type shall be possible;
c) interruption of a transmitted programme for any reason may, at the discretion of the broadcaster, be
accompanied by a corresponding interruption of the recording process;
d) the presentation constraints on existing services (e.g. Teletext and television services) should be
minimised;
e) the service should allow both manual and automatic preselections;

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f) the service should be user-friendly;
g) the service should be reliable. In the case of failure of the recording-control function, normal timer-
control should operate;
h) the rate of transmission of recording controls shall be such that error detection/correction schemes
and frequency scanning by the receiver are possible (minimum repetition rate 1 Hz);
i) the service should operate consistently regardless of time-zone boundaries and changes to and
from daylight-saving time;
NOTE: CCIR Report 1078 proposes the use of Unified Date and Time for this purpose (see
annex A).
j) the start of the recording process should be close to the start of the required programme, however,
in signalling the latter the broadcaster should make allowance for the varying "run-up"
characteristics of recording equipment;
k) the service should operate for programmes with and without conditional access;
l) the data capacity needed for both the real-time (recording-control) function and the other
background functions should be minimised;
m) provision should be made for the announced date and time to be changed one or more times by the
broadcaster without adverse effect on the service.
6 Programme identification
6.1 List of programme identification parameters
Each parameter listed hereafter defines a certain aspect of the programme identification function and is
used subsequently in the preselection and recording-control functions as shown in table 1.
a) Country and Network Identification (CNI)
The CNI parameter is divided into two groups, one identifying the country, and one identifying the network
or alternatively in some countries the programme provider. In this context a programme provider is the
broadcaster who is responsible for the actual transmission of a programme.
b) Announced Date (AD)
The AD parameter gives the scheduled date of start of transmission of the programme in terms of years,
months and days. When a local time reference is used the applicable local time offset should be made
explicitly available (see note 1).
NOTE 1: If in particular implementations no use is made of Local Time Offset (LTO), and Co-
ordinated Universal Time (UTC) is not presumed, normal operation is still possible
where all services are based on a common time zone.

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Table 1: Application of programme identification parameters in the programme preselection and
programme recording control functions
Programme preselection Programme recording control
CNI CNI
AD LCI
AT-2 PIL
MCP
PTL PCS
LTO
AT-1
PD
PTY PTY
CAF UDT(see note)
LUF
NOTE: This parameter is carried, for example, in CCIR system B
Teletext by data packet 8/30 format 1.

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c) Original Announced Time (AT-2)
The AT-2 parameter may be divided into two groups: the first indicates the announced starting time or
where a programme schedule has been altered the original starting time; the second gives the
announced finishing time. Both are expressed in hours and minutes. When a local time reference is
used the applicable local time offset should be made explicitly available in both cases as it may change
between the two (see note 2).
NOTE 2: If in particular implementations no use is made of LTO, and UTC is not presumed,
normal operation is still possible where all services are based on a common time zone.
d) Menu Cursor Position (MCP)
The MCP parameter is used to link parameters to text information.
e) Programme Identification Label (PIL)
The PIL parameter normally carries the local announced broadcast time (day, month, hour, minute)
identifying the transmitted programme. Several special values, known as "service codes", are reserved
for receiver control in certain conditions.
f) Programme Title (PTL)
The PTL parameter provides the programme title in clear text.
g) Local Time Offset (LTO)
The LTO parameter indicates the local time offset from UTC to LDT in 1/4 hour steps (LTO = LDT -
UTC). More than one of this parameter may need to be sent to cover discontinuities in local time.
h) Announced Time (AT-1)
The AT-1 parameter may be divided in two groups: the first indicates the announced starting time; the
second gives the announced finishing time. Both are expressed in hours and minutes. When a local
time reference is used the applicable local time offset should be made explicitly available in both cases
as it may change between the two (see note 3).
NOTE 3: If in particular implementations no use is made of LTO, and UTC is not presumed,
normal operation is still possible where all services are based on a common time zone.
i) Programme Duration (PD)
The PD parameter shows the expected duration of the programme in hours, minutes and seconds.
j) Programme Control Status (PCS)
The PCS parameter is used to state real-time conditions which are relevant to the programme or its
broadcasting (e.g. type of sound transmission, rating of programme, access mode, etc.).
k) Programme Type (PTY)
The PTY parameter identifies the type or series of programme being broadcast and allows for selective
recording of certain types of programme independent of the PILs.
l) Controlled Access Flag (CAF)
The CAF parameter is used during the preselection process to signal that the programme to which it
refers is not for free access.

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m) Unified Date and Time (UDT)
The UDT parameter is used for broadcasting the Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC) and Modified
Julian Date (MJD).
n) Label Update Flag (LUF)
The LUF parameter is used to signal that the associated CNI and PIL do not relate to the current
television programme, but are intended to update the label memories in video recorders. This provides a
method of signalling that the programme which is ending its transmission on a particular channel, is being
transferred, perhaps after a period of interruption, to another channel. It may also provide a new label for a
programme which is postponed beyond the end of the time window of validity of its original label (see
note 4).
NOTE 4: No mechanism is provided to update programme duration information held by the VCR
when postponement or channel swapping functions are used.
o) Label Channel Identifier (LCI)
The LCI parameter indicates to which of the four parallel data channels the associated label applies.
This permits the simultaneous labelling of a broadcast in several ways, and allows for the impending
start of a new programme to be signalled before the end of the current one.
p) Mode Identifier (MI)
The MI parameter is used to indicate which of two possible recording control function options has been
selected by the broadcaster. Essentially, this determines whether the recorder stops immediately or
continues for 30 seconds after a label change.
q) Prepare-to-Record Flag (PRF)
The PRF is used to signal the precise start of the programme.
6.2 Coding of the parameters
The parameters listed in subclause 6.1 can be regarded as data fields. The data-field length and
structure is given hereafter, taking into account that bit b of a data field is the first bit transmitted.
Unless otherwise specified, a parameter transmitted with all bits set to logical "1" should be regarded
as carrying irrelevant information.
a) Country and Network Identification (CNI - 16 bits)
This field is composed of two groups of data bits. A first group, b to b , identifies the country (see
1 8
note 1 and table 4), the second group b to b identifies the network or alternatively in some countries
9 16
the programme provider within the defined country. The allocation of these codes is left to national
authorities.
NOTE 1: As a national option in countries using the dedicated television line method of
transport, only the last four bits of the group define the country. Bits b to b of this field
1 4
are used for enhancements to Video Programme System (VPS).
b) Announced Date (AD - m x 9 bits)
This field is composed of m bytes, which could be either displayable Teletext characters, or encoded
information yet to be defined. When local time is used, the relevant LTO should be provided. In the
absence of an LTO, UTC is presumed (see note 2).
NOTE 2: If in particular implementations no use is made of LTO, and UTC is not presumed,
normal operation is still possible where all services are based on a common time zone.

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ETS 300 231: August 1996
c) Original Announced Time (AT-2 - n x 9 bits)
This field also is composed of n bytes which could be either displayable Teletext characters, or encoded
information yet to be defined. If this data is duplicated, the second data field refers to the end of the
programme. When local time is used, the relevant LTO (or, occasionally, LTOs) should be provided. In the
absence of such LTOs, UTC is presumed (see note 3).
NOTE 3: If in particular implementations no use is made of LTO, and UTC is not presumed,
normal operation is still possible where all services are based on a common time zone.
d) Menu Cursor Position (MCP - 2 x 6 bits)
The row and column co-ordinates are each coded as a six bit number. Rows 1 to 23 are indicated by
decimal values 41 to 63 with row 24 given by decimal value 40. Columns 1 to 40 are indicated by decimal
values 0 to 39.
e) Programme Identification Label (PIL - 20 bits)
Bits b to b are filled with a number identifying the transmitted programme. The PIL number is related
1 20
to a local announced date and time of transmission (see note 4). It is structured as follows (with
b = msb for i = 1, 6, 10 and 15):
i
NOTE 4: The application of "random number" labels is elaborated in annex F.
b to b : day, binary;
1 5
b to b : month, binary;
6 9
b to b : hour, binary;
10 14
b to b : minute, binary.
15 20
The PIL parameter has, however, several reserved values for receiver control in certain conditions. Five of
these so-called "service codes" have been defined so far:
b to b : "00000 1111 11111 111111": Timer-control Code (TC), indicating that the
1 20
programme identification information is to be ignored. In this case, recording is
done by timer mode;
b to b : "00000 1111 11110 111111": Recording Inhibit/Terminate code (RI/T),
1 20
indicating that the transmission has no label and is for example, not intended to
be recorded;
b to b : "00000 1111 11101 111111": Interruption code (INT), indicating a break in the
1 20
programme, which will continue after a short interval;
b to b : "00000 1111 11100 111111": Continuation code, indicating possibly an
1 20
erroneous transmission state. No action required;
b to b : "11111 1111 11111 111111": No specific PIL value, for use where the
1 20
programme is selected by PTY (or series code) value only.
The possible use of further service codes is under study.
f) Programme Title (PTL - n x 9 bits)
This data field is composed of n bytes, which could be either displayable Teletext characters, or as
encoded information.
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g) Local Time Offset (LTO - 9 bits)
The bit allocation of this field is as follows:
b : set to "1";
b : hour offset (2-1 weight);
b : hour offset (2 weight);
b : hour offset (2 weight);
b : hour offset (2 weight);
b : hour offset (2 weight);
b : sign ("0": positive, "1": negative);
b : set to "1".
h) Announced Time (AT-1 - n x 9 bits)
This field is composed of n bytes which could be either displayable Teletext characters, or encoded
information. If this data is duplicated, the second data field refers to the end of the programme. When
local time is used, the relevant LTO (or, occasionally, LTOs) should be provided. In the absence of such
LTOs, UTC is presumed (see note 5).
NOTE 5: If in particular implementations no use is made of LTO, and UTC is not presumed,
normal operation is still possible where all services are based on a common time zone.
i) Programme Duration (PD - 19 bits)
The duration being expressed in hours, minutes and seconds, the bit allocation is as follows (with b = msb
i
for i = 1, 6 and 12):
b to b : hours, binary;
1 5
b to b : minutes, binary;
6 11
b to b : seconds, binary.
12 17
Unrealistic time codes are reserved for special purposes.
j) Programme Control Status (PCS - 4 bits)
Bits b and b define the type of analogue sound dual-carrier transmission.
1 2
b to b = 11: dual sound;
1 2
= 10: stereo;
= 01: mono;
= 00: "do not know" (sound/data).
Bits b and b are reserved for future use.
3 4
k) Programme Type (PTY - 9 bits )
This field can be used to indicate the programme sub-genre or to link a series of programmes all of which
share a common value for PTY.
Codes 00 to 7F are defined in accordance with the code table for programme types (sub-genres) given in
table 2.
Codes 80 to FE are available for the broadcaster as series codes to identify programmes which are
desired to be identified as linked.
The code 00 indicates that no specific programme or series type is intended or when there is no
information on the programme type available.
The code 3F is allocated to identify alarm or emergency messages.

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ETS 300 231: August 1996
The code FF is used in dedicated line transmission to signal that the PTY field is not in use. In Transport
by Teletext ( packet 8/30 Format 2) operation code FF is reserved.
Code 00 shall be used with all service codes except the "No Specific PIL Value" one.
l) Conditional Access Flag (CAF - 1 bit)
This field is a single bit flag. It indicates that the programme is subject to controlled access when set to
"1".
m) Unified Date and Time (UDT - 49 bits)
This field is divided into the following nibbles carrying the Modified Julian Date (MJD) and the Co-
ordinated Universal Time (UTC) respectively. The bit allocation is as follows (with b = msb for i = 5, 9, 13,
i
17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 41 and 45):
b to b set to logical "1" b to b UTC hours tens;
1 4 25 28
b to b MJD digit weight 10 b to b UTC hours units;
5 8 29 32
b to b MJD digit weight 10 b to b UTC minutes tens;
9 12 33 36
b to b MJD digit weight 10 b to b UTC minutes units;
13 16 37 40
b to b MJD digit weight 10 b to b UTC seconds tens;
17 20 41 44
b to b MJD digit weight 10 b to b UTC seconds units.
21 24 45 48
This corresponds to the coding adopted in CCIR Teletext system B (packet 8/30, format 1).
n) Label Update Flag (LUF - 1 bit)
This field is a single bit flag indicating, when set to "1", that the label does not relate to the current
television programme, but is intended to update the label memories in video recorders.
o) Label Channel Identifier (LCI - 2 bits)
Bits b1 and b2 indicate to which of the four parallel data channels the associated label applies. The bit
allocation is such that b1 is the msb, b2 is the lsb. The weighting is for ease of description only and does
not imply any rank order between the four possible values.
p) Mode Identifier (MI - 1 bit)
This is a single bit field. When set to "1" in a particular programme label or Service Code, it indicates that
the end of transmission of the programme label coincides exactly with the end of transmission of the
programme or that the Service Code takes immediate effect. When set to "0", it indicates that recording
should continue for 30 seconds after the programme label is no longer transmitted (and is replaced by
another valid label), or that the effect of service codes is delayed by 30 seconds.
q) Prepare-to-Record Flag (PRF - 1 bit)
This is a single bit flag. When set to "1" it indicates to a "waiting" PDC recorder that the programme to
which the label applies is about to start but has not yet commenced, and when it is reset to "0", that the
programme has commenced. It is assumed that a "waiting" recorder remains in the "waiting" state whilst
the PRF is set and until the PRF is reset to "0".
Once having been reset to "0", the flag shall remain at this value while the programme is running. The
value of this flag is only defined when used in association with a valid programme label and/or programme
type/series code.
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ETS 300 231: August 1996
Table 2: Codes for programme type (PTY) Principle of classification
Codes Categories
(Hexadecimal)
00 No programme type or series intended (or information not available)
10 - 7F Content
3F Alarm/emergency identification
80-FE Codes specific to each service
Content_nibble_level_1 Content_nibble_level_2 Description
0x0 0x0 to 0xF undefined content
Drama & Films:
0x1 0x0 movie (general)
0x1 0x1 detective/thriller
0x1 0x2 adventure/western/war
0x1 0x3 science fiction/fantasy/horror
0x1 0x4 comedy
0x1 0x5 soap/melodrama/folkloric
0x1 0x6 romance
0x1 0x7 serious/classical/religious/historical drama
0x1 0x8 adult movie
0x1 0x9 to 0xE reserved for future use
0x1 0xF user defined
News/Current affairs/Social:
0x2 0x0 news/current affairs (general)
0x2 0x1 news/weather report
0x2 0x2 news magazine
0x2 0x3 documentary
0x2 0x4 discussion/interview/debate
0x2 0x5 social/political issues/economics (general)
0x2 0x6 magazines/reports/documentary
0x2 0x7 economics/social advisory
0x2 0x8 remarkable people
0x2 0x9 to 0xE reserved for future use
0x2 0xF user defined
Show/Game show/Leisure hobbies:
0x3 0x0 show/game show (general)
0x3 0x1 game show/quiz/contest
0x3 0x2 variety show
0x3 0x3 talk show
0x3 0x4 leisure hobbies (general)
0x3 0x5 tourism/travel
0x3 0x6 handicraft
0x3 0x7 motoring
0x3 0x8 fitness & health
0x3 0x9 cooking
0x3 0xA advertisement/shopping
0x3 0xB to 0xE reserved for future use
0x3 0xF alarm/emergency identification
(continued)
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ETS 300 231: August 1996
Table 2 (continued): Codes for programme type (PTY) Principle of classification
Codes Categories
(Hexadecimal)
00 No programme type or series intended (or information not available)
10 - 7F Content
3F Alarm/emergency identification
80-FE Codes specific to each service
Content_nibble_level_1 Content_nibble_level_2 Description
Sports:
0x4 0x0 sports (general)
0x4 0x1 special events (Olympic Games, World Cup etc.)
0x4 0x2 sports magazines
0x4 0x3 football/soccer
0x4 0x4 tennis/squash
0x4 0x5 team sports (excluding football)
0x4 0x6 athletics
0x4 0x7 motor sport
0x4 0x8 water sport
0x4 0x9 winter sports
0x4 0xA equestrian
0x4 0xB martial sports
0x4 0xC local sports
0x4 0xD to 0xE reserved for future use
0x4 0xF user defined
Content_nibble_level_1 Content_nibble_level_2 Description
Sports:
Children/Youth/Education/Science:
0x5 0x0 children's/youth programmes (general)
0x5 0x1 pre-school children's programmes
0x5 0x2 entertainment programmes for 6 to 14
0x5 0x3 entertainment programmes for 10 to 16
0x5 0x4 informational/educational/school programmes
0x5 0x5 cartoons/puppets
0x5 0x6 education/sc
...