1 Scope
1.1 This practice, also known as the error detec-
tion and handling (EDH) system, describes the
generation of error detection checkwords and
related status flags to be used optionally in
conjunction with the serial digital interface for
system M (525/59.94) and systems B, G, H,
and I (625/50) digital television equipment
operating with either 13.5-MHz or 18-MHz
sampled 4:2:2 component digital signals or
4fsc composite digital signals. Although it is
preferred that this error-checking method be
used in all serial transmitters and receivers,
it is recognized that some equipment must
minimize complexity. Additionally, there is
nothing in this practice which should preclude
its use in a parallel digital interface for 4:2:2
component digital signals.
1.2 Two checkwords are defined: one based on
a field of active picture samples and the other on
a full field of samples. This two-word approach
provides continuing error detection for the active
picture when the digital signal has passed
through processing equipment that has changed
data outside the active picture area without re-
calculating the full-field checkword.
1.3 Three sets of flags are provided to feed for-
ward information regarding detected errors to
help facilitate identification of faulty equipment
and the type of fault. One set of flags is associ-
ated with each of the two field related check-
words. A third set of flags is used to provide
similar information based on evaluating all of the
ancillary data checksums within a field. Imple-
mentation of these flags is not a requirement of
this practice.
1.4 The checkwords and flags are combined
in an error detection data packet which is
included as ancillary data in the serial digital
signal. At the receiver, a recalculation of check-
words may be compared to the error detection
data packet information to determine if a trans-
mission error occurred.
2 Normative reference
The following standard contains provisions which,
through reference in this text, constitute provisions of
this practice. At the time of publication, the edition
indicated was valid. All standards are subject to
revision, and parties to agreements based on this
practice are encouraged to investigate the possibility
of applying the most recent edition of the standard
indicated below.
SMPTE RP 168-1993, Definition of Vertical Interval
Switching Point for Synchronous Video Switching
3 Location of checkwords, flags, identi-
fication number, and included samples
3.1 Location of checkwords, flags, and identifica-
tion number
Digital data packets containing the calculated check-
words, error information flags, and identification num-
ber are located in the ancillary data area of the
vertical interval in a manner to complement the
recommended practice of source switching. Loca-
tions are shown graphically in figure 1 and specified
in table 1 for 525/59.94 systems and table 2 for
625/50 systems. For composite signals, the error
detection data packet is located in the ancillary data
area of the first horizontal pulse occurring in the line
prior to the recommended vertical interval switching
point of each field. For component signals, the error
Error Detection Checkwords and
Status Flags for Use in Bit-Serial
Digital Interfaces for Television
Revision of RP 165-1993
RP 165-1994
SMPTE RECOMMENDED PRACTICE
Page 1 of 6 pages
Approved September 1, 1994
Copyright © 1994 by the
SOCIETY OF MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION ENGINEERS
595 W. Hartsdale Ave., White Plains, NY 10607
(914) 761-1100