Summary

This Recommendation specifies a reference operating scenario and a number of requirements applicable to Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) information delivered to the home by digital cable television and other similar distribution methods.

Delivery of EPG information may be implemented through various operating scenarios; a typical scenario is described in Appendix I by way of an example and to serve as a reference.

The importance of properly structured EPGs in which home viewers can readily navigate is becoming increasingly important with the current large increase in the number of programmes offered to the home, which is made possible by digital television delivery systems that employ bit rate reduction. This Recommendation is meant to catalyse the development of an efficient structure for EPG information, conducive to user-friendly interactive navigation tools that will help viewers to find their way among EPG information.