Standard Requirement Document for a Broadcast A/V
Digital Media Reproducer/s (DMR)
Version 1.0
Presented
By
WAEA TC Committee
January 27-28, 2004
©2004 World Airline Entertainment Association. All Rights Reserved.
The World Airline Entertainment Association (WAEA) is the author and creator of this specification for the
purpose of copyright and other laws in all countries throughout the world. The WAEA copyright notice
must be included in all reproductions, whether in whole or in part, and may not be deleted or attributed to
others. The WAEA hereby grants to its members and their suppliers a limited license to reproduce this
specification for their own use, provided it is not sold. Others should obtain permission to reproduce this
specification from WAEA Headquarters, Attn: Executive Director, c/o Association Management Group,
8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 300., McLean, Virginia 22102; (703) 610-9000 voice, (703) 610-9005
facsimile.
Table of Contents
Purpose ........................................................................................... 3
General Requirements ....................................................................... 3
Concept of Operations....................................................................... 3
Figure 1 Current Audio and Video Equipment Installation...................... 4
1.4.1
VRU – Video Reproducer Unit ................................................................ 4
1.4.2
ARU – Audio Reproducer Unit ................................................................ 4
1.4.3
Video Controller ....................................................................................... 4
1.4.4
Audio Mux ................................................................................................ 5
1.4.5
VDU/TU – Video Distribution Unit / Tapping Unit .................................. 5
1.4.6
Overhead Monitor/Bulkhead Monitor ..................................................... 5
1.4.7
SEB - Seat Electronics Box ..................................................................... 5
1.4.8
PCU – Passenger Control Unit ............................................................... 5
1.5
Figure 2 DMR with Audio and Video Plus Optional Integrated MDL ......... 6
1.5.1
DMR – Digital Media Reproducer ........................................................... 6
1.5.2
SCU – System Control Unit ..................................................................... 6
1.5.3
MDL – Media Data Loader ....................................................................... 6
1.5.4
FMS – Flight Management System ......................................................... 6
1.5.5
ADS/IRS – Air Data System/Inertial Reference System ........................ 7
1.5.6
CMC – Central Maintenance Computer .................................................. 7
1.5.7
ACARS – Aircraft Communications and Reporting System ................ 7
1.6
Functional Requirements ................................................................... 7
1.6.1
Storage capacity ...................................................................................... 7
1.6.2
Content Integration and Playback .......................................................... 7
1.6.3
Content loading ....................................................................................... 8
1.6.4
Basic System Design Goals.................................................................... 9
1.7
System Interfaces ............................................................................. 9
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
Standard Requirement Document for a
Broadcast A/V Digital Media Reproducer/s (DMR)
1.1
Purpose
The purpose of this document is to define the Functional Requirements for an
industry-standard Digital Media Reproducer (DMR) system. The DMR system
includes the DMR unit, the corresponding Media Data Loader (MDL), and desired
control functions.
1.2 General Requirements
Define a Digital Media Reproducer (DMR) system to manage and provide both audio
and video content for non-interactive distribution to overhead video and distributed
audio. The goal would be to use the DMR with the existing distribution system with
the minimum modifications to the aircraft.
It is also important that the DMR must be able to be implemented on all fleets,
including the option for factory installation on new deliveries, as well as backward
compatibility for existing airline fleets requiring retrofit.
1.3 Concept of Operations
The diagrams below describe a typical distributed video and audio system used on a
variety of aircraft. Figure 1 represents a typical, current system with existing audio
and video equipment. Figure 2 represents a DMR system architecture with audio
and video functions, plus an optional combined DMR and MDL with an interface to
an existing ARU.
The goal is to depict the current architecture and how the DMR and MDL could be
configured to work within the current system with the minimum amount of
modifications to the aircraft and legacy IFE installed equipment. The description of
the Line Replaceable Units (LRU’s) is intended to be generic; ARNIC 628
specification descriptions have been used where appropriate.
1.4 Figure 1 Current Audio and Video Equipment Installation
1.4.1 VRU – Video Reproducer Unit
The function of the Video Reproducer Unit (VRU) is to provide playback video content
from pre-recorded media (e.g., tape, disc, etc.) for distribution through the aircraft cabin
distribution system. Arinc Spec 628, part 1
Overhead
Video
VDU/
TU
VDU/
TU
Cabin
ARU
PA
Overhead video audio
Video PA Keylines
VRU
PAC
Overhead
Monitor
Video
Controller
PCU
Audio
SEB
EE Bay
Audio Mux
Audio
1.4.2 ARU – Audio Reproducer Unit
The function of the Audio Reproducer Unit (ARU) is to play back audio content from prerecorded media (e.g., tape, disc and solid-state) for distribution through the aircraft
Passenger Entertainment System (PES).
Arinc Spec 628, part 1
1.4.3 Video Controller
The function of the Video Controller is to control to the Video Distribution Units/Tapping
Units, the video sources (ie control the tape players) , and the displays , of the
distributed Video System. In addition, it forwards video audio to the Audio Mux, and
video audio to the PA system.
1.4.4 Audio Mux
The Audio Multiplexer takes analog input and provides a multiplexed digital audio feed
to the passenger Seat Electronic Boxes.
1.4.5 VDU/TU – Video Distribution Unit / Tapping Unit
The function of the Video Distribution Unit (VDU) or Tapping Unit (TU) is to distribute
composite video to an individual number of overhead and bulkhead monitors throughout
the cabin.
1.4.6 Overhead Monitor/Bulkhead Monitor
The function of the Overhead and bulkhead (wall mounted) Monitors is to display video
images to the passengers. The Video Monitor Unit (VMU) is typically a CRT, LCD, or
plasma type display. Arinc Spec 628, part 1
1.4.7 SEB - Seat Electronics Box
The function of the Seat Electronics Box (SEB) is to demultiplex and demodulate audio
and video. The SEB takes audio level up/down and channel up/down commands from
the PCU, and makes the commanded changes to the analog audio signal going to the
PCU. Arinc Spec 628, part 2
1.4.8 PCU – Passenger Control Unit
The Passenger Control Unit (PCU) contains the headset jack that the passenger utilizes
to connect to the audio system, and provides controls to adjust the audio volume level
and audio channel selection. Some PCUs also provide a display to show the selected
channel and/or audio level. (e.g. audio and video parameters.) Arinc Spec 628, part 2
Overhead
Video
VDU/
TU
VDU/
TU
Cabin
Overhead
Display
MDL
SCU
PCU
Digital Video/Audio
Video
Audio
SEB
PAC
PA
EE Bay
Audio Mux
Audio
Optional
System
Video
ARU
Video PA
SCU
Video PA
PAC
Video Audio
Video Audio
DMR/
MDL
DMR
Audio
Mux
PA
Audio
1.5 Figure 2 DMR with Audio and Video Plus Optional Integrated MDL
1.5.1 DMR – Digital Media Reproducer
The Digital Media Reproducer (DMR) is intended to replace the analog video and audio
sources on an aircraft with a distributed system.
1.5.2 SCU – System Control Unit
The function of the System Control Unit (SCU) is to control the operation of the
video/audio system and aircraft displays.
1.5.3 MDL – Media Data Loader
The function of the Media Data Loader (MDL) is to provide a mechanism to use DVD or
other digital media to load content into the DMR
1.5.4 FMS – Flight Management System
The DMR system may obtain certain flight information such as flight number, current
position (latitude/longitude), airspeed, etc. from the FMS, or other aircraft system (e.g.
B777 AIMS).
1.5.5 ADS/IRS – Air Data System/Inertial Reference System
The ADS/IRS is an optional navigational computer interface that supplies flight
information (see 1.5.3).
1.5.6 CMC – Central Maintenance Computer
The CMC is an aircraft computer system interface that can supply information such as
city pairs. Not all aircraft have CMCs.
1.5.7 ACARS – Aircraft Communications and Reporting System
The function of ACARS is to receive connecting gate information or transmit BITE
information.
1.6
Functional Requirements
The media loading device should be located in the cabin, ideally interchangeable in
form and fit with a tape based VRU. The DMR may be located in the electronics bay
or, integrated with the media loader and located in the cabin, the DMR shall have
network connectivity to the audio file server.
1.6.1 Storage capacity
Video – 60 hours of video content total with associated audio (language tracks); 30
hours for the current month and 30 hours for the subsequent month stored in the
background. The DMR shall support MPEG1 and MPEG2 video streams. The
content could contain up to eight language tracks and playback shall be a minimum
of two monaural languages simultaneously. If available the systems should
accommodate closed captioning or subtitles and other MPEG formats.
Audio Only – 128 hours total (distributed audio tracks (music)); 32 hours for the current
play list with a programming change every two weeks (32 x 2 = 64) and 64 hours for the
subsequent month stored in the background. At a minimum the system shall reproduce
16 channels of audio simultaneously with programmable channel to output mapping and
support both stereo and monaural content..
The system must be upgradeable to increase storage capacity and functionality with
minimal hardware replacement.
1.6.2 Content Integration and Playback
The DMR will be capable of automatically controlling content storage and playback
based on pre-programmed scripts with various events/parameters triggering an
operation. From this script, operational modes for storage, playback and
management functions will be facilitated.
DMR may be able to recognize and interact with the following criteria:

Automatically identify aircraft type












Flight segment (city pairs/flight number Sent from Flight Management
System (FMC)/ARINC 429/485 interface)
Date: purge/play frequency initiated weekly, monthly, quarterly etc.
Time of Day
Length of Flight
Direction
Mileage thresholds (minimum for movie screening)
Seasonal changes
Wheels Up or Wheels Down
Origin and/or Destination
Altitude parameters
Door Open / Door Closed
Time remaining until landing
DMR must include ability for crewmembers to manually control the audio/video/map
system from the flight attendant’s station or system control unit, including video
preview and monitor functions. Safeguards should exist against overriding the
system for unscheduled movie selection from the flight attendant station or system
control unit.
The system should be capable of two-way communication between the DMR and
the content loading device to capture load dates, purge dates, number of exhibitions
per movie, etc.
The DMR may contain playback logs to verify program playback was completed per
schedule.
Encryption for content used on the DMR must be designed to provide adequate
security protection of digital video content to allow early window content to be stored
on the system.
1.6.3 Content loading
The DMR shall have a defined process and security measures in place for content
creation, integration, delivery and aircraft loading. Due to the cost of technical
personnel and the short turn times of the aircraft, systems should be designed to
minimize load times or provide background loading of content. The DMR should
ideally store content in the background, so that content changes take place
automatically without delay at appropriate dates.
Digital content may be transferred to the aircraft in a variety methods including:
- Portable Data Loaders
- Digital Tape Devices
- Removable Hard Disk Drives (HDD)
- DVD
- Wireless LAN 802.11 / Gatelink
- SATCOM / NATS
The system should indicate load status, load progress, and that the content loading
is complete, at the media loading device.
Various methods of IFE Data Loading and the associated transfer speeds are
described in the WAEA White Paper on IFE Data Loaders
1.6.4 Basic System Design Goals
The system must be low power and require no external cooling.
Components must use simple plug-type connections with “fast rack” installation
providing installation flexibility.
The system shall be scalable and upward compatible to interface with or support
future on-aircraft server needs. Examples of these needs are Internet/intranet and
onboard airline applications (duty free, flight attendant discrepancy reporting, flight
attendant and pilot manuals, etc.).
The DMR shall have multiple data outputs (i.e. to IFE systems, connectivity systems,
etc.). The system should support both wired and wireless network cabin distribution
systems.
Software updates to the DMR shall be easily and quickly performed, and updateable
via the data loader or aircraft communications systems.
The DMR shall be capable of additional software-driven functionality such as moving
map and ability to interact with on board computer systems (i.e. ACARS/ATSU) to
provide connecting gate information.
The system shall be self-diagnostic with continuous BITE, and ideally send
automatic messages to maintenance crews on the ground indicating what service, if
any, is necessary.
1.7 System Interfaces
Video Outputs
NTSC composite video outputs. (1Vp-p, into 100 ohm differential or 50 ohm balanced)
Audio Outputs
Balanced. 0dBm into 600 ohm load
MDL- DMR network- 100bT Ethernet
ARINC 628 Part 1 – Cabin Equipment Interfaces Part 1; Cabin Management and
Entertainment System – Peripherals
ARINC 628 Part 2 – Cabin Equipment Interfaces Part 2; Cabin Management and
Entertainment System – Seat Interfaces
ARINC 628 Part 3 – Cabin Equipment Interfaces Part 3; Cabin Management and
Entertainment System – In-Flight Entertainment System to Aircraft
ARINC 619 - ACARS Protocols for Avionic End Systems
ARINC 702 – Flight Management Computer System
ARINC 485 - Cabin Equipment Interfaces, Part 1, Head-End Equipment Protocol
ARINC 429 – Mark 33 Digital Information Transfer System