Scope

The scope of Mediacom includes the following topics:

• End-to-end multimedia systems and services capabilities over all network types including NGN and the Internet: videophone/videoconference, multipoint/multicast multimedia systems, multimedia on demand, electronic commerce, distance learning, telemedicine, interactive TV services, web-casting, MBone, including their support through different terminals and devices within the home environment, etc.
• End-to-end multimedia systems and services over wireless access systems, e.g., using Radio Frequency or Infrared (RFID, IMT-2000, Wireless Application Protocol Forum, Bluetooth, HomeRF, IrDA, etc.). In this environment, computer or consumer Information Appliance devices will be used.
• Content-related aspects for or using multimedia systems (security dimensions, DRM, etc).
• Multimedia broadcasting systems that interactively handle audio, video and data (so-called triple play).
• The extension of E-mail and the WWW for the transmission of multimedia ‘documents’.

Contents of the project

The Mediacom Project will address:

• Definition of the framework concept (objectives, architecture).
• Definition of the framework study areas (including the relationship with existing ITU activities, e.g. home networking, IPTV, NID, NGN).
• Standardisation of services capabilities, systems and terminals for multimedia applications over existing and future platforms, providing end-to-end interoperability.
• Coordination of the studies performed in the framework study areas defined within the ITU-T and ITU-R (to avoid duplication of work).
• Promote direct relationship with relevant standardisation bodies, forums and consortia outside the ITU.

SG16 Responsibility

Within the framework of the Mediacom Project, SG16 responsibilities include:

• Develop a framework for multimedia terminals, systems and applications, which must be as agnostic as possible (i.e. independent from the underlying infrastructure).
• Develop appropriate service capabilities and systems-related standards for applications in multimedia communications.
• Define the interface with the relevant work areas assigned to the other ITU-T and ITU-R Study Groups involved.
• Liaison and coordination with relevant bodies outside the ITU.
• Ensure that end-to-end interoperability is accommodated either by full compatibility between systems, or by specification of the appropriate gateways.
• Maintain a database of all multimedia standardization activities.