Proposed Revisions of Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 147, Group 3 Facsimile Apparatus for Document Transmission; and Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 178, Video Teleconferencing Services at 56 to 1,920 kb/s
Federal RegisterMar 18, 1996
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Institute of Standards and Technology
[Docket No. 960116010-6010-01]
RIN 0693-XX13
Proposed Revisions of Federal Information Processing Standards
(FIPS) 147, Group 3 Facsimile Apparatus for Document Transmission; and
Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 178, Video
Teleconferencing Services at 56 to 1,920 kb/s
AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; Request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Revisions are being proposed to Federal Information Processing
Standard (FIPS) 147, Group 3 Facsimile Apparatus for Document
Transmission, and to Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS)
178, Video Teleconferencing Services at 56 to 1,920 kb/s. The revisions
reflect changes to the voluntary industry standards that are adopted by
these FIPS.
The revised FIPS for facsimile apparatus will adopt ANSI/EIA/TIA-
465A-1995. The revised FIPS for video teleconferencing services will
adopt International Telecommunication Union--Telecommunication
Standardization Sector (ITU-T) Recommendations H.320, H.221, H.242,
H.261, H.230, H.231, H.243, H.233, H.234, and H.244.
The purpose of this notice is to solicit views from the public,
manufacturers, and State and local governments so that their views can
be considered prior to the submission of these proposed revisions to
the Secretary of Commerce for review and approval.
These proposed revisions consist of two sections: (1) An
announcement section, which provides information concerning the
applicability, implementation, and maintenance of the standards; and
(2) a specifications section which deals with the technical
requirements of the standards. Only the announcement sections of these
revised standards are provided in this notice.
The ANSI/EIA/TIA-465A-1995 and 455A-1995 specifications are
available from: Global Engineering Documents, 1990 M Street NW.,
Washington, DC 20036, telephone (800) 854-7179; FAX (202) 331-0960.
The ITU-T Recommendations H. 221, H. 230, H. 233, and H. 244-1995
are available from: National Communications System, Office of
Technology and Standards, Attn: Gary Rekstad, 701 South Court House
Road, Arlington, VA 22204-2198, telephone (703) 607-6204.
Both revisions reference other specifications and related documents
which are pertinent to the development of implementations, but are not
essential to the review of these proposals. These specifications and
documents are available from the sources identified in the proposed
revisions.
DATES: Comments on these proposed revisions must be received on or
before June 17, 1996.
ADDRESSES: Written comments concerning the adoption of these proposed
revisions should be sent to: Acting Director, Computer Systems
Laboratory, ATTN: Proposed Revisions of FIPS 147 and 178, Technology
Building, Room B-154, National Institute of Standards and Technology,
Gaithersburg, MD 20899.
Written comments received in response to this notice will be made
part of the public record and will be made available for inspection and
copying in the Central Reference and Records Inspection Facility, Room
6020, Herbert C. Hoover Building, 14th Street between Pennsylvania and
Constitution Avenues NW., Washington, DC 20230.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
For FIPS 147-1: Mr. Stephen Perschau, National Communications System,
NC-TS, 701 South Court House Road, Arlington, VA 22204-2198, telephone
703-607-6198, FAX 703-607-4830, email [email protected].
For FIPS 178-1: Mr. Gary M. Rekstad, National Communications
System, NC-TS, 701 South Court House Road, Arlington, VA 22204-2198,
telephone 703-607-6195, FAX 703-607-4830, email [email protected].
Dated: March 12, 1996.
Samuel Kramer,
Associate Director.
Proposed Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 147-1
(Date)
Announcing the Standard for Group 3 Facsimile Apparatus for Document
Transmission
Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS PUBS)
are issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
after approval by the Secretary of Commerce pursuant to Section 5131 of
the Information Technology Management Reform Act of 1996, Public Law
104-106.
1. Name of Standard. Group 3 Facsimile Apparatus for Document
Transmission (FIPS PUB 147-1).
2. Category. Telecommunications Standard, Facsimile Equipment.
3. Explanation. This standard, by adoption of ANSI/EIA/TIA-465A-
1995, Group 3 Facsimile Apparatus for Document Transmission,
establishes the machine specifications for Group 3 facsimile apparatus
for use over voice band analog circuits. This FIPS supersedes FIPS PUB
147 in its entirety.
4. Approving Authority. Secretary of Commerce.
5. Maintenance Agency. National Communications System, Office of
Technology and Standards (NC-TS).
6. Cross Index.
a. ANSI/EIA/TIA-465A-1995, Group 3 Facsimile Apparatus for Document
Transmission.
b. ANSI/EIA/TIA-466A-1995, Procedures for Document Facsimile
Transmission (Not Yet Published).
7. Related Documents.
a. Federal Information Resources Management Regulations subpart
201-20.303, Standards, and subpart 201-39. 1002, Federal Standards.
Related International Telecommunication Union Recommendations:
a. T.0 (1988), Classification of Facsimile Apparatus for Document
Transmission over Telephone-Type Circuits.
b. T.4 (1993), Standardization of Group 3 Facsimile Apparatus for
Document Transmission.
c. T.6 (1988), Facsimile Coding Schemes and Coding Control
Functions for Group 4 Facsimile Apparatus.
d. T.30 (1993), Procedure for Document Transmission in the General
Switched Telephone Network.
e. T.50 (1988), International Alphabet No. 5.
f. T.51 (1988), Coded Character Sets for Telematic Services.
g. T.571 (1992), Terminal Characteristics for the Telematic File
Transfer within the Teletex Service.
h. V.17, 14400 bit/s 2-wire Modem Standardization for use in
Facsimile Applications.
Related EIA/TIA Standards:
a. EIA/TIA 538 (1988), Facsimile Coding Schemes and Coding Control
Functions for Group 4 Facsimile Equipment.
Related Federal Information Processing Standards Publications (FIPS
PUBS):
a. FIPS PUB 165, 4,800 Bits Per Second Four-Wire Duplex and Two-
Wire Half-Duplex Modems for Data Communications Use on Telephone-Type
Circuits, (1992).
b. FIPS PUB 166, 4,800 and 9,600 Bits Per Second Two-Wire Duplex
Modems for Data Communications Use on Telephone-Type Circuits, (1992).
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c. FIPS PUB 167, 9,600 Bits Per Second Four-Wire Duplex Modems for
Data Communications Use on Telephone-Type Circuits, (1992).
d. FIPS PUB 170, Data Compression in Modems Employing CCITT
Recommendation V.42 Error Correction, (1992).
At the time of publication of this standard, the editions indicated
above were valid. All publications are subject to revision, and parties
to agreements based on this standard are encouraged to investigate the
possibility of applying the most recent editions of these publications.
You may obtain copies of the specifications and related documents from:
ANSI/EIA/TIA-465A-1995 and 466A-1995--Global Engineering Documents,
1990 M Street NW., Washington, DC 20036, (800) 854-7179; FAX (202)
331-0960
ANSI and ISO Documents--American National Standards Institute, 11 West
42nd Street, New York, NY 10036, (212) 642-4900; FAX (212) 302-1286
FIPS Publications--National Technical Information Service, U.S.
Department of Commerce, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161,
(703) 487-4650
ITU-T and CCITT Documents--Phillips Business Information, Inc.,
OMNICOM, 1201 Seven Locks Road, Suite 300, Potomac, MD 20854, (800)
666-4266.
8. Objectives. The objective of this standard is to facilitate
interoperability between and among facsimile terminals within
telecommunication facilities and systems of the Federal Government.
9. Applicability. This standard shall be used by all Federal
department and agencies in the design and procurement of Group 3
facsimile equipment for document transmission.
10. Specifications. This FIPS adopts ANSI/EIA/TIA-465A-1995, Group
3 Facsimile Apparatus for Document Transmission.
11. Implementation. This standard is effective six (6) months after
approval by the Secretary of Commerce.
12. Waivers. Under certain exceptional circumstances, the heads of
Federal departments and agencies may approve waivers to Federal
Information Processing Standards (FIPS). The head of such agency may
redelegate such authority only to a senior official designated pursuant
to section 3506(b) of Title 44, U.S. Code. Waivers shall be granted
only when:
a. Compliance with a standard would adversely affect the
accomplishment of the mission of an operator of a Federal computer
system, or
b. Cause a major adverse financial impact on the operator which is
not offset by Governmentwide savings.
Agency heads may act upon a written waiver request containing the
information detailed above. Agency heads may also act without a written
waiver request when they determine that conditions for meeting the
standard cannot be met. Agency heads may approve waivers only by a
written decision which explains the basis on which the agency head made
the required finding(s). A copy of each such decision, with procurement
sensitive or classified portions clearly identified, shall be sent to:
National Institute of Standards and Technology, ATTN: FIPS Waiver
Decisions, Technology Building, Room B-154, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.
In addition, notice of each waiver granted and each delegation of
authority to approve waivers shall be sent promptly to the Committee on
Government Operations of the House of Representatives and the Committee
on Governmental Affairs of the Senate an shall be published promptly in
the Federal Register.
When the determination on a waiver applies to the procurement of
equipment and/or services, a notice of the waiver determination must be
published in the Commerce Business Daily as a part of the notice of
solicitation for offers of an acquisition or, if the waiver
determination is made after that notice is published, by amendment to
such notice.
A copy of the waiver, any supporting documents, the document
approving the waiver and any supporting and accompanying documents,
with such deletions as the agency is authorized and decides to make
under 5 U.S.C. Sec. 552(b), shall be part of the procurement
documentation and retained by the agency.
13. Where to Obtain Copies. Copies of this publication including
ANSI/EIA/TIA-465A-1995, are for sale by the National Technical
Information Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, Springfield, VA
22161. (Sale of the included specifications document is by arrangement
with the American National Standards Institute.) When ordering, refer
to Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 147-1
(FIPSPUB147-1), and title. Payment may be made by check, money order,
purchase order, credit card, or deposit account.
Proposed Federal Information Processing Standards Publication
178-1
(Date)
Announcing the Standard for Video Teleconferencing Services at 56 to
1,920 kb/s
Federal Information Processing Standards Publications (FIPS PUBS)
are issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
after approval by the Secretary of Commerce pursuant to Section 5131 of
the Information Technology Management Reform Act of 1996, Public Law
104-106.
1. Name of Standard. Video Teleconferencing Services at 56 to 1,920
kb/s (FIPS PUB 178-1).
2. Category. Telecommunications Standards, Video Teleconferencing.
3. Explanation. This standard, by adoption of International
Telecommunication Union-Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-
T) Recommendations H.320, H.221, H.242, H.251, H.230, H.231, H.243,
H.233, H.234, and H.244 defines the specifications for video
teleconferencing and video telephony systems.
This document provides Federal departments and agencies a
comprehensive description of the interoperability criteria for
audiovisual systems used in video teleconferencing and videophone
applications. This standard was developed within the Federal
Telecommunication Standards Committee (FTSC). This FIPS supersedes FIPS
PUB 178 in its entirety.
4. Approving Authority. Secretary of Commerce.
5. Maintenance Agency. National Communications System, Office of
Technology and Standards (NC-TS).
6. Cross Index. The recommendations listed below are adopted and
referenced by this standard.
a. ITU-T Recommendation H.320, Narrowband Visual Telephone Systems
and Terminal Equipment, (1993).
b. ITU-T Recommendation H.221, Frame structure for a 64 to 1,920
kbit/s Channel in Audiovisual Teleservices, (1995).
c. ITU-T Recommendation H.242, System for Establishing
Communication Between Audiovisual Terminals Using Digital Channels up
to 2 Mbit/s, (1993).
d. ITU-T Recommendation H.230, Frame-Synchronous Control and
Indication Signals for Audiovisual Systems, (1995).
e. ITU-T Recommendation H.261, Video Codec for Audiovisual Services
at px64 kbit/s, (1993).
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f. ITU-T Recommendation H.231, Multipoint Control Units for
Audiovisual Systems Using Digital channels up to 1920 kbps, (1993).
g. ITU-T Recommendation H.243, Procedures for Establishing
Communication Between Three or More Audiovisual Terminals Using Digital
Channels up to 1920 kbps, (1993).
h. ITU-T Recommendation H.233, Confidentiality System for
Audiovisual Services, (1995).
i. ITU-T Recommendation H.234, Encryption Key Management and
Authentication System for Audiovisual Services, (1994).
j. ITU-T Recommendation H.244, Synchronized Aggregation of Multiple
64 or 56 kbit/s Channels, (1995).
k. ITU-T Recommendation T.122 (1993), Multipoint Communication
Service for Audiographics and Audiovisual Conferencing Service
Definition.
l. ITU-T Recommendation T.123 (1993), Protocol Stacks for
Audiovisual and Audiographic Teleconference Applications.
m. CCIT Recommendation G.711, Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) of Voice
Frequencies, (1989).
n. CCIT Recommendation G.722, 7 kHz Audio-coding within 64 kbit/s,
(1989).
o. ITU-T Recommendation G.728, Coding of Speech at 16 kbit/s using
Low-Delay Code Excited Linear Prediction (LD-CELP), (1992).
p. FIPS PUB 81, Data Encryption Standard Modes of Operation,
(1980).
q. FIPS PUB 140-1, Security Requirements for Equipment Using Data
Encryption Standard, (1994).
r. FIPS PUB 46-2, Data Encryption Standard (DES), (1993).
s. ISO 8732, Banking Key Management.
t. ITU-T Recommendation P.30 (1988), Transmission Performance of
Group Audio Terminals.
u. ITU-T Recommendation P.34 (1993), Transmission Characteristics
of Hands-Free Telephones.
v. ITU-T Recommendation P.64 (1993), Determination of Sensitivity/
Frequency Characteristics of Local Telephone Systems.
w. ITU-T Recommendation P.79 (1993), Calculation of Loudness
Ratings for Telephone Sets.
7. Related Documents.
a. Federal Information Resources Management Regulations subpart
201-20.303, Standards, and subpart 201-39.1002, Federal Standards.
The standards listed below are for information only.
b. ANSI TI.306-1990, American National Standard for
Telecommunications--Digital Processing of Audio Signals--Algorithm and
Line Format for Transmission of 7-kHz Audio Signals at 64/56 kbit/s.
c. ANSI TI.314-1991, American National Standard for
Telecommunications--Video Coder/Decoder for Audiovisual Services at 56
to 1,536 kbit/s.
d. ANSI TI.800.01-1995, American National Standard for
Telecommunications--Visual Telephone Systems and Terminal Equipment
Using Digital Channels up to 1920 kbit/s.
e. ANSI TI.800.03-1995, American National Standard for
Telecommunications--Frame Structure for Audiovisual Services at 56 to
1,920 kbit/s.
f. ANSI TI.800.04-1995, American National Standard for
Telecommunications--Procedures for Establishing Communications Between
Two Audiovisual Terminals Using Digital Channels up to 1920 kbit/s.
g. ANSI TI.800.05-1995, American National Standard for
Telecommunications--Frame Synchronous Control and Indication Signals
for Audiovisual Systems.
h. ANSI TI.800.06-1995, American National Standard for
Telecommunications--Multipoint Control Units for Audiovisual Systems
Using Digital Channels up to 1920 kbit/s.
i. ANSI TI.800.07-1995, American National Standard for
Telecommunications--Procedures for Establishing Communication Between
Three or More Audiovisual Terminals Using Digital Channels up to 1920
kbit/s.
j. CCITT Proposed Recommendation AV.253, Audio coding at 24/32
kbit/s.
k. CCITT Recommendation G.725, System Aspects for the Use of the 7
kHz Audio Codec within 64 kbit/s, (1989).
l. CCITT Recommendation G.821, Error Performance of an
International Digital Connection Forming Part of an Integrated Services
Digital Network, (1989).
m. CCITT Recommendation H.200, Framework for Recommendations for
Audiovisual Services, (1989).
n. CCITT Recommendation I.464, Multiplexing, Rate Adaption and
Support of Existing Interfaces for Restricted 64 kbit/s Transfer
Capability, (1989).
o. CCITT Recommendation T.35, Procedure for the Allocation of CCITT
Member's Codes, (1989).
p. CCITT Recommendation V.120, Support of an ISDN of Data Terminal
Equipment with V-Series Type Interfaces with Provision for Statistical
Multiplexing.
q. CCITT Recommendation V.35, Data Transmission at 48 Kilobits Per
Second Using 60-108 kHz Group Band Circuits, (1989).
r. ANSI T1.801.Ox-199x, Digital Transport of One-Way Video
Signals--Parameters for Objective performance Assessment.
s. ITU-T Recommendation T.120 (199?), Overview of the T-Series.
t. ITU-T Recommendation T.124 (1995), Generic Conference Control.
u. ITU-T Recommendation T.125 (1994), Multipoint Communication
Service Protocol Specification.
v. ITU-T Recommendation T.126 (draft), Multipoint Still Image and
Annotation Protocol.
w. ITU-T Recommendation T.127 (draft),
x. ITU-T Recommendation T.128 (draft), Control for an Audio Visual
Conference.
At the time of publication of this standard, the editions indicated
above were valid. All publications are subject to revision, and parties
to agreements based on this standard are encouraged to investigate the
possibility of applying the most recent editions of these publications.
You may obtain copies of the specifications and related documents from:
ANSI and ISO Documents--American National Standards Institute, 11 West
42nd Street, New York, NY 10036, (212) 642-4900; FAX (212) 302-1286
FIPS Publications--National Technical Information Service, U.S.
Department of Commerce, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161,
(703) 487-4650
ITU-T and CCITT Documents--Phillips Business Information, Inc.,
OMNICOM, 1201 Seven Locks Road, Suite 300, Potomac, MD 20854, (800)
666-4266
ITU-T Recommendations H.221, H.230, H.233, and H.244-1995--National
Communications System, Office of Technology and Standards, Attn: Gary
Rekstad, 701 South Court House Road, Arlington, VA 22204-2198, (703)
607-6204.
8. Abbreviations and Definitions. The abbreviations and definitions
contained in this section are for terms contained in this document, and
documents referenced by this document.
ANSI--American National Standards Institute
CCITT--International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee
CIF--Common Intermediate Format
CODEC--Coder/Decoder
DES--Digital Encryption Standard
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ISDN--Integrated Services Digital Network
ITU-T--International Telecommunication Union--Telecommunication
Standardization Sector
MCU--Multipoint Control Unit
MLP--Multilevel Protocol
QCIF--Quarter-CIF
VTC--Video Teleconference
Freeze-Frame: A frame of visual information selected from a video
signal and processed through the video codec for transmission to remote
site(s). This is a subset of still image.
MCU (Multipoint Control Unit): A piece of equipment located in a
node of the network or in a terminal which receives several channels
from access ports and, according to certain criterions, processes
audiovisual signals and distributes them to the connected channels.
Narrow-band: Bit rates ranging from 56 kb/s to 1,920 kb/s. This
channel capacity may be provided as a single B/HO/H11/H12 channel or
multiple B/HO channels in ISDN.
Still Image: Non-moving visual information.
Telematic Services: Real-time data communication within the VTC
channel(s). Examples of services are: still image exchange, annotation,
and file exchange. Telematic services can be made in a point-to-point
or multipoint call.
9. Objectives. The objective of this document is to improve the
Federal acquisition process by providing Federal departments and
agencies a comprehensive, authoritative source for video
teleconferencing terminals used in video teleconferencing and video
phone applications.
This standard is intended to assure interoperability among Federal
video teleconferencing and video phone systems employing video codecs
at rates between 56 kb/s and 1,920 kb/s. Equipment designed for use
over ATM, LAN, and PSTN networks are out of the scope of this standard.
10. Applicability. This standard shall be used by all Federal
departments and agencies in the design and procurement of video
teleconferencing and video phone systems. This standard is mandatory
only for those audiovisual systems operating at rates between 56 kb/s
and 1,920 db/s using non-packet based networks. The standard shall be
used in the planning, design, and procurement, including lease and
purchase, of all new video communications systems that utilize video
codecs.
Many ITU-T Recommendations specify service from 64 kb/s through
1,920 kb/s, and some ANSI standards specify service from 56 kb/s
through 1,536 kb/s. To avoid confusion on applications within the
Federal Government involving both national and international
interoperability, this standard encompasses both ranges of data rates
to specify service from 56 kb/s through 1,920 kb/s. It should be noted
that most standard data networks in the United States carry data from
56 kb/s to 1,536 kb/s.
In an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), the overall
transmission channel may consist of 1 to 6 B (64 kb/s) channels, 1 to 4
HO (384 kb/s) channels, an H10 (1,472 kb/s) channel, or an H11 (1,536
kb/s) channel. The framed video signal can also be carried on other
switched or dedicated digital transmission facilities, such as 1 to 6
56 kb/s connections, a DS1 connection, or a fractional DS1 connection.
The technical parameters of this document may be exceeded in order
to satisfy certain specific requirements, provided that
interoperability is maintained. That is, the capability to incorporate
features such as additional standard and nonstandard interfaces is not
precluded.
Neither this nor any other standard in high technology field such
as telecommunications can be considered complete and ageless. Periodic
revisions will be made as required.
The standard is not intended to hasten the obsolescence of
equipment currently existing in the Federal inventory; nor is it
intended to provide systems engineering or applications guidelines.
11. Specifications. The following sections specify the requirements
for video teleconferencing and video telephony terminals.
11.1 Overall Description. Specific requirements for different
types of video terminals are defined in ITU-T Recommendation H.320. All
terminals that meet this standard shall follow the specifications of
H.320. At a minimum, all terminals shall be capable of operating over
one and two channels (p=1 and 2)d at QCIF resolution. If a terminal is
able to operate at values for p greater than 2, than the terminal shall
be able to operate at all p values in the set [1, 2, 6, 12, 23, 24]
less than the highest p value capable by the terminal.
Examples of a few terminal configurations are given below:
--Terminal operating over 2 B channels of an ISDN.
--Terminal operating over 6 B channels of an ISDN.
--Terminal operating over a HO channel of an ISDN.
--Terminal operating over 1 Switched 56 channel.
11.2 Multiplexing/Framing. The different parts of a VTC call
(video, audio, data) must be multiplexed into single or multiple
channels.
11.2.1 Frame Structure. All terminals that meet this standard
shall use all the specifications defined in ITU-T Recommendation H.221.
The H.221 framing structure multiplexes subchannels for audio, video,
data, and telematic transmission, as well as in-channel terminal-to-
terminal signaling information, within an overall transmission channel
of 56 to 1,920 kb/s.
This standard address data channels at nominal bit rates of px64
kb/s, where p is an integer that can range from 1 to 30. For
unrestricted networks, such as provided by ISDN, each increment of data
rate may actually be 64 kb/s, but in restricted networks each increment
may be only 56 kb/s. Equipment that meets this standard shall be
capable of operating on unrestricted and/or restricted networks.
Equipment that meets this standard shall be capable of operating with
other terminals on unrestricted and restricted networks. Equipment that
meets this standard shall be capable of operating over a network
connection where a middle segment or segments of the network are
restricted. Restricted networks are discussed in Annex 2 of H.221 and
Section 3.6 of H.230. To help with the problem of operating over
restricted networks, or operating with terminals not having network
timing, it is recommended that the procedures described in Annex A of
ANSI T1.800.04 be used.
The recommendations which this standard references were designed
primarily for use with an ISDN. In an ISDN, the overall transmission
channel may consist of 1 to 6 B (64 kb/s) channels, 1 to 4 HO (384 kb/
s) channels, an H10 (1,472 kb/s) channel, or an H11 (1,536 kb/s)
channel. The framed signals can also be carried on other switched or
dedicated digital transmission facilities, such as 1 to 6 56 kb/s
connections, a DS1 connection, or a fraction DS1 connection.
11.2.2 Channel Aggregation. It is possible for a VTC terminal or
MCU to have a single channel interface to multiple channels using
channel aggregation. An example is aggregating 6 B channels into a
single 384 kbps channel. The use of channel aggregation increases
interoperability between equipment on different networks, and allows a
high speed interface to low speed networks. Use of channel
[[Page 10990]]
aggregation is optional for VTC, but when it is built into a VTC
terminal or MCU, that equipment shall adhere to the requirements of
H.244.
There are four different `cases' described in H.244. Case `B' and
case `D' are what has been commonly called BONDING. Terminals capable
of operating using Case `B' or `D' shall be capable of Mode B1 as
specified in H.244.
11.3 System for Establishing Communication Between Audiovisual
Terminals. All terminals that meet this standard shall use all
specifications of ITU-T Recommendation H.242 for establishing
communication between two audiovisual terminals. H.242 describes the
in-channel terminal-to-terminal communication control procedures. These
procedures allow audiovisual terminals with different capabilities to
interwork with each other and with existing telephone equipment. These
procedures also allow terminals to switch among compatible modes of
operation to support additional applications, for example, exchanging
data.
11.4 Video Codec. All terminals that meet this standard shall be
capable of color and near-full motion operation using, at a minimum,
the QCIF format defined in ITU-T Recommendation H.261. All terminals
shall meet all specifications of H.261. An encoder shall be capable of
coding at an minimum average of 6 frames per second. The decoder shall
be capable of decoding at least 7.5 frames per second. This is the
minimum picture interval and is discussed in H.261, H.221, and H.242.
Higher rates can be negotiated using the procedures in H.242.
A terminal is not precluded from using coding algorithms other than
H.261, but for every video coding rate the terminal is capable of, the
terminal shall be capable of using the H.261 coding algorithm. The
purpose of this requirement is to prevent two terminal which are
capable of communicating at a high transmission rate such as p=24
having to communicate at a lower rate to be interoperable.
A terminal is not precluded from having proprietary picture formats
other than QCIF or CIF, but if a terminal has a picture format with
more pixels than QCIF (176 x 144=25344 pixels), it shall also have the
CIF picture format implemented using H.261. The purpose of this
requirement is to prevent two terminal which are capable of CIF-like
resolutions having to communicate at a QCIF resolution to be
interoperable.
Motion compensation is optional in the encoder. Motion compensation
is required in the decoder, where the reconstruction of the motion is
relatively simple. The decoder shall accept one vector per macroblock.
Note: The video coding algorithm described in this standard is a
variable-rate algorithm. Video transmission is not fixed at
multiples of 56 or 64 kb/s, but instead occupies all bandwidth
available for video within an overall audiovisual communications
system. ``P x 64 kb/s'' are the nominal transmission rates of the
overall system. ITU-T Recommendation H.221 provides for operating at
multiples of 56 and 64 kb/s.
11.5 Audio.
11.5.1 Audio Algorithms. All terminals that meet this standard
shall follow mandatory requirements in H.320. Further, terminals shall
be capable of coding and decoding audio using G.711 framed -
law mode and G.728. If a terminal is capable of coding or decoding
audio using G.722, it shall be capable of operating mode 2 and 3 of
G.722.
11.5.2 Audio Arrangements. The following text is taken from the
yet to be approved 1996 version of H.320.
A terminal can have one or more of three different arrangements:
--Handset function,
--Handsfree function for a small group of users (up to three users),
--Handsfree function for more than three users (conference terminal).
The audio characteristics are defined for each of these functions.
Furthermore, the bandwidth of the transmitted speech is taken into
consideration.
The principles used are identical with those for telephony
terminals. That is, the sensitivity for handset function and handsfree
function designed for personal use/a small group of users is specified
in loudness ratings, and the sensitivity for conference terminals is
specified as output levels.
11.5.2.1 Test principles.
11.5.2.1.1 Handset function. The sensitivity measurement of a
terminal when a handset is used shall be based on the principles
described in ITU-T Recommendations P.64. The loudness rating shall be
calculated as described in ITU-T Recommendation P.79.
11.5.2.1.2 Handsfree function for a small group of users. The
sensitivity measurement of the handsfree function of a terminal
designed for a small group of users shall be based on the principles
described in ITU-T Recommendation P.34. The applied test signal level
at the digital input when measuring receive sensitivity shall be -30
dBm0.
The user position for a visual telephone terminal depends on the
design of the terminal. The real user position as recommended by the
supplier might be different compared with the position used for
measurements. A correction factor shall be used. The correction factor
is
F(dB)=20*log10{DS/DO}
where DS is the distance between the recommended user position and
the terminal and DO is the reference distance of 50 cm.
The loudness rating shall be calculated as described in ITU-T
Recommendation P.79.
11.5.2.1.3 Handsfree function for a conference terminal. The
principles described in ITU-T Recommendation P.30 shall be used.
11.5.2.2 Sensitivity.
11.5.2.2.1 General. For handset terminals and handsfree terminals
designed for a small group of users the sensitivity shall be specified
as loudness ratings.
For conference terminals the sensitivity shall be specified in
terms of input and output levels.
11.5.2.2.2 Receive volume control. For handsfree and loudspeaking
terminals a volume control shall be provided.
Where a manual receive volume control is provided the minimum
control range shall be to -15 dB from the test position.
Where an automatic receive volume control is provided, the Receive
Loudness Rating (RLR) value obtained with a line level of -15 dBm0
shall not exceed that RLR value which is obtained with a line level of
-30 dBm0 by more than 15 dB.
11.5.2.2.3 Handset function. The requirements of Table 1 shall be
met.
Table 1.--Sensitivity of the Handset Function
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.1 kHz 7 kHz
bandwidth bandwidth
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SLR............................................... 8 8
RLR............................................... 2 7
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The manufacturing tolerances are 3 dB.
11.5.2.2.4 Handsfree function. The requirements of Table 2 shall
be met.
Table 2.--Sensitivity of the Handsfree Function
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.1 kHz bandwith 7 kHz bandwith
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SLR.............................. 13-F.............. 13-F
RLR.............................. 7--F.............. -5-F
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The receive RLR requirement shall be met when the receive volume
control is
[[Page 10991]]
in its maximum position. The manufacturing tolerances are 4
dB.
11.5.2.2.5 Conference terminals. The procedures and values
specified in ITU-T Recommendation P.30 shall be used.
11.6 Frame-Synchronous Control and Indication Signals for
Audiovisual Systems. All terminals that meet this standard shall use
ITU-T Recommendation H.230. H.230 provides additional frame-synchronous
control and indication signals such as freeze picture, video loopback,
and simple multipoint controls. These control and indication signals
are necessary to provide additional functionality and to provide
extensibility to future standards.
11.7 Telematic Services. The ability to transmit freeze-frame
images is optional within this standard. If a terminal is capable of
transmitting freeze-frame images, it shall be capable of transmitting
the images according to the procedures described in Annex D of H.261.
Use of telematic services is optional within this standard. If
telematic services are used, beyond those defined as freeze-frame, the
requirements of T.122 and T.123 recommendations shall be used.
11.8 Privacy and Secure Operation. The use of privacy and/or
secure operation is optional. Privacy is defined as Type 3 protection
and secure is defined as Type 1 or 2 protection.
If privacy operation is used, the 64 bit Output Feedback Mode (OFB-
64) of the Digital Encryption Standard (DES) option described in H.233
shall be used. OFB-64 is defined in FIPS PUB 81. If automatic key
exchange is to be used with privacy, the ISO 8732 requirements of H.234
shall be used. All DES implementations shall be validated by the
National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST). All DES
implementations shall follow security requirements for cryptographic
modules as defined in FIPS PUB 140-1.
If secure operation is used, NSA approved equipment and procedures
shall be used. For security issues dealing with VTC, please contact * *
* [will provide POC].
VTC terminals that have privacy or secure capability should provide
a real-time indication of the current level of protection. This
indication can be a video overlay on the output image, or some other
indication.
11.9 Multipoint Control Operation. Multipoint control operation is
defined as the interconnection of 3 or more VTC terminals through a
MCU. MCUs perform many tasks intended to allow many VTC terminals to
see, hear and exchange information with others in a conference.
11.91.1 Multipoint Control Operation in a Terminal. A VTC terminal
can connect to a MCU using the same protocols as for connecting to
another VTC terminal. Optionally, additional features can be added to a
terminal to allow greater functionally when operating with a MCU. The
specification for these features can be found in Recommendation H.230,
H.231, and H.243.
11.9.2 Multipoint Control Operation in a MCU. All MCUs that meet
this standard shall meet all previous mandatory sections of this
standard, with the exception of coding and decoding of video. All MCUs
that meet this standard shall meet all mandatory specifications of ITU-
T Recommendation H.231, H.243, H.320, H.221, H.230, and H.242. H.231
describes the functional representation of a MCU, and H.243 describes
the in-channel terminal-to-MCU communication control procedures. These
procedures allow MCUs to interwork with each other and with VTC
terminals. These procedures also allow terminals and MCUs to switch
among compatible modes of operation to support additional applications,
for example, exchanging data.
MCUs shall be able to connect and work with VTC terminals that do
not have specific MCU capability as stated in section 11.7.1.
MCUs shall be capable of coding and decoding audio using G.711
framed -law and A-law.
12. Implementation. This standard is effective six (6) months
after approval by the Secretary of Commerce.
13. Conflict with Referenced Documents. Where the requirements
stated in this document conflict with any requirements in a referenced
document, the requirements of this standard shall apply. The nature of
the conflict between this standard and a referenced document shall be
submitted in duplicate to the Director, Computer Systems Laboratory,
Technology Building, Room B-154, National Institute of Standards and
Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.
14. Waivers. Under certain exceptional circumstances, the heads of
Federal departments and agencies may approve waivers to Federal
Information Processing Standards (FIPS). The head of such agency may
redelegate such authority only to a senior official designated pursuant
to section 3506(b) of Title 44, U.S. Code. Waivers shall be granted
only when:
a. Compliance with a standard would adversely affect the
accomplishment of the mission of an operator of a Federal computer
system, or
b. Cause a major adverse financial impact on the operator which is
not offset by Governmentwide savings.
Agency heads may act upon a written waiver request containing the
information detailed above. Agency heads may also act without a written
waiver request when they determine that conditions for meeting the
standard cannot be met. Agency heads may approve waivers only by a
written decision which explains the basis on which the agency head made
the required finding(s). A copy of each such decision, with procurement
sensitive or classified portions clearly identified, shall be sent to:
National Institute of Standards and Technology, ATTN: FIPS Waiver
Decisions, Technology Building, Room B-154, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.
In addition, notice of each waiver granted and each delegation of
authority to approve waivers shall be sent promptly to the Committee on
Government Operations of the House of Representatives and the Committee
on Governmental Affairs of the Senate and shall be published promptly
in the Federal Register.
When the determination on a waiver applies to the procurement of
equipment and/or services, a notice of the waiver determination must be
published in the Commerce Business Daily as a part of the notice of
solicitation for offers of an acquisition or, if the waiver
determination is made after that notice is published, by amendment to
such notice.
A copy of the waiver, any supporting documents, the document
approving the waiver and any supporting and accompanying documents,
with such deletions as the agency is authorized and decides to make
under 5 U.S.C. Sec. 552(b), shall be part of the procurement
documentation and retained by the agency.
15. Where to Obtain Copies. Copies of this publication including
ITU-T Recommendations H.320, H.221, H.242, H.261, H.230, H.231, H.243,
H.233, H.234, and H.244 are for sale by the National Technical
Information Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, Springfield, VA
22161. When ordering, refer to Federal Information Processing Standards
Publication 178-1 (FIPSPUB178-1), and title. Payment may be made by
check, money order, purchase order, credit card, or deposit account.
In addition, ITU-T Series H Recommendations are available
individually from NTIS. When ordering, specify:
H.221-1995--PB9__-________
[[Page 10992]]
H.230-1995--PB9__-________
H.242-1993--PB94-979103
H.261-1993--PB94-979104
H.320-1993--PB94-979105
H.231-1993--PB9__-________
H.243-1993--PB9__-________
H.233-1995--PB9__-________
H.234-1994--PB9__-________
H.244-1995--PB9__-________
[FR Doc. 96-6441 Filed 3-15-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-CN-M
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.