The Service List Registry Unified Service Platform is based on some simple core concepts that support the online discovery of audiovisual media services.
Registry — An online information server that allows any compatible device, display, or application to request lists of available audiovisual media services by a simple query to a well-known address. The response will provide links to available lists of services, depending on the location, language, or capabilities of the client device, display, or application. The registry allows clients connected to the internet to discover services without requiring a traditional tuner to scan for broadcast transmissions. Users may be able to select from multiple competing lists of services.
List — An ordered set of audiovisual media services that is offered as a branded proposition by a service provider or operator, typically aimed at a particular territory or community of interest. A service list may be designated as being regulated by a national authority to indicate conformance with relevant regulations, including the prominence of services of public value. Services within a list can be identified by logos and genre categories. They may have unique logical numbers to enable numeric selection.
Service — A distinct audiovisual media service within a list. A service may be scheduled or available on demand. It can correspond to a traditional television channel or radio station but is not limited to broadcast services. It can also link to an interactive application with its own user interface. A service may be free or part of a subscription. It may be intended for a particular geographic region or may have different regional variants.
Instance — A reference to a specific delivery of a service. A service may have multiple instances with a preferred priority specified by the provider. These may include satellite, terrestrial, mobile, or fixed networks. This enables a provider to offer a consistent and coherent service proposition over various networks or facilitate long-term transition between them, allowing a service to be received by devices and displays according to the networks they can access.