This standard defines the electrical and mechanical characteristics of an interface system comprised of a general-purpose communication channel and interface device(s) used for the transfer of data and digital control signals between equipment utilized in the production, post-production, and/or transmission of visual and aural information. It is intended that the communication channel and device(s) described in this standard be part of an overall equipment interface, allowing interconnection of programmable and nonprogrammable control and accessory equipment as required to configure an operational system with a defined function. The standard is also intended to allow rapid reconfiguration of a system providing more than one defined function utilizing a given group of equipment. - (1.1.1) The electrical and mechanical specifications set forth in this standard are intended for use in both fixed plant and field operational environments. These specifications take into account the requirement to function reliably without causing undue interference with other signals normally found in these environments. - (1.1.2) This standard defines the electrical and mechanical characteristics of the communication channel and the associated interface device(s), to the exclusion of design specifications, performance requirements, safety requirements, and the communications protocol used in or by such equipment. - (1.1.3) The primary intent of this standard is to establish an electrical and mechanical interface and communication channel for the purpose of interconnecting equipment by external means. This standard, or sections thereof, may be applied to the interconnection of elements within an item of equipment.