This standard defines the specification of a 4-byte payload identifier which may be added to digital interfaces for the purpose of identifying the video payload. The payload identifier is applicable to all serial digital interfaces and all payloads that produce a directly viewable image on a display device. Furthermore, the viewable image must be a recognizable representation of the source image content.

The standard defines how the payload identifier is placed into a 10-bit ancillary data packet according to SMPTE 291M.

It also specifies the repetition rate of the ancillary data packet, and provides the preferred horizontal and vertical location for the placement of the packet in different digital interfaces.

The standard also includes definitions for the interpretation of each byte of the 4-byte payload identifier although the values for many video payloads can have custom definitions.

The standard also defines the Video Payload Identification Code assignment process and associated on-line register for Byte 1 Values.