Book excerpt: This book describes the fundamentals and details of MPEG-2Systems technology Written by an expert in the field, this book examines the MPEG-2system specification as developed in the early 1990’s, aswell as its evolution into the fourth edition of the MPEG-2 systemsstandard, published in 2013. While MPEG-2 systems will continue toevolve further, this book describes the MPEG-2 system functionalityas of October 2013. Furthermore, relevant background information isprovided. The discussion of MPEG-2 system functionality requiresknowledge of various fundamental issues, such as timing, andsupported content formats. Therefore also some basic information onvideo and audio coding is provided, including their evolution. Alsoother content formats supported in MPEG-2 systems are described, asfar as needed to understand MPEG-2 systems. Ordered logically working from the basics and backgroundthrough to the details and fundamentals of MPEG-2 transport streamsand program streams Explores important issues within the standardization processitself Puts the developments on MPEG-2 systems into historicperspective Includes support of 3D Video and transport of AVC, SVC andMVC Concludes with additional issues such as real-time interface,delivery over IP networks and usage by application standardizationbodies Predicts a continuing promising future for MPEG-2 transportstreams