The 3GPP Packet Switch Streaming (PSS) provides a framework for Internet Protocol (IP) based streaming applications in by specifying protocols and codecs within the 3GPP system. Protocols for control signalling, capability exchange, media transport, rate adaptation and protection are specified. Codecs for speech, natural and synthetic audio, video, still images, bitmap graphics, vector graphics, timed text and text are specified. The 3GPP Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast Service (MBMS) provides a framework for broadcast and Multicast streaming and download applications in 3GPP networks supporting the MBMS bearer service. The MBMS user services are enabled by a set of specified media codecs, formats and transport/application protocols. MBMS user services are built on top of the MBMS bearer service. There are two delivery methods for the MBMS user services: download and streaming. The 3GPP IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) enables the deployment of IP multimedia applications. PSS and MBMS User Services are IP multimedia services but they were specified before IMS. IMS brings enablers and features to operators and subscribers that can enhance the experience of PSS and MBMS User Services. The purpose of the present document is the specification of use of the IMS to initiate and control PSS and MBMS User Service. This should enable deployment of PSS and MBMS user services as IMS services. Note that the present specification uses components of the 3GPP PSS, 3GPP MBMS, ETSI TISPAN IPTV and Open IPTV Forum standards specifications.

The present document specifies the usage of IMS protocols to initiate and control PSS and MBMS Streaming and Download User Services based applications. It applies to IMS enabled UEs that also implement PSS and/or MBMS clients. Existing protocols that are used are described in reference to relevant specifications. The present document is applicable to IP-based packet-switched networks over 3GPP systems. The present document includes information applicable to network operators, service providers and manufacturers.