ATSC Launches Initiatives for Next-Gen Digital Technologies

Two new implementation teams will work on the adoption of the new ATSC 2.0 and Mobile Emergency Alert standards

By George Winslow -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/22/2013 7:45:12 PM

As part of an effort to help with the adoption of new digital technologies, the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) has formed what it is calling "Implementation Teams" that will work on the adoption of two upcoming standards -- ATSC 2.0 and the Mobile Emergency Alert System (M-EAS).

The two teams will be composed of representatives from companies developing enhancements to digital TV broadcast standards. They will work on market studies, prototype development, simulations, demonstrations, interoperability testing, field trials, compliance, certification, branding, marketing and other areas designed to help broadcasters adopt next generation digital technologies, the ATSC reports.

In a statement, ATSC president Mark Richer called the effort "a significant step in the move to expand the capabilities of ATSC broadcast TV. We want to keep the ATSC standard relevant and up-to-date for broadcasters and consumer device manufacturers. The introduction of Implementation Teams for both ATSC 2.0 and M-EAS underscores our progress and will help drive next-generation technologies toward marketplace introduction."

ATSC is a backwards-compatible standard that is expected to become a Candidate Standard in the second quarter of 2013.

It will include a number of new capabilities, including Internet-related features, advanced video coding, conditional access and enhanced service guides for TV broadcasters.

ATSC 2.0 also will include features from the recently approved ATSC A/103 "Non-Real-Time" (NRT) standard that allow broadcasters to deliver file-based content, including programs and clips to devices that viewers can later watch.

"The ATSC 2.0 Implementation Team provides a venue for industry discussions of issues related to commercialization of the emerging ATSC 2.0 Standard," Richer added. This team might also "address business and operational requirements for the successful roll-out of ATSC 2.0, which is nearing final standardization."

David Siegler of Cox Media will serve as chairman of the ATSC 2.0 Implementation Team.

Mobile-EAS, which is expected to become a standard in the first quarter of 2013, will allow broadcasters to send rich-media alerts to Mobile DTV-equipped devices.

Jay Adrick of Harris Corporation will serve as chairman of the M-EAS Implementation Team.