ATSC INVITES PHYSICAL LAYER PROPOSALS FOR ATSC 3.0

Posted on April 4, 2013 in ATSC News

With higher capacity to deliver Ultra-High-Definition services, robust reception on mobile devices and improved spectrum efficiency, television broadcasting will continue to advance into the future with our new standard known as “ATSC 3.0.”

The ATSC has announced a call for proposals for the “physical layer” of this next-generation broadcast TV standard that in the years ahead could replace the current digital broadcasting systems used in the United States and around the world.  The physical layer is the core transmission system that is the basis for any over-the-air broadcast system.

ATSC Chairman Glenn Reitmeier, of NBC Universal, says, “The ATSC 3.0 effort is a crucial time for broadcasters, professional equipment manufacturers, consumer device manufacturers and all stakeholders to collaborate and create the future capabilities of over-the-air broadcasting.”

The overall ATSC 3.0 project, starting with the physical layer proposals, will include an assessment of technical requirements, investigation of possible solutions, and development of the middle and upper layers to provide a complete technical standard for broadcast.  Wherever practical, the new ATSC 3.0 standard will use and reference existing standards that are found to be effective and successful solutions to meet the requirements.

Initial responses to the call for proposals are due on Aug. 23, 2013.  Detailed technical descriptions of proposals are due on Sept. 27, 2013.  Details on the ATSC 3.0 Call for Proposals can be found on the atsc.org website.

Technology continues to advance and the ATSC is always looking to the horizon.  Internet technology now permeates the consumer experience, and mobility has become a requirement.  As we look forward to next-generation television standards, we want to take advantage of advances in compression and transmission technologies that will keep millions of people informed and entertained through broadcasting’s inherently efficient one-to-many architecture.

While work is already underway to enhance the existing ATSC TV system with Internet compatibility and caching capability for storing programs (a backwards compatible suite of enhancements dubbed the “ATSC 2.0” standard), the future needs of viewers and broadcasters will be the focus of the “ATSC 3.0” initiative, Richer explained.  The ATSC 3.0 Technology Group (TG3) will develop the Standards and Recommended Practices for the next-generation digital terrestrial TV broadcasting system.

The focus of the call for proposals is on the ATSC 3.0 physical layer technologies to define the modulation and error coding technologies that will provide a foundation for the next terrestrial broadcast system.

A primary goal of the ATSC 3.0 physical layer is to provide TV service to both fixed and mobile devices.  Multiple types of TV receivers, including fixed devices (such as traditional living room and bedroom TV sets), handheld devices, vehicular screens and portable receivers will be considered in the work on ATSC 3.0.  Spectrum efficiency and robust service will be key areas of evaluation.  Increased data rates to support new services such as Ultra-High-Definition services will be considered.

 Robustness of service for devices operating within the ATSC 3.0 service area should exceed that of current ATSC systems and that of cell phone and other wireless devices.  Consideration will be given to technologies and proposals that enable a smooth transition from existing systems for both broadcasters and consumer.

Posted in ATSC News