Section Meetings

The Atlanta Section was honored to welcome Richard Chernock, Chair of the ATSC Technology Group (TG3), to its podium on 16 January. The Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) is an international, non-profit organization developing voluntary standards for digital television. Founded in 1983 by the Consumer Electronics Association, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, National Association of Broadcasting, NCTA-The Internet & Television Association, and SMPTE, it focuses on terrestrial broadcasting. While Technology Group 1 (TG1) is concerned with maintaining the current system, TG3 is tasked with creating Version 3.0 for the future. ATSC 3.0 is designed to enhance the viewing experience by improving the quality and the efficiency of spectrum usage, providing a more robust system of signal delivery, creating an extensible platform allowing for future growth, and adding new services, which offer the potential for fresh business models. The approach taken by TG3 was to create a “layered” model—where each layer directly addresses a specific aspect of the process. Each of the layers has one or more subgroups focused on optimizing processes for maximum opportunity and future growth. TG3/S31 is a specialist group for System Requirements and Program Management. By examining use cases, this group develops the framework for the other specialist groups. TG3/S32 is a subgroup creating the physical layer and deals with modulation and transmission. TG3/S33 is tasked with Management and Protocols. There are two protocol stacks: Broadcast and Broadband. Both are tied to IP streaming technology and allow integration of essence from disparate internet streams. TG3/S34 is a specialist group on Applications and Presentation and deals with subjects such as high dynamic range, wide color gamut, high frame rates, extended spatial definition, and the Electronic Service Guide. TG3/S35 is the ATSC 3.0 Ecosystem group and assesses the relation between ATSC and the environment, dealing with such issues as closed captioning, interactivity, emergency alerting, and visual and auditory impairment support. TG3/S36 is Security and has digital rights management, pay-per-view opportunities, and subscription services within its dossier. TG3/S37 is focused on the issues involved with conversion and redistribution. Thanks to Sterling Davis, consultant to Cox Media Group and ATSC 3.0 committee member for coordinating this meeting.

Print ISSN

1545-0279

Electronic ISSN

2160-2492

Published

2017-03

Content type

Opinion

DOI

10.5594/JMI.2017.2661458