The Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) has elevated its specification for mobile digital television to candidate standard status, setting the stage for the launch of mobile DTV services sometime in 2009, the organization said Dec. 1.
The standard, which spells out the technical capabilities needed for broadcasters to provide new mobile and handheld device services through their DTV transmissions, includes a robust transmission system based on vestigial sideband (VSB) modulation. It also includes a flexible, extensible IP-based transport, MPEG AVC (H.264) video and HE AAC v2 audio (ISO/IEC 14496-3) coding.
The standard provides an application framework for running software on receivers. Receivers using an optional Internet connection will provide viewers with an interactive TV experience. Additionally, the standard encompasses new data broadcasting services, such as real-time navigation data for use while driving.
The candidate standard stage of ATSC standards development is an explicit call for implementation and technical feedback.
The candidate standard consists of eight parts:
- Part 1 — Mobile/Handheld Digital Television System
- Part 2 — RF/Transmission System Characteristics
- Part 3 — Service Multiplex and Transport Subsystem Characteristics
- Part 4 — Announcement
- Part 5 — Presentation Framework
- Part 6 — Service Protection
- Part 7 — Video System Characteristics
- Part 8 — Audio System Characteristics
For more information, visit www.atsc.org.
