WASHINGTON: The Advanced Television Systems Committee today launched a certification program for broadcast equipment and consumer receivers that comply with its mobile DTV standard, ATSC M/H.
The ATSC M/H, adopted in October, defines the technical specifications necessary for broadcasters to provide new services to mobile and handheld devices using their DTV transmissions. In cooperation with the Consumer Electronics Association, the ATSC has developed a certification mark for products that comply with the standard. Manufacturers may use the mark in accordance with the ATSC’s Certification Mark Policy, available online at www.atsc.org/policy_documents/.
ATSC Mobile DTV Certification Program relies primarily on self-certification by industry members, said ATSC President Mark Richer. It also includes provisions for expert reviewers, independent laboratory testing and verifications to help assure compliance. The ATSC said “the policy will be administered in an open, transparent, non-discriminatory manner, available to all interested parties, whether or not they are ATSC members.”
The Mobile DTV Certification Mark is expected to be used in association with a wide array of wireless receiving products including mobile phones, small handheld DTVs, laptop computers, “dongles” and in-vehicle entertainment systems, as well as professional broadcast equipment. Other items that may utilize the mark include mobile DTV-related software, applications and accessories that comply with the standard.
