Crispin and LINX Electronics have partnered to create an automated real-time DTV PSIP solution. The solution mates Crispin’s dynamic PSIP updating interface to LINX Electronics software, TVLINX, and traffic software.
The technology is currently being used at Liberty’s WAVE-DT, Louisville, KY; WTOL-DT, Toledo, OH; and WIS-DT, Columbia, SC.
“The major obstacle that has delayed PSIP implementation by broadcasters was prior PSIP systems' dependence on manual entry of PSIP data or the use of data from listing services,” said Steve Smith, Liberty’s vice president of engineering and technology. “TVLINX PSIP integrated with Crispin automation provides real-time up-to-the-second PSIP based on actual on-air events at master control.”
WAVE and WIS use Wide Orbit’s traffic system to generate the schedule complete with individual program title and details. The air schedule is loaded into Crispin’s RapidPlayX 2000 daily and automatically sent to the Crispin Device Server for execution. Once the schedule is loaded into the Crispin system and the operator places an event to air, a schedule consisting of current airing program and future airing program information will be sent to the LINX system.
Each time a new program is played to air, Crispin sends an updated schedule to the LINX system with all future program information. The LINX system will process the information and control the necessary PSIP equipment as needed.
Accurate PSIP is a critical link between broadcasters and consumers, the companies said. PSIP interoperability between DTV encoders, automation systems, traffic systems and listing services is standardized by the new interface communications protocol of the ATSC Candidate Standard CS/75, Programming Metadata Communications Protocol (PMCP).
This protocol defines the system information and program guide data necessary for correct operation of DTV receivers. It is used to convey information such as program schedules and guides, virtual channel maps, closed captioning, and program ratings to consumer DTV receivers. At the same time, PSIP helps the broadcaster preserve brand identity and promote available programming.
For more information, visit: www.crispincorp.com and www.LINXelectronics.com.
