The Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) has launched a certification program to ensure that broadcast equipment and consumer receiving devices comply with the new A/153 ATSC Mobile Digital Television (DTV) standard.
The program relies on self-certification by industry members and also includes provisions for expert reviewers, independent laboratory testing and verifications to help assure compliance. ATSC president Mark Richer said the policy would be available to all interested parties, whether or not they are ATSC members.
In cooperation with the Consumer Electronics Association, the ATSC has developed a certification logo to alert consumers to products that comply with the standard. CE manufacturers may use the mark in accordance with the ATSC’s Certification Mark Policy.
The ATSC Mobile DTV Standard, adopted in October, defines the technical specifications necessary for broadcasters to provide new services to mobile and handheld devices using their DTV transmissions.
Beginning with the CE Show in January, the Mobile DTV Certification Mark will be used on 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.
