It shouldn't be surprising some broadcasters are having trouble setting up their PSIP and ATSC streams and verifying that they are configured correctly. The ATSC standards, while complete, are not always easy to follow, especially when determining what is an acceptable value for an entry in one of the many PSIP tables and how it relates to entries in other tables. Fortunately, equipment and software is now available to make this task easier (see my next RF Technology column in TV Technology magazine). Triveni Digital, one of the major manufacturers of products for ATSC PSIP, stream analysis and monitoring, is touring the country presenting a half-day seminar series. The first seminar is titled "PSIP and MPEG Compliance in Practice" and features hands-on sessions with PSIP generators, multiplexers and stream analyzers.
One of the problems station engineers encounter in modifying PSIP settings is the risk they will cause DTV sets to drop their signal. This course should give engineers a chance to try equipment settings and see the results in a safe environment. It is now an FCC requirement that stations transmit complete PSIP information and the "plug and play" agreement between the cable and consumer electronics industry requires cable systems carry a substantial subset of the PSIP tables if present in the off-air stream.
Attendees who complete the "PSIP and MPEG Compliance in Practice" seminar will receive a certificate. The certificate may be considered for recertification credits from the Society of Broadcast Engineers.
The first seminar was held last Thursday in Philadelphia. One is scheduled this Tuesday for Atlanta, followed by these seminars:
- Orlando, May 19
- Chicago, May 24
- Columbus, May 26
- St. Louis, June 7
- Denver, June 9
- Dallas, June 14
- Houston, June 16
- Boston, June 21
- Portland, Ore., June 23
- San Francisco, June 28
- Los Angeles, June 30
For information on course times, locations and a list of topics covered, see www.trivenidigital.com and the seminar Web page. Reservations are not required.
