This document specifies coded representation of audio information and the decoding process, as well as information on the encoding process. The coded representation specified is suitable for use in digital audio transmission and storage applications, and may convey from 1 to 5 full bandwidth audio channels, along with a low-frequency enhancement channel. A wide range of encoded bit-rates is supported by this specification. Typical applications of digital audio compression are in satellite or terrestrial audio broadcasting, delivery of audio over metallic or optical cables, or storage of audio on magnetic, optical, semiconductor, or other storage media. Revision B added a new annex, “Enhanced AC-3 Bit Stream Syntax” which specifies an additional syntax that offers additional coding tools and features.

The Digital Television Standard describes the system characteristics of the advanced television (ATV) system. The document and its normative Parts provide detailed specification of the parameters of the system including the video encoder input scanning formats and the preprocessing and compression parameters of the video encoder, the audio encoder input signal format and the pre-processing and compression parameters of the audio encoder, the service multiplex and transport layer characteristics and normative specifications, and the VSB RF/Transmission subsystem.

• A/53, Part 1:2009, “Digital Television System”
• A/53, Part 2:2011, “RF/Transmission System Characteristics”
• A/53, Part 3:2009, “Service Multiplex and Transport Subsystem Characteristics”
• A/53, Part 4:2009, “MPEG-2 Video System Characteristics”
• A/53, Part 5:2010, “AC-3 Audio System Characteristics”
• A/53, Part 6:2010, “Enhanced AC-3 Audio System Characteristics”

A/53: ATSC Digital Television Standard, Parts 1-6, 2007. This integrated file provides A/53, Parts 1-6, as adopted by the Federal Communications Commission. Note: the version adopted by the FCC is not necessarily the current version of the Standard.

A Recommended Practice for the Digital Television Standard is also available.
A/54A: Guide to the Use of the ATSC Digital Television Standard
4 December 2003, Download PDF File

This guide provides tutorial information and an overview of the digital television system defined by ATSC Standard A/53, ATSC Digital Television Standard. In addition, recommendations are given for operating parameters for certain aspects of the DTV system.

This document defines mean to uniquely identify content (an audiovisual work). It specifies the use of an externally defined identifier, such as ISAN, and it defines an alternative house numbering system. This document also defines the semantics of the use of the MPEG-2 content labeling descriptor for labeling audiovisual content with these identifiers in the ATSC Transport.

This document describes the characteristics for the video subsystem of a digital television system operating at 25 Hz and 50 Hz frame rates.