ATSC Chairman’s Memo

Posted on May 1, 2014 in ATSC News

The whirlwind of the NAB Show 2014 has come and gone, and thanks to the hard work and dedication of the ATSC and our members, the landscape has changed.

Prior to NAB, our technical standards efforts often seemed overshadowed by broadcasting policy issues and business considerations.  But at NAB 2014, it became crystal clear that ATSC 3.0 will be a crucial development for the future of broadcasting. That message was reinforced in every aspect of the show – in informative technical papers, compelling technology demonstrations and countless industry meetings.

Watershed Moment

Spotlighted onstage by both FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler and NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith, ATSC 3.0 next-gen broadcasting has reached a watershed moment.  It is now broadly acknowledged that ATSC 3.0 is on the path to inevitability. Even some of the industry’s naysayers are starting to embrace the vision that this technology evolution is a necessity.

Broadcasters are seeing ATSC 3.0 as significant step forward with the promise of delivering new levels of quality and flexibility, new features and services for a significantly enhanced viewer experience.  Broadcasting executives are excited to see that this is not “technology for technology’s sake,” but a powerful enabler of new business opportunities for decades to come.

This issue of THE STANDARD includes a sweeping interview with ATSC President Mark Richer amplifying these perspectives following the NAB show. We also pay tribute to the late Bernie Lechner, a dear friend, mentor, supporter and colleague who passed away last month, and update our members on pending Technology Group ballots.

Today, Tomorrow & Beyond

I am very proud of the ATSC’s important role in driving the industry’s sea change for a future filled with new possibilities. You’ll hear a lot more at the May 7 ATSC Boot Camp and May 8 ATSC Broadcast Television Conference – Today, Tomorrow & Beyond.  I look forward to seeing members and prospective members at these events in Washington. If you haven’t yet registered, it’s not too late. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

This is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity (well, maybe the second time around for those of us who also had the privilege to work on the original HDTV standard) to shape the future of our industry. Now is the time to get actively involved. We have made great progress, but there are many critical decisions ahead of us, so your business and technical insights can contribute to shaping the future of broadcasting.

ATSC Board Chairman Glenn Reitmeier

NBC Universal

Posted in ATSC News