ATSC President’s Memo

Posted on March 1, 2012 in ATSC News

Play ball. Spring’s right around the corner, and it seems people everywhere are focused on America’s favorite pastime – television.  All of us involved in the ATSC are fortunate to be part of such a dynamic industry, one that’s such an important part of the fabric of our nation – informing, entertaining and delighting families from coast to coast.

Defining the future of television is what the ATSC is all about, and this issue of The Standard hits a home run, bringing that future into focus. We hope you enjoy learning more about progress on non-real-time and Internet-enhanced TV as well as our terrific seminar on ATSC 2.0 (covered here by TV TECHNOLOGY), while cheering the home team for the ATSC’s latest Emmy® Award.

Fans in the stands are starting to recognize our good work as well. A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to address an MPEG conference about the future of television.  I am pleased to report that we received positive feedback, both on our groundbreaking ATSC 3.0 plans and on the global initiative called “Future of Broadcast TV,” which the ATSC is co-leading with other standards organizations around the globe.

Your board of directors is focused on the future with a winning game plan. Consistent with our updated strategic plan, the board approved the ATSC’s aggressive 2012 operating plan and $996,000 budget. At its Feb. 22 meeting, the board also endorsed bylaws changes that, when approved by members, will establish ATSC Implementation Teams, which will bring together relevant players to help drive marketplace execution of ATSC standards and recommended practices.

While we’re still in the early innings of the year, 2012 is shaping up to be one of the biggest ever for the ATSC and its members. Please mark your calendar for the must-attend event of the year: the 2012 ATSC Annual Meeting, which will be held on May 8 in the Nation’s Capital. And, if you know companies that would benefit from ATSC membership – particularly as digital TV standards expand to reach new viewers – then let us know, because we’re always welcoming new recruits.

 Mark Richer

President, Advanced Television Systems Committee

Posted in ATSC News