Enhanced Services Ballot Update

Posted on March 3, 2015 in ATSC News

Work is nearing completion on two major ATSC projects – the standards to enable new interactivity functions and the standards for three-dimensional broadcasting.

The last two ingredients in the suite of standards guiding 3D TV broadcasting are taking the next steps forward.  The 3D suite includes six parts, two of which are open for consideration:

First, Candidate Standard A/104 Part 4 is currently being balloted by TG1 for elevation to Proposed Standard.  Part 4 provides the detailed specification of the parameters of the Service Compatible Hybrid Delivery 3D using Broadband or Non-Real-Time transmissions. This specification includes the video encoder input scanning formats, the service multiplex, the video synchronization, and the transport layer characteristics and the normative requirements. The TG1 ballot on A/104 Part 4 closes on March 3.

Secondly, a revision of A/104 Part 5 has been developed that would add support for Video Enhancement Information (VEI).  This document has been approved by TG1 for ballot as a Candidate Standard. That ballot will be issued soon.

In addition, a suite of interactive TV standards – sometimes referred to as “ATSC 2.0” – is moving toward completion.

ATSC 2.0 is designed to offer options for Non-Real-Time Transmission, Advanced A/V Compression, Enhanced Service Guides, Audience Measurement Tools, Conditional Access, and Interactive Capability.

The A/105 “Interactive Services Standard” and A/106 “Security and Service Protection Standard” are both moving toward TG1 ballots as Proposed Standards, with final details being worked out in their respective specialist groups.

Additionally, Candidate Standard A/107 is currently being balloted as a Proposed Standard.  A/107 provides a top-level specification of the ATSC 2.0 fixed-broadcast digital television services to augment the digital television services defined in ATSC A/53.   As a top-level document, this standard references other ATSC standards as well as standards developed by other organizations. The ballot on A/107 closes on March 24.

Posted in ATSC News