Q&A with Kurleigh Prescod, Executive Officer Technology & Engineering at Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago

Posted on February 3, 2023 in ATSC News

1. Why did you select ATSC 3.0 for your next-generation broadcast standard?
ATSC 3.0 was proposed by the Free-to-air (FTA) Television broadcast industry by consensus and accepted by the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (the Authority), given its technical superiority to alternative Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) standards, including its ability to support up to UHD resolution and extend to 8K, multiple transmission profiles and single frequency networks, all of which will promote spectral efficiency. Its adoption also aligns with the Authority’s principle to promote regional harmonization, since another country in the Caribbean, Jamaica, has also adopted ATSC 3.0 as its next-generation broadcast standard.

2. Tell us about the current situation in Trinidad and Tobago, from a broadcasting standpoint and how will that change with the decision to broadcast in ATSC 3.0?
Currently, there are four FTA TV broadcasters transmitting in analogue format, consuming three spectrum channels per station to obtain national coverage. With the decision to broadcast in ATSC 3.0, the Authority anticipates (1) an improvement in broadcast quality as transmissions can be expected in HD and even 4K quality, (2) reduction in spectrum use using single frequency networks, and (3) the introduction of advanced broadcast services such as datacasting and education content delivery.

3. There are many benefits to ATSC 3.0, but what do you think people in your country will find most compelling?
There are indeed many benefits. At this initial stage, I think most people will find the improvement in quality as the most valuable attribute, with additional features such as the presence of an Electronic Programming Guide and the ability to receive free-to-air content on demand also being seen as a welcome upgrade for the broadcast industry.

Posted in ATSC News