ATSC 1.0 : Standards

This document describes a ghost canceling reference (GCR) signal for NTSC television signals.

Download A/49:1993, “Ghost Canceling Reference Signal for NTSC”, approved 13 May 1993. Reaffirmed by ATSC 10 December 2014.

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This document specifies the 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 standard. Typical applications of digital audio compression include satellite or terrestrial audio broadcasting, delivery of audio over metallic or optical cables, and storage of audio on magnetic, optical, semiconductor, or other storage media. Included as an annex, “Enhanced AC-3 Bit Stream Syntax” specifies syntax that offers additional coding tools and features.

Download A/52:2018, “Digital Audio Compression (AC-3) (E-AC-3) Standard”, approved 25 January 2018.

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The Digital Television Standard describes the system characteristics of the advanced television (ATV) system. The normative Parts of A/53 provide detailed specification of the parameters of the system, including the video encoder input scanning formats and preprocessing and compression parameters of the video encoder, the audio encoder input signal format and 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.

Download A/53, Part 1:2013, “Digital Television System”, approved 7 August 2013.

Download A/53, Part 2:2011, “RF/Transmission System Characteristics”, approved 15 December 2011.

Download A/53, Part 3:2023-02, “Service Multiplex and Transport Subsystem Characteristics”, published 15 February 2023. This document is a rollup of A/53, Part 3:2013, “Service Multiplex and Transport Subsystem Characteristics” (approved 7 August 2013) and A/53, Part 3:2013 Amendment No. 1, “AVC Signal Transport”, approved 15 February 2023.

Download A/53, Part 4:2009, “MPEG-2 Video System Characteristics”, approved 7 August 2009.

Download A/53, Part 5:2014, “AC-3 Audio System Characteristics:, approved 28 August 2014.

Download A/53, Part 6:2013, “Enhanced AC-3 Audio System Characteristics”, approved 7 August 2013.

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

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This document defines means 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.

Download A/57B:2008, “Content Identification and Labeling for ATSC Transport”, approved 26 May 2008.

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

Download A/63:1997, “Standard For Coding 25/50 Hz Video”, approved 2 May 1997.

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This document defines a standard for System Information (SI) and Program Guide (PG) data compatible with digital multiplex bit streams constructed in accordance with ISO/IEC 13818-1 (MPEG-2 Systems). The document defines the standard protocol for transmission of the relevant data tables contained within packets carried in the transport stream multiplex. The protocol defined herein is referred to as Program and System Information Protocol (PSIP).

Download A/65:2013, “Program and System Information Protocol for Terrestrial Broadcast and Cable”, approved 7 August 2013.

Note that a previous version of A/65 is referenced by the U.S. FCC. That document number is A/65C (2006) with Amendment No. 1. Download A/65C:2006, “Program and System Information Protocol for Terrestrial Broadcast and Cable (Revision C) with Amendment No. 1”, approved 2 January 2006. Amendment No. 1 approved 9 May 2006.

Virtual Channels From The Range 70-99 as Described in ATSC A/65, Annex B, Section 1, Item 9

This is a directory of major virtual channels from the range 70-99 as described in ATSC A65, Annex B, Section 1, Item 9. This directory information is provided as an informational service to the industry and is not a registration authority for these numbers. Managing the use and conflicts of these major virtual channel numbers in accordance with ATSC A65 and FCC regulations is the responsibility of the individual broadcasters and not the ATSC. Broadcasters that wish to include their channels in this directory may contact the ATSC, providing all the information in the table below.

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A/70 Part 1 defines the Conditional Access System for ATSC Terrestrial Broadcasting. The necessary building blocks are called out that will enable broadcasters to fully exploit the capabilities of digital broadcasting using ATSC. This standard is based, whenever possible, on existing open standards.

Download A/70 Part 1:2010, “Conditional Access System for Terrestrial Broadcast”, approved 30 November 2010.

A/70 Part 2 defines the method for utilizing Simulcrypt concepts to simultaneously encrypt (provide service protection) services with different service protection systems without transmitting multiple differently-encrypted copies of the services.

Download A/70 Part 2:2011, “Conditional Access System for Terrestrial Broadcast Service Protection using Simulcrypt for IP-Delivered Services”, approved 17 October 2011.

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This supplementary standard defines a general purpose method to enable announcement of the technical attributes of program elements that must be supported in a receiving device to render programming on a particular virtual channel. It is not a replacement for fully-defined and optimized combinations of program elements defined for a particular service type, such as those established by A/53 and A/97.

Download A/71:2012, “ATSC Parameterized Services Standard”, approved 3 December 2012.

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A/72 Part 1 describes the video coding constraints on ITU-T Rec. H.264 | ISO/IEC 14496-10 (“AVC”) video compression in the ATSC Digital Television System.

Download current version: A/72 Part 1:2023-04, “Video System Characteristics of AVC in the ATSC Digital Television System”, 25 April 2023.

Download A/72 Part 1:2015, “Video System Characteristics of AVC in the ATSC Digital Television System”, approved 19 May 2015.

Download A/72 Part 1:2015 Corrigendum No. 1, approved 25 April 2023.

A/72 Part 2 describes the transport of ITU-T Rec. H.264 | ISO/IEC 14496-10 (“AVC”) as constrained by ATSC A/72 Part 1 for the ATSC Digital Television System.

This document has been withdrawn. A copy can be requested by using the Submit Feedback/Comments link below.

A/72 Part 3 describes the video coding constraints on Annex H of ITU-T Rec. H.264 | ISO/IEC 14496-10 [10] (“MVC”) video compression and the transport of the MVC video streams for 3D-TV broadcast in the ATSC Digital Television System.

Download Current Version” A/72 Part 3:2023-08, “Video and Transport Subsystem Characteristics of MVC for 3D-TV Broadcast in the ATSC Digital Television System”, 14 August 2023.

Download A/72 Part 3:2014, “Video and Transport Subsystem Characteristics of MVC for 3D-TV Broadcast in the ATSC Digital Television System”, approved 1 July 2014.

Download A/72 Part 3:2014 Amendment No. 1, “A53-3”, approved 14 August 2023.

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This standard defines a method for communicating metadata related to PSIP (Program and System Information Protocol), including duplicate data that needs to be entered in other locations in the transport stream. Communication is based on a protocol utilizing XML message documents generated in accordance with a Programming Metadata Communication Protocol (PMCP) XML Schema defined herein.

Download A/76B:2008, “Programming Metadata Communication Protocol Standard”, approved 14 January 2008. Reaffirmed 9 February 2016.

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This document describes the emission system for ATSC Direct-to-Home (DTH) Satellite Broadcast System. This specification defines extensions to audio, video, transport, and PSIP subsystems as defined in ATSC Standards A/53 and A/65. The emission system defined in this document includes carriage of data broadcasting as defined in ATSC Standard A/90 without requiring extensions. Furthermore, transmission and conditional access subsystems are not defined, allowing service providers to use existing subsystems.

Download A/81:2003, “Direct-To-Home Satellite Broadcast Standard”, approved 30 July 2003.

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This document provides the necessary specifications to construct a Data Return Link (DRL) system for automatic transmitter control (ATPC) applications. This document further specifies the mechanisms necessary for basic identification and power control of TV Broadcast Auxiliary Service (BAS) transmitters, in either an automatic or manual mode. The initial, and default, operating mode is known as the “Beacon Mode.” An optional, lower-power operating mode, known as the “Transport Mode,” may be used if the RF environment permits. Both modes include the necessary mechanisms to permit the carriage of specialized private data (e.g., camera control information and operator communications) that is applicable to remote field production.

Download A/82:2008, “Automatic Transmitter Power Control (ATPC) Data Return Link (DRL) Standard”, approved 11 February 2008.

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The ATSC Data Broadcast Standard defines protocols for data transmission compatible with digital multiplex bit streams constructed in accordance with ISO/IEC 13818-1 (MPEG-2 Systems). The standard supports data services that are both TV program related and non-program related. Applications may include enhanced television, webcasting, and streaming video services. Data broadcasting receivers may include PCs, televisions, set-top boxes, or other devices. The standard provides mechanisms for download of data, delivery of datagrams, and streaming data.

Download A/90:2013, “ATSC Data Broadcast Standard”, approved 28 October 2013.

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This standard specifies the delivery of Internet Protocols (IP) Multicast sessions, the delivery of data for describing the characteristics of a session, and usage of the ATSC A/90 Data Broadcast Standard for IP Multicast. This document defines a standard for the asynchronous transmission of Internet Protocols (IP) specifically including multicast addressing compatible with the ATSC A/90 Data Broadcast Standard. This Standard assumes the use of Session Description Protocol (SDP) as an integral part of the IP Multicast-based Data Broadcast service.

Download A/92:2002, “Delivery Of IP Multicast Sessions Over Data Broadcast Standard”, approved 31 January 2002.

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This document defines a standard for the transmission of synchronized data elements, and synchronized and asynchronous events. It specifically enables the synchronized delivery of data modules through the decoupling of the timing from the delivery of the data element. It also enables the delivery of events to receivers, including application-defined events.

Download A/93:2002, “Synchronized/Asynchronous Trigger Standard”, approved 1 April 2002.

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This standard defines an Application Reference Model (ARM) including a binding of application environment facilities onto the ATSC Data Broadcast Standard, A/90. This standard includes a system-wide resource naming scheme, a state model, data models, and constraints and extensions to A/53, A/65, and A/90 to implement application environments.

Download A/94:2002, “ATSC Data Application Reference Model”, approved 16 August 2002.

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This document defines the ATSC Transport Stream File System (TSFS) standard for delivery of hierarchical name-spaces, directories and files. This standard builds on the data service delivery mechanism defined in the ATSC Data Broadcast Standard, A/90.

Download A/95:2003, “Transport Stream File System Standard”, approved 25 February 2003.

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This standard defines a core suite of protocols to enable remote interactivity in television environments. Remote interactivity requires the use of a two-way interaction channel that enables communications between the client device and remote servers. Examples of remote interactivity include E-commerce transactions during commercials, electronic banking, polling, email services, or other services yet to be defined.

Download A/96:2004, “ATSC Interaction Channel Protocols”, approved 3 February 2004.

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This document specifies a data service that may be used to download software to a terminal device using an MPEG-2 Transport Stream via an appropriate physical layer. This service may be used to effect updates or upgrades of firmware, operating system software, device driver software, native application software, middleware, and other types of software that reside in a terminal device. This document specifies standard announcement, signaling, and encapsulation for the delivery of this download data service. The content and format of the software download data is not defined by this Standard. The formats and interpretations of the software download payload are defined by each user of this Standard.

Download A/97:2004, “Software Download Data Service”, approved 16 November 2004.

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This document defines the method for transport of System Renewability Messages. A System Renewability Message (SRM) is a message issued by the administrator of a Content Protection System (CPS) that, when sent to devices that use that CPS, can revoke permission of certain devices or groups of devices to obtain content protected by that CPS. Different CPSs will each have their own SRMs to maintain the integrity of their systems; e.g., in the event that device keys are stolen and cloned. Annex A provides an insertion model for SRM distribution, and Annex B presents an informative overview of how System Renewability Messages are used.

Download A/98:2007, “System Renewability Message Transport”, approved 3 January 2007.

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This supplementary standard establishes how to transport certain data services that are sent by some broadcasters. These services may be sent over NTSC using lines in or near the Vertical Blanking Interval or in digital video using VANC. The method for encapsulating some of these services has been defined in SCTE 127.

Download A/99:2008, “Carriage Of Legacy TV Data Services”, approved 23 July 2008.

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The DASE-1 Standard defines a software layer (middleware) that allows programming content and applications to run on a so-called common receiver. Interactive and enhanced applications need access to common receiver features in a platform-independent manner. This environment provides enhanced and interactive content creators the specifications necessary to ensure that their applications and data will run uniformly on all brands and models of receivers. Manufacturers will thus be able to choose hardware platforms and operating systems for receivers, but provide the commonality necessary to support applications made by many content creators.

The DASE-1 standard is comprised of eight individual documents:

Download A/100-1, “Introduction, Architecture, and Common Facilities”, approved 9 March 2003.

Download A/100-2,”Declarative Applications Environment”, approved 9 March 2003.

Download A/100-3, “Procedural Applications and Environment”, approved 9 March 2003.

Download A/100-4, “Applications Programming Interface”, approved 9 March 2003.

Download A/100-5, “ZIP Archive Resource Format”, approved 9 March 2003.

Download A/100-6, “Security”, approved 9 March 2003.

Download A/100-7, “Application Delivery System – ARM Binding”, approved 9 March 2003.

Download A/100-8, “Conformance”, approved 9 March 2003.

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This Standard describes the ATSC Non-Real-Time Content Delivery system, hereafter referred to as the ATSC NRT system or simply NRT. The NRT system provides support for delivery of content in advance of use (i.e., not streaming content). These ATSC-NRT services are carried in DTV broadcast multiplexes. The presence of these services do not preclude or prevent operation of current ATSC services in the same RF channel or have any adverse impact on legacy receiving equipment.

Download A/103:2014, “Non-Real-Time Delivery”, approved 25 July 2014.

Schema files are located in the ATSC XML Schemas folder.

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The ATSC 3D-TV suite of standards is organized in a series of Parts based on deployment architecture.

A/104 Part 1 and its normative Parts provide detailed specification of the parameters of the 3D-TV system including the video encoder input scanning formats and characteristics of the service multiplex and transport layers.

Download A/104 Part 1:2014, “3D-TV Terrestrial Broadcasting, Part 1”, approved 4 August 2014.

A/104 Part 2 provides detailed specification of the parameters of the Service Compatible Hybrid-Coded 3D (SCHC) system, which is one particular case of the Service Compatible 3D-TV system using Real-time Delivery (SCRT). This specification includes the video encoder input scanning formats and the service multiplex and transport layer characteristics and normative specifications.

Download A/104 Part 2:2012, “Service Compatible Hybrid Coding Using Real Time Delivery”, approved 26 December 2012.

A/104 Part 3 provides detailed specification of the parameters of the Frame Compatible 3DTV system using Real-Time (FCRT) delivery and the Multi-Resolution Frame Compatible 3D-TV system using Real-Time (MFCRT) delivery, including the video encoder input scanning formats and the service multiplex and transport layer characteristics and normative specifications.

Download A/104 Part 3:2014, “3D-TV Terrestrial Broadcasting, Part 3 – Frame Compatible Stereo Coding Using Real-Time Delivery”, approved 27 June 2014.

A/104 Part 4 provides the detailed specification of the parameters of the Service Compatible Hybrid Delivery 3D using Broadband or ATSC NRT. This specification includes the video encoder input scanning formats, the service multiplex, the video synchronization, and the transport layer characteristics and the normative requirements.

Download A/104 Part 4:2015, “Service Compatible Hybrid Delivery 3D using Broadband or ATSC NRT”, approved 13 April 2015.

A/104 Part 5 provides detailed specification of the parameters of the Service Compatible 3D-TV using Main and Mobile Hybrid Delivery (SC-MMH), which is one particular case of the Service Compatible 3D-TV system using Real-time Delivery (SCRT). This specification includes the stereoscopic video formats, the service multiplex and transport layer characteristics, and normative/informative specifications.

Download A/104 Part 5:2015, “3D-TV Terrestrial Broadcasting, Part 5 – Service Compatible 3D-TV using Main and Mobile Hybrid Delivery”, approved 28 October 2015.

A/104 Part 6 provides detailed specification of the parameters of the Independent Coded 3D (IC3D) using real-time delivery This specification includes the video encoder input scanning formats, the service multiplex, transport layer characteristics, and normative specifications.

Download A/104 Part 6:2014, “3DTV Terrestrial Broadcasting, Part 6 – Independent Coded 3D Using Real-Time Delivery”, approved 22 August 2014.

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This standard describes the ATSC Interactive Services Standard (ISS). The Interactive Services system allows the broadcaster to connect broadcast programming with additional services related to that programming. Central to this system are Declarative Objects (DOs) providing the user’s interactive experience. Changes to the life-cycle state of Declarative Objects (for example to launch or kill a DO) can be initiated and changed by both broadcasters and viewers. The system provides for the extension of these services to second screens and provides for delivery of needed resources via the Internet path. (Note: There are no plans at this time to establish an external PDI Question Registry as anticipated in Section 8.7 and Annex E.)

Download A/105:2015, “Interactive Services Standard”, approved 29 October 2015.

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This document defines the security and service protection systems for ATSC 2.0 broadcasting. The necessary building blocks are called out that will enable broadcasters to fully exploit the capabilities of digital broadcasting using ATSC 2.0. This standard is based, whenever possible, on existing open standards.

Download A/106:2015, “ATSC Security and Service Protection Standard”, approved 28 September 2015.

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This document is a top-level specification of the ATSC 2.0 fixed-broadcast digital television services, which 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.

Download A/107:2015, “ATSC 2.0 Standard”, approved 15 June 2015.

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This document defines a standard for synchronization of multiple transmitters emitting trellis-coded 8-VSB signals in accordance with ATSC A/53 Part 2 and of both single and multiple transmitters emitting Mobile DTV signals in accordance with ATSC A/153 Part 2. The emitted signals from transmitters operated according to this standard comply fully with the requirements of both ATSC A/53 and A/153. This document specifies mechanisms necessary to transmit synchronization signals to the one or several transmitters using a dedicated PID value, including the formatting of packets associated with that PID value and without altering the signal format emitted from the transmitters. It also provides for adjustment of transmitter timing and other characteristics through additional information carried in the specified packet structure. Techniques are provided for cascading transmitters in networks of synchronous translators. In addition, it specifies an alternative method for transmitting synchronization signals to single transmitters operating according to A/153.

Download A/110:2011, “ATSC Standard for Transmitter Synchronization”, approved 8 April 2011.

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The ATSC Mobile DTV Standard defines the technical specifications necessary for broadcasters to provide new services to mobile and handheld devices using their digital television (DTV) transmissions. The new services for mobile and handheld devices are carried along with current DTV services without any adverse impact on legacy receiving equipment. ATSC Mobile DTV was developed to support a variety of services including free (advertiser-supported) television and interactive services delivered in real-time, subscription-based TV, and file-based content download for playback at a later time. The standard can also be used for transmission of new data broadcasting services.

Download A/153 Part 1:2013, “ATSC Mobile DTV System”, approved 11 March 2013.

Download A/153 Part 2:2011, “RF/Transmission System Characteristics”, approved 7 October 2011.

Download A/153 Part 3:2013, “Service Multiplex and Transport Subsystem Characteristics”, approved 29 October 2013.

Download A/153 Part 4:2009, “Announcement”, approved 15 October 2009.

Download A/153 Part 5:2009, “Application Framework”, approved 15 October 2009.

Download A/153 Part 6:2011, “Service Protection”, approved 23 May 2011.

Download A/153 Part 7:2012, “AVC and SVC Video System Characteristics”, approved 4 July 2012.

Download A/153 Part 8:2012, “HE AAC Audio System Characteristics” approved 18 December 2012.

Download A/153 Part 9:2013, “Scalable Full Channel Mobile Mode” approved 25 July 2013.

Download A/153 Part 10:2013, “Mobile Emergency Alert System”, approved 11 March 2013.

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