Next-Generation Broadcast Television: An Overview of Enabling Technology

Abstract

In July 2010, the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) established its Planning Team 2 (PT-2) to examine next-generation broadcast television (NGBT). This work was intended to assist ATSC in developing requirements and specifications that move beyond those currently in use, as well as those being considered under the ATSC 2.0 initiative. The scope of work included “exploration of potential technologies to be used to define a new/future terrestrial broadcast digital television standard that is not constrained by a requirement to be backwards compatible with ATSC or ATSC 2.0 devices. Analysis (is) to include assessment of the range of services that could be delivered with a new standard and consideration of potential time frames.” The goal was to explore technologies that are as far-reaching as possible while remaining within the realm of a conceivably viable implementation from today's vantage point. In September 2011, PT-2 completed its study and delivered its final report on relevant technologies investigated and suggested more detailed examination of some proposed technologies' readiness, along with the probing of certain contextual issues, as a basis for developing a viable next-generation platform for digital television (DTV) services. This paper presents an overview of candidate technologies, as they are currently identified and understood, that might comprise or contribute to a future ATSC broadcast television system. This target system is entitled “Next-Generation Broadcast Television” (NGBT), also referred to as “ATSC 3.0.”