Quantifying LDM mobile TV service coverage spillover into fixed rooftop reception: Increased coverage overlap between U.S. service areas

Abstract

ATSC 3.0 is likely to be used to deliver service targeted to mobile receivers as well as service to fixed rooftop antennas, likely using Scalable Hierarchical Video Coding (SHVC) to minimize total bitrate, and Layered Division Multiplexing (LDM) to maximize mobile coverage. A Physical Layer Pipe (PLP) with robust coding optimized for reception by mobile receivers in an area comparable to a TV station's ATSC 1.0 coverage will be readily receivable by rooftop antennas over a much larger area than today's 15 dB coverage contour. In the U.S., this larger coverage area will give rise to increased overlap between same-network TV station affiliates. We calculate the extent of increased overlap among affiliates of the four largest networks (ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox) over the population of the continental U.S. and conservatively estimate that as much as 75% of the population will have access to at least one redundant network affiliate, and 60% will have over-the-air access to two affiliates or more for all four major networks. U.S. broadcasters rely increasingly on retransmission consent fees from Multichannel Video Program Distributors (MVPDs). When multiple independently-owned affiliates of the same network overlap an MVPD's subscriber footprint, the MVPD can pit them against each other in bargaining over retransmission consent fees. We use a case study based on the Pittsburgh local TV market area to describe the retransmission consent negotiation issues that may arise and the regulatory framework that today conditions these negotiations.