Understanding ATSC 3.0’s Impact on Broadcast Efficiency
The ATSC 3.0 broadcast standard is making waves in the industry by establishing a new benchmark for efficient data delivery. A recent study from ONE Media Technologies, a subsidiary of Sinclair Inc., provides insights into how this innovative digital television standard can enhance the overall broadcast landscape.
ATSC 3.0 is designed to broadcast native IP streams instead of traditional video streams, allowing it to leverage recent advancements in IP technology. This shift opens up new avenues for innovation, particularly in the context of the internet of things (IoT) and other revenue-generating features that have been discussed by industry leaders.
The findings of the study, titled ATSC 3.0: Efficient, Scalable, Sustainable Wireless Capacity, indicate significant energy efficiency improvements. Initial implementations in countries like South Korea and the United States demonstrated a remarkable fivefold increase in video delivery efficiency. Further advancements are expected to yield even greater efficiencies, according to ATSC.
One interesting development highlighted in the report is Brazil’s decision to adopt the ATSC 3.0 standard. This move is anticipated to enhance video delivery efficiency compared to the country’s existing broadcast systems, showcasing the global reach and importance of this new standard.
Moreover, the report emphasizes the adaptability of ATSC 3.0. Rather than competing with existing IP-native systems, it is designed to evolve alongside them, particularly through hybrid systems that combine telecom, terrestrial broadcast, and satellite technologies. Madeleine Noland, President of ATSC, pointed out that efficiently utilizing spectrum is crucial, stating, “It makes sense to dynamically move content between networks according to usage patterns.”
Mark Aitken, Senior Vice President of Sinclair Broadcast Group and President of ONE Media, further elaborated on the transformative nature of ATSC 3.0. He noted that this standard is not just an upgrade for television; it serves as a robust foundation for scalable, resilient, and spectrum-efficient wireless delivery on a global scale. ATSC 3.0 transforms a broadcast station’s output from a singular TV signal into a versatile digital channel capable of delivering multiple customized streams for entertainment, information, and commercial data services.
For those interested in the technical details, the full report is available here. This document is a valuable resource for understanding the future landscape of broadcasting and how technology continues to shape the industry, including aspects of wireless delivery.