The Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) on the development of Conformance Test Suite Development and Conformity Assess.
ATSC President Mark Richer says he wants a quality experience for consumers with the new ATSC 3.0 standard and that means assuring interoperability between broadcast content and receivers. “The ATSC expects TV stations to begin testing in earnest in 2017, with early US market deployments in the first half of 2018. To help achieve the highest quality user experience and to assure interoperability, the ATSC and other industry groups have a keen interest in the development of test suites and tools,” Richer said.
The RFI is seeking input from industry experts in four areas of testing — Coding, Transmission & Reception; Data & Metadata; and Interactivity; and Security. Specifically, the RFI addresses test suites, test automation, version management, test result formats and administration. The RFI also focuses on program management, including policy and procedure development and third-party assessment plans, as well as implementation tools and experience.
Responses will help establish a framework for a conformity assessment program that will ultimately be administered through one or more industry organisations.
Current planning and technical work for ATSC 3.0 is focused on Internet Protocol-based service delivery and lays the foundation for 4K Ultra HD, targeted advertising, high dynamic range and mobile/portable reception.
