WASHINGTON – The Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) has approved a new standard for a backwards-compatible enhancement to digital TV broadcasting that provides a framework for the delivery of a range of new services.
The new ATSC NRT (non-real-time) standard, designated as A/103, will allow broadcasters to deliver file-based content which could include programs and clips, information for emergency alerts, and even commercial applications such as digital signage. It will also support terrestrial transmission to both fixed location and mobile DTV receivers designed to make use of the new flexibility.
NRT is the delivery of content in advance of consumption, so when the viewer wants to view the content, it’s already available. Many TV programs do not require live transmissions and immediate viewing, and could therefore be transmitted and downloaded overnight and presented when the viewer wants to see them.
Anticipated applications for NRT services include push video-on-demand (with content ranging from short-form video clips to feature length movies); news, information and weather services; personalized TV channels; music distribution; and reference information on a range of topics.
“Standardized transmission of NRT services allows broadcasters to continue to capitalize on a unique advantage – the wireless delivery of localized content to devices”, said ATSC president Mark Richer, in the announcement. “The development of complete end-to-end standards to enable NRT service delivery is expected to be a critical part of the future of broadcasting.”
