/ 05.24.2010 12:00AM
ATSC Establishes 3DTV Group
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Two more will study future digital and ’Net-connected standards...
PENTAGON CITY, VA.: The Advanced Television Systems Committee is
delving into terrestrial 3DTV, Internet-connected broadcast technology and the
next-generation DTV standard. The ATSC, which establishes the technology
standards for U.S. broadcast television, held its annual meeting last week in
Pentagon City, where these latest initiatives were announced.
“As we continue our efforts on the development of standards for mobile DTV, non-real-time
applications and ATSC 2.0 activities, we must also lay the foundation for
future technologies and standards that will enable new capabilities and
services for the broadcast television industry,” said ATSC President Mark
Richer.
Three planning teams were appointed to explore the feasibility and market
requirements for 3DTV, broadcast Internet TV, and what lies ahead for
over-the-air digital content delivery.
The 3DTV team--PT-1--“will analyze and report on the likely benefits and
limitations of a standard for terrestrial broadcast delivery of 3DTV,” the ATSC
said. Craig Todd, chief technology officer for Dolby Laboratories will serve as
chairman.
The Next-Generation Broadcast Television team-PT-2--“will explore potential technologies
to be used to define a future terrestrial broadcast digital television
standard.” It will be chaired by Jim Kutzner, chief engineer of PBS.
The Internet Enhanced Television team--PT-3--“will consider the opportunities
brought about by Internet-connected broadcast receivers.” Rajan Mehta, director
of digital television standards and policy & strategy for NBC Universal
will chair PT-3.
“With the addition of these new planning teams, the ATSC and its members will
be well-positioned to address longer-term strategic goals while continuing our
strong focus on immediate industry requirements,” said Wayne C. Luplow,
chairman of the ATSC board of directors.
The standards defined by the ATSC work alongside those established by the
Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers. That group is also working
on a 3DTV Home Master standard for content producers. Completion is expected
this summer.
-- Deborah D. McAdams
See...
January 20, 2010, “3DTV Standards Face
Multiple Obstacles”
One candidate for efficient delivery of stereo images was a multivew coding
(MVC) extension to MPEG-4/H.264. However, little bandwidth is ultimately
preserved--high quality (40 dB) images carried 75 to 100 percent overhead;
those of medium quality (33 dB) carried 65 to 98 percent overhead.