/ 12.16.2009 12:00AM
ATSC Launches Certification for Mobile DTV Gear
WASHINGTON: The Advanced Television
Systems Committee today launched a certification program for broadcast
equipment and consumer receivers that comply with its mobile DTV standard, ATSC
M/H.
The ATSC M/H, adopted in October, defines the technical specifications
necessary for broadcasters to provide new services to mobile and handheld devices
using their DTV transmissions. In cooperation with the Consumer Electronics
Association, the ATSC has developed a certification mark for products that comply
with the standard. Manufacturers may use the mark in accordance with the ATSC’s
Certification Mark Policy, available online at www.atsc.org/policy_documents/.
ATSC Mobile DTV Certification Program relies primarily on self-certification by
industry members, said ATSC President Mark Richer. It also includes provisions
for expert reviewers, independent laboratory testing and verifications to help
assure compliance. The ATSC said “the policy will be administered in an open,
transparent, non-discriminatory manner, available to all interested parties,
whether or not they are ATSC members.”
The Mobile DTV Certification Mark is expected to be used in association with a
wide array of wireless receiving products including mobile phones, small
handheld DTVs, laptop computers, “dongles” and in-vehicle entertainment
systems, as well as professional broadcast equipment. Other items that may utilize
the mark include mobile DTV-related software, applications and accessories that
comply with the standard.