WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FCC has adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on proposed technical rule changes to facilitate the use of the next generation television broadcast standard, also known as ATSC 3.0.
The proposed rules would permit greater flexibility for broadcasters to use distributed transmission systems (DTS) as they deploy ATSC 3.0 in their networks.
DTS employs two or more transmission sites located around a station’s service area, each using the same RF channel and synchronized to manage self-interference.
According to the Commission, DTS can permit broadcast signals to serve hard-to-reach viewers, improve indoor and mobile reception, and more efficiently use TV spectrum.
America’s Public Television Stations (APTS) and the NAB in October 2019 jointly petitioned the Commission to change its DTS rules.
In November 2017, the FCC authorized broadcast TV stations to use the ATSC 3.0 transmission standard. By the end of this year, it is anticipated that broadcasters will begin commercial service using ATSC 3.0 in the 40 largest markets and manufacturers will roll out 20 TV models supporting this standard.
The ATSC 3.0 standard could enable broadcasters to provide consumers with such promises as more vivid pictures and sound, including Ultra High Definition television and superior reception, mobile viewing capabilities, advanced emergency alerts, better accessibility features, localized content, and interactive educational children’s content.
The transition from ATSC 1.0 to 3.0 is a voluntary, market-driven transition by TV stations, all of which will also continue to broadcast using the current ATSC 1.0 standard.
With the NPRM’s adoption, the Commission formally seeks comment on whether and how to permit DTS signals to spill over beyond a station’s authorized service area by more than the “minimal amount” currently allowed. The FCC also seeks comment on potential impacts to other spectrum users, such as TV translators and low-power TV stations, and whether to modify the DTS rules as they relate to Class A and LPTV licensees. Lastly, the agency invites comment on whether and to what extent the proposed changes are also appropriate for stations broadcasting in ATSC 1.0.
The NAB and APTS issued a joint statement commending the FCC for its adoption of the NPRM.
“These SFNs could improve service throughout a station’s coverage area and, in particular, near the edge of the coverage area,” NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith said. “SFNs could also improve mobile reception and allow more efficient use of broadcast spectrum. FCC staff is to be commended for moving this item quickly.”
APTS President/CEO Patrick Butler called the NPRM “a welcome endorsement of changes in the current rules that will allow broadcast television stations to unlock the benefits of NEXTGEN TV through DTS operations that better serve their viewers while preserving their commitment to localism and avoiding interference issues.”
The NPRM was unanimously approved ahead of a virtual March Open Meeting conducted Tuesday morning by the Commissioners.
It is officially “MB Docket No. 20-74; GN Docket No. 16-142.”
