Samsung and Rohde & Schwarz will submit their mobile broadcasting...

The Samsung-Rohde & Schwarz system is based on the companies’ A-VSB technology, already submitted for standardization at ATSC for transmission to fixed receivers. At broadcasters’ urging, ATSC set an ambitious standardization timetable. Proposal overviews are due June 21, detailed proposal descriptions July 6. Broadcasters want a solution before Feb. 2009, when their analog transmissions end, freeing spectrum in the 700 MHz band that could be used to offer mobile video services, Godfrey said: “Mobile TV is a pretty logical use for that spectrum. If the broadcasters don’t already have their own service up and running, then their window of opportunity will start closing quickly.” ATSC’s request for proposals (RFP) calls for a technology that handles realtime broadcast, non- realtime transmission, video resolution up to 480p for in-car screens and up to 352x288 at variable frame rate for handheld devices. It also calls for stereo audio, advanced encoding, messaging and use of on-channel repeaters and distributed transmission. Above all, it must be backward compatible with existing receivers, meaning it can’t break them or interfere with HD or SD ATSC broadcasts. Ideally, the technology would incorporate datacasting, use of conditional access and digital rights management, and interactive features through the Advanced Common Application Platform or the Open Cable Application Platform. Samsung engineers will work all month to weave some of those features into A-VSB technology, Godfrey said: “We really like our chances. We like our head start… We think that’s what makes the project possible to complete on this timeline.”