Roadmap to the DTV Program and System Information
Protocol
The Program and System Information Protocol (PSIP)
is the glue that holds the digital television (DTV) signal together.
PSIP is an important standard of the Advanced Television Systems
Committee (ATSC), implementation of which is required by the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) for broadcasters in the U.S.
For Your Information:
Although proper implementation of PSIP at the television
station level is not particularly complex, neither is it always
straightforward. The intent of this Web site is to explain the operator-oriented
elements of PSIP and to provide practical examples of typical station
operation, as well as to provide guidelines for designers of PSIP-related
hardware and software to optimize user interface information for
such equipment.
A wide variety of resourcs are available to help all
segments of the DTV industry properly implement PSIP. Please consider
the following:
Top Reasons for Using PSIP
PSIP Informational Documents
The PSIP Standard
ATSC Standard A/65C:
Program and System Information Protocol for Terrestrial Broadcast
and Cable, Rev. C with Amendment No. 1
2 January 2005, Download
PDF File
This document defines a standard for System Information (SI) and
Program Guide (PG) data compatible with digital multiplex bit streams
constructed in accordance with ISO/IEC 13818-1 (MPEG-2 Systems).
The document defines the standard protocol for transmission of the
relevant data tables contained within packets carried in the transport
stream multiplex. The protocol defined herein is referred to as
Program and System Information Protocol (PSIP).
ATSC Recommended Practice A/69:
Program and System Information Protocol Implementation Guidelines
for Broadcasters
25 June 2002, Download
PDF File
This document provides a set of guidelines for the use and implementation
of the ATSC Program and System Information Protocol. The information
contained herein applies to broadcasters, network operators, infrastructure
manufacturers, and receiver manufacturers.
About the ATSC
The Advanced Television Systems Committee, Inc., is
an international, non-profit organization developing voluntary standards
for digital television. The ATSC member organizations represent
the broadcast, broadcast equipment, motion picture, consumer electronics,
computer, cable, satellite, and semiconductor industries. Specifically,
ATSC is working to coordinate television standards among different
communications media focusing on digital television, interactive
systems, and broadband multimedia communications. ATSC is also developing
digital television implementation strategies and presenting educational
seminars on the ATSC standards.
ATSC was formed in 1982 by the member organizations
of the Joint Committee on InterSociety Coordination (JCIC): the
Electronic Industries Association (EIA), the Institute of Electrical
and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), the National Association of Broadcasters
(NAB), the National Cable Television Association (NCTA), and the
Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE). Currently,
there are approximately 160 members representing the broadcast,
broadcast equipment, motion picture, consumer electronics, computer,
cable, satellite, and semiconductor industries.
ATSC Digital TV Standards include digital high definition
television (HDTV), standard definition television (SDTV), data broadcasting,
multichannel surround-sound audio, and satellite direct-to-home
broadcasting.
Document Formats
ATSC documents are available in the Adobe Acrobat
(PDF) format. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you may download
a free reader from Adobe.
Return to top of page |