ATSC 3.0 / NextGenTV

What is ATSC 3.0?

ATSC 3.0 (also known as NextGen TV) is a digital terrestrial broadcasting standard that offers improved flexibility, stability, and efficiency compared to its predecessor. It allows for the transmission of UHD video and high-quality audio content with minimal resources. The standard utilizes advanced technologies such as COFDM, LDPC and BCH codes, and Multiple PLP, enabling efficient use of spectrum resources, robust signal transmission, and flexible channel usage.

DTV+: Elevating the ATSC 3.0 experience

To truly maximize the capabilities of NextGen TV, Rohde & Schwarz employs DTV+ (Digital Television Plus), a suite of advanced features and transmission mechanisms layered on top of the standard ATSC 3.0 signal to enhance capacity, coverage, and service diversity. To specifically address the challenges of spectrum scarcity and the increasing demand for mobile robustness, three core technologies form the pillar of our DTV+ solutions.

• LDM (Layered Division Multiplexing): Utilizing a layered broadcast architecture to provide maximum power. It allows the simultaneous transmission of a robust layer (for mobile/indoor) and a high-capacity layer (for UHD) within a single channel.
• MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output): Optimizing network performance through spatial multiplexing. This technology increases data throughput and signal reliability, especially in challenging urban environments.
• TXID (Transmitter ID): A unique identifier for every transmitter that ensures operational transparency, simplified troubleshooting, and verifiable signal origin for emergency alerts.

ATSC 3.0 benefits and possibilities

ATSC 3.0 offers a wide range of benefits and possibilities, from enhanced broadcasting services to new revenue streams. By merging traditional broadcasting with IP-based delivery, this standard serves as the backbone for a resilient, data-driven ecosystem that goes far beyond simple television. To truly maximize this broadcasting potential, Rohde & Schwarz combines the ATSC 3.0 foundation with DTV+ enhancements, enabling broadcasters to achieve a new level of performance and operational flexibility.

• Unrivaled efficiency with LDM and MIMO: LDM allows a single channel to do the work of two—delivering a robust mobile layer alongside a high-capacity UHD layer. Combined with MIMO, this significantly boosts data throughput and signal reliability in challenging urban environments.
• New revenue streams: The transition to an IP-centric model opens doors for datacasting, targeted advertising, and IoT services. DTV+ provides the technical reliability required to monetize these data-intensive applications effectively.
• Network transparency with TXID: Transmitter Identification (TXID) ensures immediate operational clarity. It allows for precise interference management, simplified troubleshooting in Single Frequency Networks (SFN), and verifiable signal origin for regulatory compliance.
• Enhanced public safety: In critical situations, the robust layer of LDM ensures that emergency alerts reach the population even when cellular networks are overloaded. This reinforces the broadcast network’s role as a vital, independent infrastructure.

Rohde & Schwarz expert solutions for a seamless transition

Rohde & Schwarz is well-equipped to support an ATSC 3.0 rollout. Our products and services are designed to ensure a seamless transition to the new standard.

We empower broadcast network operators through a comprehensive ecosystem of robust solutions. At the heart of our offering is a software-based exciter platform that provides unparalleled flexibility for broadcast transmission. We complement this technology with expert system integration and detailed network planning throughout the entire lifecycle to ensure optimal performance. Our future-proof infrastructure natively supports advanced DTV+ features like LDM, MIMO, and TXID, enabling broadcasters to unlock the full potential of ATSC 3.0 while maintaining a reliable and scalable network.