ATSC Opens RFP For 3.0 Broadcast Core Network Technologies

The Advanced Television Systems Committee on Monday announced the release of a new Request for Proposals (RFP) for Broadcast Core Network technologies to enhance the ATSC 3.0 broadcast standard. The project is on a fast track, with initial responses of interest due by Dec. 31.

“ATSC members are the stewards of the ATSC 3.0 Platform, evolving and expanding the system’s capabilities over time. This new development will move the technology forward and unlock innovative business scenarios for the broadcast ecosystem,” said ATSC President Madeleine Noland.

ATSC is in the process of specifying standards for a Broadcast Core Network. ATSC envisions that the addition of core networking capabilities can be an integral part of the ATSC 3.0 broadcast system architecture. The aim is to facilitate efficient interconnect between broadcast towers to form one or more service networks, enabling new business opportunities that require efficient regional or national data delivery options.

Sourcing content from multiple data networks, a Broadcast Core Network holds potential to broaden the range of addressable use cases beyond those defined for linear television program delivery and extend the utility of the ATSC 3.0 broadcast facilities to untapped market areas, such as Broadcast (Virtual) Network Operator (BNO, BVNO), Regional or National Datacasting, enhanced Interactivity, and Data/Content Offload.

“We are excited to expand ATSC 3.0 options to include Core Networking,” said Luke Fay, chair of ATSC Technology Group 3 and senior manager technical standards at Sony Electronics. “This valuable addition to the ATSC 3.0 standard will enable broadcasters to coordinate data and content delivery across multiple markets. We look forward to specifying a state-of-the-art ATSC 3.0 extension with experts in the industry.”

“A high-performing Broadcast Core Network that provides services at scale will be essential to deliver on the promises of ATSC 3.0,” added Ali Dernaika, solution architect at HPE and co-chair of the ATSC Specialist Group drafting the new specification. “Following a 5G service-based architecture, the broadcast core network will streamline the efficiencies of spectrum usage and provide maximum flexibility to content delivery.”

Interested organizations may submit an intent-to-respond by Dec. 31. Details of the response requirements and schedule can be found in the RFP.