Getting the Most out of ATSC 3.0

  • NEXTGEN Incident Response Communication System – Using ATSC 3.0  - $15

    Date: March 21, 2025
    Topics: ,

    This paper provides a timely description of a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) research project investigating the use of a mobile ATSC 3.0 datacasting station to help support wildland fire management operations. We will discuss a proposed innovation called the NextGen Incident Response Communication System (NIRCS). NIRCS is a rapidly deployable, mobile, long-range broadcast communications system using ATSC 3.0 technology – the digital terrestrial broadcast system built on the internet protocol (IP) – to enable one-way datacasting of IP-compatible data, including ultra-high-definition video, high-fidelity audio, and other types of data packets (e.g., aircraft position messages).

    Fred Engel | Device Solutions Inc. | Morrisville, N.C., United States
    Tim Bagnall | Mosaic ATM | Leesburg, Va., United States
    Mark Corl | Triveni Digital | Princeton, N.J., United States
    Chris Pandich, Don Smith | PBS North Carolina | Research Triangle Park, N.C., United States
    Jim Stenberg | Over The Air Consulting, LLC | Portland, Maine, United States
    Tony Sammarco, Chris Lamb | Device Solutions Inc. | Morrisville, N.C., United States



  • Optimizing ATSC 3.0 Spectrum Utilization with Dynamic Resource Allocation and Management  - $15

    Date: March 21, 2025
    Topics: ,

    The spectrum allocated to broadcasters is our most valuable resource, making it essential to find methods and technologies to optimize its use. Modern standards like ATSC 3.0 include technologies that enhance spectrum efficiency, such as advanced video codecs, an adaptable physical layer, and support for diverse data transmission. However, fully realizing the potential of these innovations remains an ongoing challenge. This paper examines the infrastructure, implementation techniques, and additional technology necessary to most efficiently utilize broadcast spectrum. Key use cases will be considered, including complete channel utilization to avoid unused (null) packets, dynamic data transfer adjustment to support critical short-term events, and scheduled physical layer adaptation to fit different applications. Additionally, an analysis will compare the spectral efficiency of typical ATSC 3.0 deployments with optimized configurations, highlighting potential improvements in spectral efficiency that can lead to improved channel monetization through increased service adaptability.

    Nick Hottinger | One Media Technologies | Hunt Valley, Md., United States