ATSC Radio Program Coding With DCP Packet Encapsulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The ATSC standards lack native support for transmitting radio programs, preventing the use of efficient audio codecs like xHE-AAC and multimedia applications like Journaline, and there is no concept to integrate Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) technology, which is desirable for consistent digital radio experiences across different broadcast spectrums.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for integrating the Distribution and Communications Protocol (DCP) into ATSC, enabling the encapsulation and decoding of digital radio content, including xHE-AAC and Journaline, within ATSC Link-layer Protocol packets, and generating packets that include fragments of Link Mapping Tables for service grouping and management information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ATSC transmits audio-only television programs to circumvent lack of native radio support, then radio programs can be transmitted, but transmission efficiency deteriorates and advanced audio codecs cannot be employed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Distribution and Communications Protocol (DCP) packets as an intermediary format to bridge ATSC television broadcasting and DRM radio broadcasting. The DCP packets encapsulate radio program data, xHE-AAC audio streams, and Journaline metadata in a standardized structure that can be transported over ATSC infrastructure, enabling efficient radio transmission without requiring audio-only TV programs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the ATSC Link-layer Protocol universal by enabling it to carry multiple types of content including traditional television audio, digital radio programs, xHE-AAC encoded streams, and Journaline data services. This multi-functionality allows a single broadcast infrastructure to serve both TV and radio purposes efficiently
2Reliability
If ATSC lacks native DRM integration, then existing ATSC infrastructure can be maintained, but consistent digital radio experience across broadcast spectrums cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the DRM broadcast system into transportable DCP packets that can be independently encoded, packaged, and transmitted over ATSC. By dividing the radio program content into standardized packet structures with clear headers and payloads, the system maintains reliability across different broadcast spectrums while managing complexity through modular packet design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of data encapsulation format to enable DRM compatibility. By encoding radio program data in DCP packet format with specific header structures and payload organization, the system allows ATSC infrastructure to carry DRM-compatible content, achieving consistent digital radio experience across different broadcast platforms
3Productivity
If advanced audio codecs like xHE-AAC and multimedia applications like Journaline are not supported, then simple audio transmission can be maintained, but data rate efficiency and multimedia service capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-encoding audio content using xHE-AAC codec and organizing multimedia data in Journaline format before transmission. The DCP packets are prepared in advance with proper encapsulation of audio streams and metadata, allowing receivers to efficiently decode and process the content without requiring complex real-time processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by encapsulating DRM-format audio streams and Journaline data structures within ATSC transport packets. The DCP packet format serves as a copy-compatible container that preserves the original DRM encoding efficiency and multimedia service capabilities while enabling transmission over ATSC infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus for decoding according to an embodiment. The apparatus comprises an interface for receiving a plurality of ATSC Link-layer Protocol packets each of which comprising a packet header and a packet payload encapsulating digital content. Moreover, the apparatus comprises a decoding unit. In a first embodiment, the digital content being encapsulated within the packet payload of each of one or more ATSC Link-layer Protocol packets of the plurality of ATSC Link-layer Protocol packets comprises digital radio content, and/or a Distribution and Communications Protocol packet or a portion thereof, and/or Unified Speech and Audio Coding content or extended High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding content, and/or Journaline content. The decoding unit is configured to decode the packet payload of each one of at least one ATSC Link-layer Protocol packet of the one or more ATSC Link-layer Protocol packets to obtain the digital content of said one of the at least one ATSC Link-layer Protocol packet.