ATSC 3.0 Broadcast Input Switching for Local Content Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ATSC 3.0 broadcast systems lack flexibility in content customization, as exciters broadcast identical content due to centralized front-end equipment, limiting local content insertion and increasing installation costs for separate setups, which is particularly challenging for smaller broadcasters and translators.
Innovation Solution
A system and method enabling TV stations to select from various input sources (STLTP, ALPTP, Data Source, and off-air signals) and insert local content, with multiplexing and signaling regeneration to ensure compliance with ATSC 3.0 standards, using Input Source Processor, Gateway, and Exciter Blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If centralized front-end equipment is used in ATSC 3.0 broadcast systems, then installation costs are reduced and content distribution is streamlined, but content customization flexibility is lost and all exciters broadcast identical content
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the broadcast content stream into multiple PLPs (Physical Layer Pipes), allowing different exciters to select and broadcast different segments. This enables content customization at the exciter level while maintaining centralized front-end equipment, resolving the contradiction between installation cost efficiency and content flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The exciter is equipped with dynamic content selection capability, allowing it to choose from multiple input sources (STLTP, ALPTP, Data Source, off-air signals) and dynamically insert local content. This dynamic adaptability enables customization without requiring separate front-end equipment for each station.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate front-end equipment setups are implemented for each station, then content customization flexibility is improved, but installation costs substantially increase
Solution Approach 1:
The exciter is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a content receiver from centralized equipment and as a content customization point with local content insertion capability. This universal design eliminates the need for separate front-end equipment at each station while maintaining content flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary content selection and multiplexing mechanism between the centralized front-end equipment and the exciter. This intermediary layer enables content customization without requiring each station to possess complete front-end equipment, thus reducing installation costs while maintaining flexibility.
3Device complexity
If standard ATSC 3.0 exciters are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but the ability to modify content and insert local programming is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the functions of content reception, content selection, local content insertion, and signal transmission within a single exciter unit. This combination maintains relative system simplicity while enabling content modification and local programming capabilities that standard exciters lack.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for enhanced broadcasting in an ATSC 3.0 system includes: selectively choosing among various input sources available to components within the system, including STLTP (Studio to Transmitter Link Transport Protocol), ALPTP (ATSC Link-layer Protocol Transport Protocol), DS (Data Source), and RF (off-air signals); inserting local content into a broadcast stream by at least one component within the system; and regenerating standard-compliant signaling information to ensure compatibility with ATSC 3.0 standards.