From the point of view of the user of TV signals, it's too obvious what
"simulcast" means. It means, the main channel, and all the subchannels, on the
ATSC 1.0 channel from that station, must also be available on the ATSC 3.0
channel from that station.
Are extra video freebies, not previously offered over ATSC 1.0, allowable over
the new ATSC 3.0 channel? I'd say yes, along with any other new options ATSC
3.0 brings.
What would really piss people off would be if broadcasters decide, what the
hell, they'll drop all the subchannels from ATSC 1.0, and only make them
available over ATSC 3.0. With the excuse, hey, that's not really us. Those guys
are just on piggy-back. I have to believe that this is the angle the NAB is
exploring? Just a guess.
Bert
--------------------------------------------------------------
https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/fcc-calls-for-comments-on-nextgen-tv-simulcast-petition
FCC Calls for Comments on NextGen TV Simulcast Petition
By Michael Balderston 14 hours ago
NAB has asked for clarification and possible changes to NextGen TV rules
WASHINGTON-Following an official petition by NAB over the rules regarding
NextGen TV simulcasting and multicast stream, the FCC is seeking comments from
the industry on the issue. The initial deadline for comments has been set for
Christmas Eve.
Earlier in November, the NAB asked the FCC to clarify and review issues
pertaining to stations simulcastings NextGen TV signals. Specifically, NAB
wanted clarification that the existing license framework for local simulcasting
applies to a station's simulcasted multicast streams as well as its primary
stream. Also, the petition called for clarification, or a new rule if
necessary, that the existing licensing framework for local simulcasting applies
to multicast streams, even if such streams are not aired by the originating
station.
Essentially, the FCC says that the NAB is asking the commission to recognize
"the licensee who originated the programming rather than the licensee whose
facilities are being used to distribute the programming is responsible for
programming," when it comes to simulcasting agreements involving multicast
streams.
This is of particular interest, per NAB, when it comes to the deployment of
ATSC 3.0, where stations are working together to simulcast ATSC 1.0 signals so
as not to interrupt programming when transitioning to the NextGen TV standard.
According to the FCC's announcement, the NAB believes that the actions outlined
in its petition would provide a clear line of authority over the originator of
multicast streams and therefore is "critical to ensuring that both commercial
and noncommercial stations are willing to partner to help preserver service to
viewers."
NAB's full petition is available through the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing
System.
Anyone wishing to file comments in response to the NAB's petition can do so
electronically through the ECFS, or through mail addressed to the Commission's
Secretary, Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission. Because
of the COVID-19 pandemic, hand or messenger delivered filings are not being
accepted.
The deadline for to file initial comments is Dec. 24. The reply comment
deadline will be Jan. 25.
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