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The Advanced Television
Systems Committee, Inc., is an international, non-profit organization
developing voluntary standards for digital television. The ATSC member
organizations represent the broadcast, broadcast equipment, motion
picture, consumer electronics, computer, cable, satellite, and
semiconductor industries.
Specifically, ATSC is
working to coordinate television standards among different communications
media focusing on digital television, interactive systems, and broadband
multimedia communications. ATSC is also developing digital television
implementation strategies and presenting educational seminars on the ATSC
standards.
ATSC was formed in 1982 by
the member organizations of the Joint Committee on InterSociety
Coordination (JCIC): the Electronic Industries Association (EIA), the
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), the National
Association of Broadcasters (NAB), the National Cable Television
Association (NCTA), and the Society of Motion Picture and Television
Engineers (SMPTE). Currently, there are approximately 140
members representing the broadcast, broadcast equipment, motion
picture, consumer electronics, computer, cable, satellite, and
semiconductor industries. ATSC incorporated on January 3, 2002.
ATSC Digital TV Standards
include digital high definition television (HDTV), standard definition
television (SDTV), data broadcasting, multichannel surround-sound audio,
and satellite direct-to-home broadcasting.
On December 24, 1996, the
United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted the major
elements of the ATSC Digital Television (DTV) Standard (A/53). The ATSC
DTV Standard has been adopted by the governments of Canada (November 8,
1997), South Korea (November 21,1997), Taiwan (May 8, 1998), and Argentina
(October 22, 1998).
A detailed history
of the ?Development of the ATSC Digital Television Standard? explains
the process of the FCC Advisory Committee on Advanced Television Service (ACATS)
and the role of the ATSC.
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