Minimizing ATSC 3.0's ‘Consumer Disruption’ Will Have ‘Challenges,’ Says O’Rielly

That ATSC 3.0 won’t be backward-compatible with the current DTV system “will create some challenges in meeting the goal of minimizing consumer disruption,” FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly told the Association of Federal Communications Consulting Engineers Friday. “Some of you may already be involved in the development of new equipment for broadcasters or consumers, either to take advantage of the new standard or to convert the programming for viewing on older devices,” he said. “I view the FCC's role in this process as that of a facilitator, not a controller. Hopefully political agendas can be left on the sidelines as creative solutions emerge.” There’s still “a long way to go” before the “entire portfolio of standards that will make up the umbrella ATSC 3.0" will be finalized at ATSC, he said. “No one should underestimate the importance” of elevating ATSC 3.0's physical transmission layer to the status of a final standard (see 1609080061), he said. “But there are still upwards of 20 other components” of ATSC 3.0 that await completion, he said. “It’s not unlike building a new skyscraper. The key is a solid foundation and first couple of floors and then construction can get easier from there. So, everyone should be pleased with where the 3.0 standard is at this point in time, but there is much work ahead, and no one should take their eye off the ball.”