By Mark Corl, Glen Myers, Nandhu Nandhakumar, Jian Shen, and Gomer Thomas, Triveni Digital, Inc.
In ATSC-compliant DTV broadcasts, PSIP data provide DTV receivers with tuning information, electronic program guide data, as well as other information supporting a variety of functions. When the DTV broadcasting signal is received by a cable provider, multiplexed and carried on a cable network, the PSIP data need to be preserved and transformed to comply with cable standards. Otherwise, cable-ready DTV receivers may not be able to tune to the signal. In light of this need, the NCTA and CEA have reached an agreement regarding the carriage of PSIP on cable. This paper explores the issues surrounding the adaptation of PSIP data to the cable environment, including the consequences of merging multiple terrestrial transport streams into a single cable transport stream. The paper also presents a sample design and implementation of a system to support PSIP carriage on cable as highlighted by the NCTA-CEA agreement.