Top Reasons for Using PSIP

There are a number of good reasons for doing PSIP right. Here are a dozen for you to consider:

Cool acronym

Facilitates navigation of multiple program offerings

Will work with translators with no fuss or bother

Directed Channel Change for customized program services

Broadcaster Major Channel Number survives repacking of DTV RF channels

Provides accurate time of day

Supports delivery of electronic program guide (EPG)

Delivery of content advisory information

Maintains broadcaster analog channel branding

Announcement of caption services

Some receivers may not work correctly if you don't do PSIP right

Provides viewers with easy access to DTV programming

About PSIP

Program and System Information Protocol (PSIP) is data that is transmitted along with a station's DTV signal that tells DTV receivers important information about the station and what is being broadcast. The most important function of PSIP is to provide a method for DTV receivers to identify a DTV station and to determine how a receiver can tune to it. PSIP identifies both the DTV channel and the associated NTSC (analog) channel. It helps maintain the current channel branding because DTV receivers will electronically associate the two channels making it easy for viewers to tune to the DTV station even if they do not know the channel number.

In addition to identifying the channel number, PSIP tells the receiver whether multiple program channels are being broadcast and, if so, how to find them. It identifies whether the programs are closed captioned, conveys V-chip information, if data is associated with the program, and much more. If broadcasters do not include properly encoded PSIP data in their DTV signals, receivers may not correctly identify and tune to the station. Therefore, it is vital that all broadcasters understand PSIP and include the data in their DTV stations signals. PSIP is a mandatory Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) Standard.

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