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The 2009 Analog Shut Off

The 2009 Analog Shut Off. The NBC Network Uses and Supports: Aspect ratio control – Active Format Description Conforming to SMPTE 2016, AFD has been working actively at 30 Rock starting with the HD launch of SNL to control the aspect ratio of the SD down-conversion of commercials for the show

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The 2009 Analog Shut Off

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  1. The 2009 Analog Shut Off • The NBC Network Uses and Supports: • Aspect ratio control – Active Format Description • Conforming to SMPTE 2016, AFD has been working actively at 30 Rock starting with the HD launch of SNL to control the aspect ratio of the SD down-conversion of commercials for the show • 30 Rock is fully outfitted to distribute AFD on line 11 of the VANC - all HD-SDI signals on switchers, servers, VTRs and the plant router • ATSC Dialog Normalization: • Live and recorded shows are mixed to a network standard –23 Leq-a • Majority of network spots play-out at –22 Leq-a • Ten Owned and Operated DTV stations practice dialnorm per the dialog averaging method and the NABA recommended practice, conforming to ATSC A53/Part 5.

  2. Coding and Active Area The aspect ratio of the active video area is 16:9; when associated with a 4:3-coded frame, the active video is top-justified. • Active video area is 16:9; when associated with a 4:3 coded frame, the active video is centered vertically. • Active video area is 4:3; when associated with a 16:9 coded frame, the active video is centered horizontally. • Active video area exceeds 16:9 aspect ratio; active video is centered vertically (in whatever coded frame is used). • Active video area is 14:9; when associated with a 4:3-coded frame, active video is centered vertically; when associated with a 16:9 coded frame, it is centered horizontally. In addition to AFD, ATSC defined another data structure-bar data-also for use in the video elementary stream. While the AFD gives a general view of the relationship between the coded frame and the geometry of the active video within it, bar data is able to indicate precisely the number of lines of black video at the top and bottom of a letterboxed image, or the number of black pixels at the left and right side of a pillar-boxed image. For the ATSC system, AFD and/or bar data are included in video user data whenever the rectangular picture area containing useful information does not extend to the full height or width of the coded frame. Such data may optionally also be included in user data when the rectangular picture area containing useful information extends to the full height and width of the coded frame.

  3. Network Infrastructure for AFD S A T E N C O D E R HD-SDI 16:9 HD w/center cut AFD AFD:Letterbox or Centercut data set by the provider is distributed in the VANC Video Audio Network Distribution to TV Stations AFD data VANC L11 TV Station Cable & DBS Auto AFD S A T I R D Downconvert The Tonight Show Accurately displays in 4:3 ATSC

  4. Scoping the Problem Who Controls? How Many Screens? StationOperatorConsumer no issue………… X ?direct feedX X ?direct feedX - - - X HHsAddt’l Sets 15 5 60 15 30 150 5 50 HDTV – OTA, Cable, DBS DBS / Cable Digital SD Analog cable OTA analog – “converter box” new reality – consumer has “final say” potentially solved by agreement w Operator new reality – nonuniformity 110MM HHs 220+MM addt’l

  5. Audio LOUDNESS Dialnorm:NBCU Audio soundtracks match dialnorm metadata from the network and from the DTV station -23 audio -23 dialnorm (mix level) -23 -23 audio -23 dialnorm (mix level) -23 audio -23 DN (mix level)

  6. Industry Efforts • Actively collaborating in inter-industry dialog • Proponent of ATSC Recommended Practice • “DTV Hot Spot” demo at NAB 2008

  7. DBS / Cable Subscribers A company wide initiative is underway to provide our Stations with the best possible format and aspect ratio conversion in cooperation with Cable & DBS operators Direct from station fiber connectivity Over-the-air ATSC reception with AFD A request for information has been issued with manufacturers for inclusion of AFD and Dolby Digital Dynamic Range profiles for professional ATSC receivers / IRDs etc.

  8. Consumer “Converter Boxes” • Outreach to CE manufacturers • The National Telecommunications and Information Agency has been approached with a request that AFD capability be included in future digital consumer set-top converters. (targeting those offered under the government coupon program)

  9. Interim – Fall 2008 In an interim measure, the NBCU September 2008 HDTV Content Technical Specification will recommend “center-cut safe” to program providers. This recommendation will be superseded when 16:9 displays and AFD reach market saturation

  10. Q&A So Glenn: 1.) Where are you in the transition? 2.) What’s been resolved? 3.) What’s remaining? 4.) What should the industry know? 5.) What should industry and gov’t be doing? • NBCU supports AFD and Dialnorm to provide the best audience experience • ATSC should rapidly complete RP for HD conversion to analog & digital SD • NBCU has implemented AFD and dialnorm at 30 Rock; Satellite distribution of metadata (AFD & dialnorm) to stations is in development • Broadcasters should practice AFD and dialnorm in every market in the country • The FCC should require MVSPs use of AFD if it is in a broadcast signal • An initiative is underway to establish optimum connectivity from NBC DTV stations to cable and satellite providers • CE and Pro Receivers should include AFD

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