Although Program and System Information Protocol (PSIP) data has been around for quite a while now — since the advent of digital television broadcasting — it remains a common source of confusion.
We get that PSIP can be a bit daunting! With its collections of tables, all with their own acronyms, PSIP can come across as being complex and hard to understand.
The good news is that with an understanding of the fundamentals, you can establish a smart, simple system for effective handling of PSIP data. So, let’s start by tackling those acronyms.
There are two types of PSIP data: static PSIP and dynamic PSIP. We’ll begin with static.
Static PSIP data is unchanging, and it includes the Virtual Channel Table (VCT), the Rating Region Table (RRT), and the System Time Table (STT). Each of these tables serves a straightforward function. The VCT supplies information including major number, minor number, and channel name. The RRT provides parental guide-type information. The SST supplies the current time. These tables allow viewers’ receivers to tune to your channel.
Dynamic PSIP data offers further information that add visibility to your channel and make it easier for viewers to find. It also provides the program information that populates the electronic program guide (EPG) and helps viewers decide whether or not to watch a show.
Get more detail in “Your Guide to PSIP: The What, Why, and How.” Or just drop us a line to learn more about implementing an economical PSIP solution for your ATSC digital transport streams.
Tables included in dynamic PSIP data include the Master Guide Table (MGT), which tells the receiver to find information in other PSIP tables, such as the Event Information Tables (EITs) and the Extended Text Table (ETT).
While you can dig into all of these aspects of PSIP data in greater detail, what’s most important is that you deliver this data along with your signal correctly and reliably. If you do it right, it can also be simple and cost-effective!
