EventsResourcesScience and TechnologyAFD Ready InitiativeAFD Technical Information and WhitepapersAFD Technical Information and Whitepapers
This section provides links to valuable technical information authored by industry leaders at the forefront of the development and deployment of AFD technologies.
Navigating the DTV Transition: How Broadcasters are using AFD
Presented by Clarence Hau, NBC-Universal
October 2008
This paper was presented at the 2008 SMPTE Technical Conference. It describes how broadcasters are utilizing AFD to control aspect ratio throughout the delivery path to the home in the post DTV Transition landscape. Highlighted are specific guidelines for broadcasters on how AFD technology can be integrated into their production and distribution facilities.
Click here for the paper. | Click here for slides.
Digital Transition Challenges: Cable's Must-Carry Conundrum
Presented by Gal Garniek and David Shamir, Scopus Video Networks
October 2008
This whitepaper was published on the Broadband Gear Report in October 2008. it describes some of the challenges that cable operators face leading up to the DTV Transition. The main topic of the paper is cable head-end down-conversion issues.
Click here for the paper.
Tutorial on AFD and Implementation (webcast)
Presented by Graham Jones, NAB and Larry Thaler, NBC-Universal
June 2008
The June 2008 SMPTE "PDA Anywhere" webcast, presented by Graham Jones of NAB and Larry Thaler of NBC Universal, provided a good overview of AFD. In an effort to help educate the public on this important issue, SMPTE has made this Professional Development Academy event available for public viewing.
Click here to access the webcast.
From Camera to the Home: Managing Aspect Ratio through the Production and Distribution Process
Larry Thaler, NBC-Universal
April 2008
This paper was presented at the 2008 NAB Technical Conference. It describes steps that NBC-Universal has taken to ensure consistent delivery of its programming after the 2009 DTV Transition. Highlighted are AFD based techniques available to every broadcaster and production company that can ensure all programming is optimized for both the SD and HD viewer.
Click here for the paper.
Preparing for the Broadcast Analog Television Turn-Off: How to Keep Cable Subscribers' TVs from Going Dark
Matthew Goldman, Tandberg Television
July 2008
This paper was presented at the July 2008 SCTE Technology Conference. It details various technical implementation details for cable systems to insure a smooth DTV Transition for their subscribers. One of the main topics covered in the paper is how AFD can be used to properly format the down-converted aspect ratio at the cable head-end.
Click here for the paper.
Active Format Description (AFD) - An Overview
TANDBERG Television
2008
This whitepaper from TANDBERG Television provides an overview of AFD when used in the downconversion process.
Click here for the paper.
Canceling the Postage Stamp: AFD, Bar Data and Pan and Scan
William Miller, ABC-TV
April 2006
This paper was presented at the 2006 NAB Technical Conference. It provides details on AFD/Bar Data standards and usage along with details on how these technologies can be used to avoid the "dreaded" postage stamp on viewer displays.
Click here for the paper. | Click here for slides.
Canceling the Postage Stamp, Concluded
Patrick Waddell, Harmonic Inc.
April 2007
This paper is a follow-up to William Miller's paper and was presented at the 2007 NAB Technical Conference. It provides additional details on AFD/Bar Data usage along with specific recommendations on how to optimize display of source content of varying aspect ratios.
Click here for slides.
