What is PSIP?
It stands for Program System and Information Protocol. PSIP is used to manage the information stream. PSIP allows a television station like KNME to split its digital signal into two or more sub-channels, KNME-HD 35 1 & 2 for example. PSIP also makes it possible to include a viewer guide in its digital signal.
PSIP stands for “Program and System Information Protocol”. PSIP is data that is sent along with a station’s digital signal that tells HD receivers information about the station and what is being broadcast. The most important function of PSIP is to provide identification of the station and the stations channel mapping information. PSIP also tells the receiver whether multiple program channels are being broadcast and, if so, how to tune them. It also identifies whether the programs are closed captioned, conveys V-chip information, and programming information. If a station does not include properly encoded PSIP data in their signals, receivers may not correctly identify and tune to the station. If a station changes the PSIP data, a viewers’ STB may need to re-scan the digital channels to obtain the updated information. More information on PSIP can be found at the ATSC website.
