Time Parameters Setup [PMCP Tutorial]

Now, we set up the Time Parameters of the PSIP generator. Time parameters are used to perform several time functions, EXCEPT transmitting the current time. Basically, any device that transmits PSIP should already know what the current time is, and it isn't a good idea to use network bandwidth and system resources to send predictable information.

So, that limits the Time Parameters type to signalling data to put into, or which is found in, the System Time Tables (STT) sent in PSIP. 

The most important of these values is GpsUtcOffset.  At the time of this writing, the correct value to use for this field is 14.  Including any other value in this field will result in the displayed system time being off, or the start of programs won't match clock time or other stations in your market. 

If your station is located in an area that observes daylight savings time, it is important that you indicate, for at least 30 days in advance of any daylight savings time change and for at least a few hours afterwards, the exact time, to the second, at which your local clock will either leap ahead (at the beginning of daylight savings time) or repeat an hour (at the end of daylight savings time.)