Program and system information protocol. A part of the ATSC digital television specification that enables a DTV receiver to identify program information from the station and use it to create easy-to-recognize electronic program guides for the viewer at home. The PSIP generator insert data related to channel selection and electronic program guides into the ATSC MPEG transport stream. See also: Electronic Program Guide.

Program and System Information Protocol is a section of the ATSC digital data stream that allows program suppliers and DTV broadcast stations to name, describe, and provide schedules and information about DTV programs. PSIP can also be used to program DTV receivers to refer to broadcast channels by their native or original broadcast channel number even though they're actually broadcasting on another channel. NOTE: Some DTV receivers have the ability to use the PSIP data to rename a broadcast channel to its native channel and some don't. Generally, the early model receivers did not have this ability but the more recent models now do. This could be confusing to some people, but it's intended to make it easier for viewers to find their favorite stations and enable broadcast stations to maintain their brand identity.

Program and System Information Protocol is a collection of tables designed to operate within every transport stream for DTV broadcasts. PSIP includes instructions advising TVs that a change is about to occur and where virtual channel programming can be found.

Public Sector Investment Programme