NextGen TV, also known as ATSC 3.0 (Advanced Television Systems Committee 3.0), is the latest standard for over-the-air (OTA) broadcast television in the United States and parts of the world. It’s essentially a major upgrade from the current digital TV standard (ATSC 1.0, introduced in the 1990s and fully transitioned in 2009). Developed by the ATSC, it was first deployed in South Korea in 2017 and began rolling out in the U.S. in 2018. As of 2025, over 75 markets in the U.S. covering about 70% of households have access, with broadcasters like Sinclair, Nexstar, and Gray Television leading the adoption.
The goal is to modernize free broadcast TV to compete with streaming services, cable, and satellite by leveraging internet protocol (IP) technology. It’s not a replacement for cable or streaming but enhances OTA signals, making them more efficient, interactive, and high-quality.
Key Features and Improvements
NextGen TV uses IP-based delivery, which allows it to blend traditional broadcasting with internet-like capabilities.
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How It Works
Broadcasters send signals using existing TV towers but with new encoders and exciters. Viewers need compatible devices to decode ATSC 3.0.
Backward Compatibility: It’s voluntary and runs alongside ATSC 1.0 during transition (via “lighthouse” stations that simulcast both). Full switchover isn’t mandated like the 2009 digital transition, but the FCC encourages it.
Devices Needed: New TVs from brands like Sony, LG, Samsung (2020+ models often have built-in tuners).
External tuners like HDHomeRun or SiliconDust devices for older sets.
No subscription required—it’s free OTA like today.
South Korea leads with nationwide coverage; Jamaica, Trinidad, and Canada are testing. Europe uses DVB-T2 instead, which has similar features.
Benefits For Viewers
Free access to premium-quality TV, better sports/NFL broadcasts (e.g., multi-angle views), and disaster resilience (signals work during internet outages).
For Broadcasters: New revenue from data services, ads, and spectrum leasing (e.g., to telecoms for 5G). It helps retain audiences amid cord-cutting.
Societal: Improves public broadcasting, education (e.g., distance learning), and accessibility (better closed captioning and voice guidance).
Barriers to Adoption
Not all stations have upgraded (costs $1-5 million per station). Rural areas lag, and only about 20-30% of new TVs sold in 2024 were NextGen-ready.
IP integration raises data collection issues; the standard includes opt-outs, but watchdogs worry about tracking.
During rollout, some viewers lose channels temporarily if their gear isn’t compatible. Broadcasters must maintain dual signals until 2027 or later.
Parts of the TV band are being repurposed for wireless broadband, potentially reducing channels.