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Is it a “GO” or a “NO”? What is NextGen TV?

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.

ATSC 3.0 supports 4K Ultra HD resolution (up to 3840×2160 pixels), HDR (High Dynamic Range) for better colors and contrast, and wide color gamut.

Immersive audio with Dolby AC-4, enabling object-based sound (e.g., sounds that move around you like in a theater) and up to 9.1 channels.

Frame rates up to 120 fps for smoother motion, ideal for sports.

On-demand content, hyperlinked ads, and personalized viewing (e.g., click to buy products shown on screen).

Integration with broadband internet for hybrid services: Watch live TV while pulling extra data from the web, like weather overlays or additional camera angles during events.

Targeted advertising based on viewer data (with privacy controls), which helps broadcasters generate revenue.

Better indoor reception and mobile viewing—signals penetrate buildings better and work on phones/tablets without draining data.

Enhanced emergency alerts with geo-targeted info, videos, and evacuation maps.

Datacasting: Broadcasts non-TV data like software updates for cars or public safety info.

Uses OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) modulation for robust signals in crowded spectrum.

Allows multiple channels (subchannels) in one frequency band, freeing up spectrum for other uses like 5G.

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.