Next Gen TV – Revolutionizing Our TV Experience

This year, broadcast stations across North America will debut a new interactive technology that promises to revolutionize the way viewers watch television. But what is Next Gen TV? And how will it change the way we watch television? In today’s blog, we will provide an overview of this new technology and how it will change local broadcasting in the future.

To learn more about next-gen technologies that will impact the telecom industry, check out Intraway’s Vision for 2020 and beyond.

What Does Next Gen TV Promise Viewers?

According to the National Association of Broadcasters, Next Gen TV is an innovative technology that will combine broadcast television content and broadband internet technology. The new standard is based on Internet Protocol (IP).

The new policies will allow local stations to customize and personalize their local broadcasts. The Next Gen TV will allow local television stations to provide interactive features to their broadcast audience, such as:

• Customized audio and higher-quality video
• Advanced and localized emergency alerts
• Viewers can select news stories and entertainment features that are most relevant to them

The broadcast standard will also update local television reception for mobile devices. Mobile users will no longer have to use their cable companies to play local television programming. Users will not have to worry about using up their cell phone data to watch an area news program. The introduction of Next Gen TV means that hometown broadcasts will be free and won’t impact their data plan.

Additionally, the technology promises television reception that is more resistant to interference. It will also allow broadcasters to target advertising to individuals.

Why Was Next Gen TV Adopted?

The Advanced Television Systems Committee, Inc. is an international non-profit group that develops voluntary standards for digital television. In 2011, the organization formed the Technology Group 3 (TG-3). The working group’s mission was to design a next-generation broadcast system.

In 2017, the organization proposed a list of updated standards called ATSC 3.0. It is radically different from the ATSC 1.0, its first set of recommendations. The new version implements high-bandwidth streams, interactive content, and a layered architecture. The system is designed to be flexible and accommodate future adaptation.

Broadcasters hope that the new standards will allow them to compete with online media, cable, and satellite television providers. When ATSC 3.0 is fully implemented nationwide, broadcasters can send 4K UHD signals. It will also feature better indoor signals for users.

Sinclair Broadcasting holds the patent on the Next Gen TV technology. The television company has been the single biggest supporter urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to implement its use nationwide. The company is currently waiting for approval from the FCC to merge with Tribune Media. If finalized, the corporation will own 200 stations and 72 percent of the broadcasting market.

Push for FCC to Adopt New Standards

In 2016, the National Association of Broadcasters, America’s Public Television Stations, the Consumer Technology Association, and AWARN Alliance petitioned the FCC to adopt the Next Gen TV standards. In November 2017, the Commission voted narrowly (3-2) to adopt the new regulations. According to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, the move to the new signal will be voluntary and market-driven. Pai hopes that the technology can be integrated into children’s educational television programs.

The Commission won’t force broadcasters to adopt the standard – yet. Stations that broadcast the new television signal must provide simulcast programming using the current DTV standard in place. Consumers do not have to purchase a brand-new television – for now.

The FCC ordered that the ATSC 1.0 signals remain for five more years while local broadcasters adopt the new ATSC 3.0 standards.

Current Criticism

The new technology has already had its share of criticism.

There are privacy concerns about the new technology. Public interest groups believe that the new technology will have a significant impact on viewers’ television privacy. They fear that local broadcasters will be able to track their television watching habits and personal information – just like internet companies can.

Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, who voted against the new FCC standards, believes that the new broadcast signal will also create a two-tiered system of television. The FCC official believes that some consumers will lose the signal altogether.

Clyburn called for greater consumer protections. She also criticized the FCC for not using a test market to see if the technology could be safely expanded nationwide before they implemented the new standards.

First Next Gen TV Broadcasts

The first ATSC 3.0 Next Gen Television broadcasts will take place in Phoenix, Arizona this year. The broadcasters decided to use the city as a test market to learn how to deploy NextGen technology.

After the standards are adopted in the USA, viewers will eventually need to purchase a converter box or a new television in order to receive the ATSC 3.0 signals.

To learn more about next-gen technologies that will impact the telecom industry, check out Intraway’s Vision for 2020 and beyond.