An additional 20 cities will have access to NextGen TV service by the end of summer, according to news that will be announced at this week's CES 2021 from the companies developing the technology.
This will be in addition to the 20 cities that already have access to the technology based on the ATSC 3.0 broadcasting standard. ATSC 3.0 is a broadcasting standard that delivers ultra-high definition 4K video and improved audio with targeted advertising and emergency alerting. The over-the-air broadcasting format can be used with mobile networks for a hybrid stream that supports two-way data communication.
The initial rollout of the technology took place last year with 20 cities and 80 TV stations adopting the technology. According to Pearl TV, an owner of more than 750 broadcast stations, the goal is to have the technology reach more than half of all American TV viewers by this fall.
The new standard allows for stations to personalize news, sports, live events and other shows with interactive features and NextGen TV is starting to be integrated into new televisions and set-top boxes.
The technology allows viewers to receive:
- 4K ultra HD and high dynamic range video.
- Movie theater quality sound.
- Consistent volumes across programs and channels.
- Enhanced internet content on demand.
The next steps for NextGen TV include developing cable compatibility standards and for broadcasters to introduce an interactive application framework to give viewers additional info about weather, news, emergency alerts, telematics and more.
CES is taking place virtually Jan. 11-14.
