The new broadcasting standard, also known as ATSC 3.0 or NextGen TV, has been gradually implemented across the United States in recent years. NextGen TV stations can already be found in most large and many smaller cities, and major companies such as Sony, LG, Samsung, and Hisense are now producing multiple TV models with built-in NextGen TV tuners. Additionally, there are a growing number of stand-alone tuners available to add NextGen capabilities to virtually any TV.
NextGen TV is the upcoming iteration of terrestrial broadcasting, serving as a replacement or complement to the complimentary HD broadcasts that have been in effect for the past two decades. Beyond augmenting the existing HDTV framework, NextGen has the potential to introduce additional functionalities such as free over-the-air 4K and HDR, although these are not yet commonly accessible.
However, the image clarity provided by NextGen is expected to surpass the standard you normally receive through streaming, cable, or satellite services. If you presently utilize an antenna to watch HD broadcasts, you can expect an improvement in reception quality with NextGen. Consequently, the subsequent section includes comprehensive information along with detailed explorations for those inclined to learn further.
What is NextGen TV?
In past years, the US broadcasting standard was known as NTSC and was used for over 50 years. However, it was officially replaced by ATSC, also known as HDTV, in 2009. Currently, NextGen TV, previously named ATSC 3.0 (as there was no version 2.0), is gradually replacing ATSC in various markets.
The website watchnextgentv.com lists the numerous current and upcoming NextGen TV stations in various cities. NextGen TV stations can be found in major cities as well as smaller ones, and the number is growing every month. Although the transition to NextGen is optional, most markets have stations that are opting to make the change, partly due to groundwork laid during the previous transition to digital HDTV. Since the current system is already digital, the costs associated with upgrading to NextGen are lower than those of transitioning from analog NTSC to digital ATSC (1.0). Additionally, there are new revenue streams associated with NextGen, which make the transition more attractive.
At watchnextgentv.com/markets, you are able to discover the stations that are currently operational in your vicinity.
The Sony A95K QD-OLED features an in-built NextGen TV tuner.
To access NextGen TV, you only require a NextGen tuner and antenna. If you are purchasing a new TV, several present models already have inbuilt NextGen TV tuners, such as LG, Sony, Hisense, and Samsung. Although there are a few external tuners available, they are not as abundant as you would imagine, at least for the moment.
The antenna component is quite straightforward: many low-cost alternatives are available. If you possess an antenna from the HDTV era, chances are it will function perfectly.
“When I return home exhausted and fatigued, I retreat to a place where the atmosphere is pure and delightful. I distance myself from the busy masses and cease to hear the commotion of the rat race on the street…
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What exactly are NextGen TV channels?”
Isn’t this the ultimate question? What is the point of free content if it’s not the content that you actually want to watch? NextGen is a broadcasting standard that generally includes the traditional “broadcasters” (such as ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and PBS). While there may be other channels available, these will likely be the main offerings in most regions.
The details, however, are more intricate. It is noteworthy that not all stations in your locality will have transitioned to NextGen; nevertheless, if you possess the antenna and tuner, you should have access to all the “ATSC 1.0” (also known as traditional HDTV) broadcasts. Therefore, you ought to be able to receive all the primary broadcasters without charge over the air in one form or another.
There are many areas where you can access more than just basic programming. Numerous stations offer multiple sub-channels that broadcast different content under the same channel name. Additionally, smaller broadcasters feature diverse programming options. While watching The Last of Us through an over-the-air broadcast is highly unlikely, many popular shows like Chicago Fire, NCIS, Grey’s Anatomy, and most major sports events are available for free.
I’m still unable to access CBS…
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Does this imply that I have to endure advertisements once more?
Nothing comes without a cost, isn’t it? In this scenario, your time is the price you pay by watching ads. In the past, also known as before streaming services, there existed devices known as DVRs that captured shows onto a hard drive to be seen later. You could accelerate through the adverts. It was a phenomenon. If you subscribe to cable or satellite TV, you can still do it.
There are already a few NextGen DVRs available, and some other tuners can record on local or networked hard drives too. Therefore, if you don’t want to spend 20 minutes of every hour trying to figure out what a prescription drug does based on its possible side effects, search for one of those.
Currently, verify its availability in your vicinity or at least its release date: visit watchnextgentv.com/markets. To learn more about this service, including its functionality, explore the article titled “Free Antenna TV is Getting an Upgrade and It Might Already Be Available in Your City”.
In addition to featuring television and other display technologies, Geoff also conducts photographic excursions visiting fascinating museums and destinations worldwide, such as nuclear submarines, colossal aircraft carriers, medieval fortresses, epic 10,000-mile journeys, and more. Visit “Tech Treks” to explore all of his thrilling expeditions and escapades.
He authored a science fiction book that became a bestseller, featuring submarines of city proportions, and followed it up with a sequel. To keep up with his escapades, you can track him on Instagram and his YouTube channel.
