Unleashing the Next Generation of Broadcast Innovation

See how the Johnson family uses NEXTGEN TV to take their TV viewing to the next level.

What is Next Generation TV?

The next generation of broadcast television technology is deploying in cities across the country. NEXTGEN TV, also known as ATSC 3.0, offers 4K ultra high-definition video quality, theater-like sound, mobile reception and innovative new features to enhance and expand your broadcast viewing experience.

• Because the new technology combines the best features of broadcast television and broadband, NEXTGEN TV allows local stations to better personalize their broadcasts with information and interactive features so you can get the content and features most relevant to you.
• NEXTGEN TV also supports enhanced mobile reception, so viewers can access unlimited live local and national news, the most popular sports and entertainment programs and children's shows on mobile devices over the air without having to rely on cellular data services.
• That means viewers won't run through their data cap, and there is no monthly fee - broadcast TV is free.
• This broadcast technology can also enable warnings about impending storms and alerting you to other emergencies, with targeted public announcements that are interactive and mobile.

For broadcasters, NEXTGEN TV means a more compelling and interactive way to tell our stories, whether it is breaking news, live sports or your favorite drama or reality show.

NEXTGEN TV is based on Internet Protocol (IP), just like online video services, and uses web languages for interactivity, so you can expect more innovation and new services, bringing you the best combination of online and broadcast television.

Where is it available?

NEXTGEN TV is available now in many cities across the country. Check here to see if it’s in your town. If not, don’t worry – broadcasters are continuing to roll out new services as quickly as possible.

In 2017, the FCC voted to allow broadcasters to use the NEXTGEN TV standard on a voluntary basis.

• Since then, stations using the NEXTGEN TV standard are continuing to broadcast in the current standard so that viewers with older TVs can still access the station's signal.
• Broadcasters have launched NEXTGEN TV in over 70 markets, with further deployments rolling out in 2024 and beyond. In 2023, the FCC announced the creation of the Future of TV Initiative, a public-private initiative that consists of stakeholders from broadcasting, the consumer electronics industry, and public interest and consumer groups, to generate a road map for the NEXTGEN TV transition.

As broadcasters move to unleash the next generation of free broadcast television service, we need the FCC to continue to provide as much flexibility as possible, to allow stations to offer the very best services for our viewers.

Will I need to buy a new TV to take advantage of NEXTGEN TV?

Not necessarily. Just as devices like Chromecast, Roku and Apple TV have emerged to bring new digital features to existing television sets, gateways and adapters are available to unleash NEXTGEN TV on your existing set. But many models of new televisions already have NEXTGEN TV built in with more expected soon. So, chances are your next TV purchase could include NEXTGEN TV capability.

And remember, broadcast TV is free over-the-air, so there are no monthly fees required to access Next Gen's higher quality and basic new features, with an Internet connection providing even more service enhancements.