ATSC 3.0 ready to roll
Following a successful trial of ATSC 3.0 by Pearl TV Consortium, a broad coalition of television stations announced at the NAB Show last Monday that ATSC 3.0 will be rolled out in 40 US markets by the end of 2020.
Pearl TV Consortium has successfully tested and rolled out ATSC 3.0 in Phoenix, Dallas, East Lansing, Raleigh, and Santa Barbara. In the second phase, GatesAir, a global leader in wireless solutions, will supply a Maxiva ULXTE-10, 6.6 kW liquid-cooled transmitter to help broadcasters evaluate the benefits of Single Frequency Network (SFN) transmissions in a new-generation system.
SFN uses two or more transmitters within the same area to enhance signal coverage, fill in coverage gaps and build SFN architectures.
Proper SFN architectures are key to moving beyond the principal of signal coverage to deliver successful in-home and on-the-go service, which is paramount to next-gen TV’s success.
The deployment of ATSC 3.0 will greatly enhance the over-the-air services for viewers and integrate the most popular and pervasive video service into their digital lifestyle.
Next-Gen TV — powered by ATSC 3.0 — also provides broadcasters opportunities to offer new features and serve new markets.
“Broadcasters across America will utilise the advanced capabilities of Next-Gen TV to delight our audiences with the best entertainment while performing a valuable public service,” said NAB president & CEO Gordon Smith.
He added: “One of the most compelling features of Next-Gen TV will be the life-saving alert functions that will give our nation’s first responders the ability to use the broad reach of local television to keep viewers informed during emergencies.
“Our members’ news departments will come to rely on the advanced capabilities of Next-Gen TV as a resource to forge even stronger connections with the citizens we serve every day.”
