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ATSC 3.0 is a set of digital TV broadcast standards that combines Over-the-Air (OTA) TV broadcast signals with the internet. In May 2023, almost all major cities and, in total, over sixty per cent of televisions in the USA are within range of ATSC 3 TV signals.

In English the above means that ATSC 3 TV signals will be available to television sets, smartphones and internet connected devices. For television it brings an internet connection along with greatly enhanced audio and video to your television.

For smartphones, it will bring free over-the-air (OTA) television directly to the smartphone without using a cellphone data plan.

These new ATSC 3 (ATSC = Advanced Television Systems Committee) broadcast standards are not backward compatible with previous TV and cellphones.  In May 2023 smartphones do not have the electronics to receive this new format. Television sets are just beginning to install ATSC 3 tuners in their sets. LG, Samsung, Sony, and Hisense are leading the way with the most models with an ATSC 3 tuner installed.

To clarify, this only affects viewers that receive their TV programs over-the-air with an antenna. Cable and satellite connected TV viewing won't be affected, as those companies will make the technical standards change for your TV, just as they did when TV technology changed from analog to digital some years back.

Features in new technology often are looked at guardedly. This will certainly be the case with ATSC 3 as it becomes more of a mainstream topic in 2023-24 as the public understands that the internet connection is two-way. The local TV broadcasters will know what channel the TV set is tuned to and what commercials have been presented. This is similar to Google and Facebook targeted advertising where commercials are based on which websites you visit.

The new standards allow local TV stations to target TV commercials based upon a family's TV and internet viewing. Targeted TV commercials viewed by Mr. T Viewer's family could be different than what their neighbors are watching, even when both families are viewing the same program.

Some people see this as an attack on privacy. Others believe the commercials will be of more interest to the family since the commercials could reflect their lifestyle choices.

Looking at the technology side, features include 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range (HDR). Previously sets produced a display of 1080 pixels (tiny dots on the screen that make up the picture) on average. The new standard, referred to as 4K, is double that number. Twice as many "dots" on the screen will produce a sharper picture.

The range of different shading between pure black and pure white is enhanced (HDR). This will allow better contrast and ensure subjects in shadows and darker scenes are more clearly presented.

There will be better reception and more TV channels per city providing more programs without cable or satellite connections. You will also be able to watch TV on your smart phone, tablet, and computer. No phones today accept ATSC 3 signals. Yet!

Next Gen TV (ATSC 3) can provide a signal to moving cars enhancing car navigation systems and rear-seat entertainment.

The new specifications call for the TV program audio to meet Dolby AC-4 standards providing high-quality audio and multiple language choices (SAP).

Earlier we mentioned better TV reception from Over-The-Air TV stations. ATSC 3 provides a signal that is stronger than previous broadcast transmissions. The TV signal will travel farther and will reach deeper into your home for a better, more stable picture. This may even allow Over-The-Air TV viewers to use a smaller antenna.

Of course, the programs will have to be produced with these specifications for the TV stations to broadcast these signals. Some shows today are being produced in 4K, as streaming channels can already send this format to viewers. TV manufacturers have begun selling 4K TV sets so viewers may enjoy the new format.  8K video standards are also discussed within the ATSC 3 structure. While there are several 8K TV sets on the market, I do not believe we will see OTA TV shows broadcast in 8K for a few more years to come. 

The Advanced Emergency Alerts feature will provide live video updates, weather warnings, escape route maps, and other detailed location-based information

Unlike the transition from analog to digital TV we experienced a dozen years ago, there is no specific date set by the FCC for TV broadcasters to switch to ATSC 3. TV stations have already begun broadcasting in ATSC 3, with other locations converting within a year or two. The FCC requests all US TV stations to be speed up the conversion at those sites that have not already converted.

Fortunately, the FCC, requires any TV station changing to ATSC 3, to also continue broadcasting in the previous ATSC format for at least five years. This means Over-The-Air TV viewers won't have to purchase any new TV sets or associated equipment quickly.

We'll have to wait and see how the broadcast TV station owners respond to ATSC 3. This will be another expensive investment for them. Some station owners might delay, others have already made the conversion and are running shows on both the current ATSC format and the newer ATSC 3 for their viewers.

Ultimately this is all about local broadcast stations being edged out of the market by other viewing options. First it was cable TV bringing in oodles of stations to compete with local TV stations. Now the internet is providing a new source of TV viewing that is even taking cable TV out of the picture - so to speak.

Thousands of cable/satellite subscribers each year cancel their subscriptions and join the movement of people using a housetop TV antenna and streaming their TV programs through the internet.

Many television station owners believe ATSC 3 will bring their local stations back into the TV game, by allowing consumer-based advertising and more channels providing more programs - all for no monthly fee to the viewer.

Interested in seeing what cities the TV stations have already switched to to ATSC 3 ? 

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