What is ATSC 3.0

Published: October 4, 2023

ATSC 3.0, also known as NextGen TV, is a major upgrade to the current ATSC standards for digital television broadcasting. It is designed to offer a number of improvements, including:

• Higher video and audio quality: ATSC 3.0 supports Ultra High Definition (UHD) video with up to 4K resolution and 120 frames per second, as well as next-generation audio formats like Dolby AC-4 and MPEG-H 3D Audio.
• Improved compression efficiency: ATSC 3.0 uses the HEVC video codec, which is more efficient than the MPEG-4 codec used in current ATSC broadcasts. This means that broadcasters can deliver more content over the same amount of bandwidth.
• Robust transmission for reception on both fixed and mobile devices: ATSC 3.0 is designed to be more robust to interference and multipath reflection than current ATSC broadcasts. This means that it can be received more reliably on mobile devices and in areas with difficult reception conditions.
• More accessibility, personalization, and interactivity: ATSC 3.0 supports a number of new features that can improve the accessibility and personalization of the TV viewing experience. For example, it supports closed captioning for multiple languages and audio tracks in different languages. It also supports interactive features such as voting and polling.

ATSC 3.0 broadcasts are already underway in a number of markets in the United States and other countries. However, it is still a relatively new standard, and not all TV sets and tuners are compatible with it. To receive ATSC 3.0 broadcasts, you will need a TV set or tuner with an ATSC 3.0 tuner.

Benefits of ATSC 3.0 for consumers:

• Better video and audio quality: ATSC 3.0 supports UHD video with up to 4K resolution and 120 frames per second, as well as next-generation audio formats like Dolby AC-4 and MPEG-H 3D Audio. This means that consumers can enjoy a more immersive and realistic TV viewing experience.
• More content choices: ATSC 3.0 broadcasters can deliver more content over the same amount of bandwidth, so consumers have more choices of what to watch.
• Better reception on mobile devices: ATSC 3.0 is more robust to interference and multipath reflection than current ATSC broadcasts, so consumers can enjoy better reception on mobile devices and in areas with difficult reception conditions.
• More accessibility and personalization features: ATSC 3.0 supports a number of new features that can improve the accessibility and personalization of the TV viewing experience, such as closed captioning for multiple languages and audio tracks in different languages. It also supports interactive features such as voting and polling.

Overall, ATSC 3.0 is a major upgrade to the current ATSC standards for digital television broadcasting. It offers a number of benefits for consumers, including better video and audio quality, more content choices, better reception on mobile devices, and more accessibility and personalization features.