In the U.S., you’ll often encounter two terms: NEXTGEN TV and ATSC 3.0. A lot has been written about them, but it’s not always clear whether they are actually different. Here’s what you need to know.
ATSC 3.0 is the next, third-generation standard for terrestrial (over-the-air) broadcasting, designed to replace the first-generation ATSC 1.0. The ATSC 2.0 standard was in development but became obsolete before it was ever implemented, and its advancements were incorporated into ATSC 3.0.
NEXTGEN TV (Next Generation TV) is a brand name used by the Consumer Technology Association in the U.S. to refer to TVs that can receive ATSC 3.0 broadcasts. There is no separate technology or broadcast standard behind the name. Even the official NEXTGEN TV website notes that the available features depend on the device and the broadcaster, as commercial services roll out in local markets.
In other words, all the actual TV features come from the ATSC 3.0 standard, not from the NEXTGEN TV name. Still, it’s a catchy and marketable name that TV manufacturers happily use.
- Site NextGen: https://www.watchnextgentv.com/
- Site ATSC: https://www.atsc.org/
The Evolution of ATSC 3.0 (NEXTGEN TV)
The development of ATSC 3.0, widely known as NEXTGEN TV, was driven by rapid technological advances in television manufacturing in 2015–2016. During this period, 4K televisions became widely available, and High Dynamic Range (HDR) support began to appear in these displays.
At that time, the existing ATSC 1.0 standard was limited to Full HD video and could not support HDR. As consumer expectations for higher resolution and improved image quality grew, it became clear that a new broadcasting standard was needed. Thus, a new standard was developed that included new capabilities for displaying video on TVs.
Features and Global Adoption of ATSC 3.0 (NEXTGEN TV)
ATSC 3.0 delivers a broad range of advanced capabilities, establishing itself as a flexible and future-ready broadcast standard. It maintains compatibility with existing SD and HD content, allowing broadcasters to transition to the new standard without losing access to previously recorded material.
The standard supports 4K (UHD) transmissions at frame rates of up to 120 frames per second, providing a noticeably sharper and more fluid visual experience.
ATSC 3.0 incorporates High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology, supporting both Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) and Perceptual Quantizer (PQ) formats, resulting in richer colors and superior contrast.
Audio is enhanced with support for advanced formats such as Dolby AC-4 and MPEG-H 3D Audio, offering viewers an immersive, high-quality sound experience.
Public safety is improved through a dedicated emergency alert system that continuously monitors for signals even when the TV is off but connected. Upon receiving an alert, the television can automatically turn on or switch to display the emergency message, ensuring timely notifications.
In terms of global adoption, South Korea was the first country to implement ATSC 3.0 in 2017. The United States followed in 2020, with a gradual and optional transition that allows broadcasters to upgrade at their own pace. This approach provides viewers with higher-quality content while giving broadcasters the flexibility to migrate without forcing an immediate switch.
Do you need an antenna for ATSC 3.0?
To receive ATSC 3.0 (NEXTGEN TV) broadcasts, an antenna is required. Like its predecessor, ATSC 1.0, this standard relies on over-the-air (OTA) transmissions, meaning the signal is broadcast directly from television stations and picked up by an antenna. Antennas come in a variety of types, including indoor, outdoor, active, and passive models, so it’s important to select one that best fits your location and reception needs for reliable terrestrial TV viewing.
