Over the Air Broadcast Television is going to a new standard.
ASTC 3.0 or as the networks are calling it NextGen TV
![Image](https://www.watchnextgentv.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/NEXTGENTV_LogoCLR.png)
ASTC 1.0, that was developed during the 1990's, and was made the new Over Air Broadcast Standard.NEXTGEN TV (sometimes called ATSC 3.0) is the third generation of digital TV technology, and a giant technological step forward for TV viewers. It delivers stunning video with brilliant color, sharper images and deeper contrast that’ll make you feel like you’re really there. And it’s built with the Dolby Audio System for NEXTGEN TV, which intelligently enhances dialogue, maintains consistent volume as you change the channel and literally moves around you as you watch TV.
When connected to the internet, NEXTGEN TV can merge broadcast TV with content from broadband sources. That means NEXTGEN TV will be enhanced with internet content to get the most out of live sports, live news, live events and more—in real time. And with NEXTGEN TV, the TV you buy today is designed to be upgradeable with the advancements of tomorrow.
{The 2009 Analog Shut Off}
Picture definitions of 1080i and 720p. It also includes standard-definition formats.
It uses The MPEG 2 for video coding.
5.1-channel surround sound, and Closed Captioning.
ATSC 3.0 has been in the works for awhile, and limited testing started back in 2016.
It uses the newer MPEG 4 video coding.
Okay, enough of the marketing spiel........ATSC 3.0 advantages
Better image quality. ATSC 3.0 allows 4K UHD transmission, including high-dynamic-range television (HDR-TV), wide color gamut (WCG), and high frame rate (HFR).
Reception upgrades. ATSC 3.0 allows the same aerial to receive more channels with better quality.
Portable devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and car infotainment systems can receive TV signals.
Enhanced emergency alerts. Emergency signals can be geographically oriented and inform only the specific areas where they are required.
Audience measure. Telecommunication companies can easily take audience data gatherings.
Targeted advertising with the assistance of local network Wi-Fi.
Content variety and diversification.
Here's the low down.
Like the "Great Analog Turn Off" of 2009, your going to need to replace your current television with a compliant ATSC 3.0 one.
Or get a ASTC 3.0 DTV converter box to connect to your older 1.0 ASTC compliant television.
You must also supply it with a Internet connection if you want to get updates to the FIRMWARE.
And if your going to use a DVR or other features.
At the last time I checked, the ASTC 3.0 DTV converter boxes were costing any where from $60 to $160 dollars.
Unless you have a fairly large screen television, getting a converter box for anything smaller than 40" screen is just stupid.
Also,
I'm finding stores that are not stating whether or not the televisions they have, are NextGen compatible.
{Note: I checked the manuals for all my DTV sets. Not one of them states what video coding format it uses.}
Plus,
If you use a DVR to record videos.
It may not work with the new standard.
Because NextGen TV's & Converter Boxes requires a internet connection for DRM licensing copyrights.
Here's an article from Tom's Guide on the Best ATSC 3.0 TV's: https://www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/be ... -30-tuners
So, hopefully this will make it easier to find a compatible set, when you go out to buy one, to replace your old TV set.
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/gear_roll.gif)
Okay, okay....
A lot of you are saying.
"What do I do with my perfectly good TV, send it off to the dumpster or recycler?"
Well.......
Many TV's can also be used as Monitors for your computer.
Check the Inputs on the back of the TV.
You should have multiple types:
RCA input Jacks
VGA input Jack
DVI input Jack
HDMI input Jacks
USB input Jacks
Now check, the output video jacks on the video card in the computer you want to connect it to.
Most newer Video Graphic's cards are using DVI or HDMI jacks.
Now you have a second monitor for your computer, or if you just wanted a larger viewing screen.
Put your old monitor in the storage closet, in case the other fails.
Signed: Janitor Tzap