ATSC 3.0 breaking news

[PaulGo]

Sinclair Joins Pearl TV & Its Pursuit of ATSC 3.0-Powered Services

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Pearl TV, a TV broadcast business organization comprised of eight companies that operate local TV stations, today welcomed Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI) as the organization's ninth member, a move that boosts the reach of Pearl-member stations to nearly half of all broadcast television stations in the United States. Sinclair joins Cox Media Group, Graham Media Group, Gray Television, Hearst Television Inc., Meredith Local Media Group, Nexstar Media Group, the E.W. Scripps Company, and TEGNA, Inc. as a Pearl TV member, bringing the station count of Pearl membership to more than 750 stations.

https://www.lightreading.com/video/s...paign=02072020

[Lee A Stewart]

ATSC 3.0 could usher in a new kind of TV bundle for cord-cutters

If you use an antenna to cut the cable cord today, you can at best hope to get the major broadcast networks, some public access channels, and a smattering of digital subnets airing mostly classic movies and TV shows.

Now, one broadcaster is claiming that it can deliver dozens more channels over the air by tapping into the next-generation broadcast standard known as ATSC 3.0—albeit not for free. Edge Networks, a broadcaster operating in Boise, Idaho, says it will offer a bundle of more than 80 news, sports, and entertainment channels over the air for less than $50 per month this summer. Edge Networks then plans to expand its service, called Evoca, to other markets in 2021, with a focus on small- to mid-sized U.S. cities.

https://www.techhive.com/article/353...d-cutters.html

[JohnAV]

Originally Posted by Lee A Stewart

ATSC 3.0 could usher in a new kind of TV bundle for cord-cutters

Looking at that I saw this Edge Networks’ ATSC 3.0 Subscription TV Service Eyes Summer Launch - TVTechnology that gave a bit more specific information.

At the time of the interview, Achilles envisioned being able to offer 40 720p HD channels via a single 6 MHz TV channel allotment by taking advantage of ATSC 3.0. In January, Edge Networks was already on-air multicasting a 4K UHD 2160p channel and a 720p channel using ATSC 3.0 as it began its preparation for the Evoca launch, he said.

The company, however, won’t stop with the Boise market. Other second- and third-tier TV markets are targeted for Evoca service launches, including Bozeman, Mont., and Twin Falls, Idaho. Ultimately, Edge Networks plans to take its wireless subscription channel bundle nationwide, using—depending on the market—big sticks, a single frequency network or a combination of both, said Achilles. In Boise, Edge Network is using a big stick.

So the question is how much is this worth paying for. The 40 720P HD channel is nothing exciting as far as video quality. its will be more to how many 4K channels can it support as well as some lower resolution. The other document referenced this:
Over The Last Few Years 20+ New OTA TV Networks Have Launched Targeting Cord Cutters

Guess what I am concerned with is someone being stuck with a bunch of limited content being cycled through a few time each month. I am not sure cord cutters just want a OTA subsitiute to a cable/satellite package with similar content.

[gkolb]

Jeez... A $50 / month bundle. Why bother to cut the cord to end up getting that?
Yes, less than cable, but you're just selling yourself to a different devil.

[Lee A Stewart]

https://www.zapperbox.com/

[JohnAV]

HDHomeRun ATSC 3.0 Receiver Kickstarter Launches - TVTechnology 4/23

PHOENIX—The anticipated launch of ATSC 3.0 has people’s attention to the point they are ready to shell out some cash for it, as evidenced by a recently launched Kickstarter for the HDHomeRun Quatro 4K (HDHR5 4K) receiver.

The Kickstarter, created by Nick Kelsey, founder of Silicondust, launched on April 22, and as of the morning of April 23 had received $210,862 in support from 1,000 backers; it had an original goal of $50,000 in 30 days.

Updated: As of the morning of April 24, the Kickstarter has raised $273,087 from 1,280 backers.

“This is the year TV stations across the country will begin testing ATSC 3.0 signals, bringing with them higher quality video and audio, all using free over-the-air signals,” the Kickstarter reads. “High resolution 1080p and 4K content with up to 7.1.4 surround sound for anyone with an antenna and the right hardware.”

Kelsey believes that the HDHR5 4K can be that right hardware. According to the Kickstarter, the HDHR5 4K can receive every free channel available in your area. It features four TV tuners, all four of which receive ATSC 1.0 (the current standard) and two are capable of picking up UHD ATSC 3.0 broadcasts. A goal of Silicondust is to enable multichannel support so viewers can watch up to four ATSC 3.0 sub-channels across the two ATSC 3.0 tuners in HD.

HDHomeRun apps are able to run on platforms like Windows 10, Apple Mac, Xbox One, iPad and iPhone, Android phone and tablets, Android TV devices and Android TV televisions with HEVC support and FireTV products and FireTV edition televisions with HEVC support. Roku and Apple TV are not able to support all ATSC 3.0 features at this time, Silicondust says.

Having already met its goal, Silicondust plans to use the funds raised at the end of the Kickstarter to begin a “mini production run” to support these early adopters.

More information

[wxman2003]

Originally Posted by JohnAV

HDHomeRun ATSC 3.0 Receiver Kickstarter Launches - TVTechnology 4/23




More information

Seems to be lacking an HDMI out so it can be connected directly to a tv. So it's really not a full fledged tuner.

[Robert Zohn]

How would The Kickstarter connect to the TV?

I'm working with ZAPPERBOX and hope to sign on with them as a reseller.

[wxman2003]

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

How would The Kickstarter connect to the TV?

I'm working with ZAPPERBOX and hope to sign on with them as a reseller.

Start at 1:04

New ATSC 3.0 TV Tuner Box - HDHomerun Quatro by Silicon Dust - YouTube

[JohnAV]

Originally Posted by wxman2003

Start at 1:04

This is more for bypassing a TV altogether and watching it via wireless on a computer or tablet. Interesting way to cater to an different client base. Just a bit off the track when you think of the people that just want to receive ATSC 3.0 with a TV.

Thanks for locating that info.

[JohnAV]

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

How would The Kickstarter connect to the TV?

I guess that paragraph from the above article explained it after wxman203 pointed out it was an wireless gateway.

HDHomeRun apps are able to run on platforms like Windows 10, Apple Mac, Xbox One, iPad and iPhone, Android phone and tablets, Android TV devices and Android TV televisions with HEVC support and FireTV products and FireTV edition televisions with HEVC support. Roku and Apple TV are not able to support all ATSC 3.0 features at this time, Silicondust says.

[rjruby]

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

How would The Kickstarter connect to the TV?

I'm working with ZAPPERBOX and hope to sign on with them as a reseller.

I currently have a HD Homerun Connect Quatro installed on my network which I access via the Plex Server running on my Synology NAS. Since I have Plex Pass, I am able to record OTA channels on the Synology NAS.

I view OTA channels and recordings on my TVs using the Plex client on my Shield TVs and Apple TVs. I am also able to access the the OTA channels and recordings remotely using the Plex app on my iPhone and iPad.

I have used this configuration to replace my TIVO Roamio OTA DVR and have been quite satisfied.

[Robert Zohn]

Thanks rjruby, JohnAV and wxman2003. I'll stick with ZAPPERBOX and Zenith when they come out with ATSC 3.0 STB and the ATSC 3.0 USB Dongle.

[Robert Zohn]

Just sealed the deal with ZAPPERBOX and was also approved as one of the BETA testers and we're included with the first allocation.

[Steedeel]

So what are the prospects for ATSC 3.0? Do you guys think it has a decent chance of reaching a large audience?

[JohnAV]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

So what are the prospects for ATSC 3.0? Do you guys think it has a decent chance of reaching a large audience?

You being in UK would be looking at ATSC 3.0 differently.

Do European OTT platforms need a design facelift in the ATSC 3.0 uprising? - VideoNet 12/5/2019

While Europe has been developing with Hybrid broadcast and broadband TV (HbbTV) standards for over a decade, the USA has been slow to follow suit with its own equivalent standard, ATSC 3.0. The advantage of a later adoption for U.S. broadcasters is that they have been able to learn from the mistakes and achievements of the European experience and develop new platforms with consumer interfaces that respond to current viewer demands. Today, the tables have turned, as European broadcasters look across the ocean to gain insight from U.S. broadcasters and the success of interactive TV through OTT services. This article looks at the specific cutting-edge trends and innovations emerging in the U.S. that European broadcasters can use to redesign and upgrade their HbbTV and OTT solutions. The aim is to help European broadcasters benefit from innovative trends being rolled out across the pond and provide a guide for revamping their systems, so they are more competitive in a global market and ready to take on future market demands.

The recent developments of ATSC 3.0 have highlighted the need for aging European OTT platforms to be revamped, particularly in terms of user interface. As standards of user-friendliness evolve, so too must user interfaces. Yet, many first-generation European interfaces are in need of a long-overdue UX design facelift. With ‘ease of use’ standing high in the list of deciding factors for consumers, broadcasters would do well to invest in the functionality of their platforms.

The states are gearing up to have ATSC 3.0 OTA transmissions to be available to 70% of the population within a years time.

South Korea is the best example to study as they started the 3 years ago.

See GOING GLOBAL: ATSC 3.0 4K BROADCASTING LAUNCHED IN KOREA - 7/24/2017

ATSC 3.0 broadcasting service is on the air in South Korea! Leading terrestrial broadcasters (KBS, MBC and SBS) started their main service – 4K Ultra HD channels – in the Seoul metropolitan area on May 31. Local broadcasters are now in the process of licensing to start their service by the end of the year. ATSC 3.0 signals are going to cover the whole country by 2021.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by JohnAV

You being in UK would be looking at ATSC 3.0 differently.

Do European OTT platforms need a design facelift in the ATSC 3.0 uprising? - VideoNet 12/5/2019



The states are gearing up to have ATSC 3.0 OTA transmissions to be available to 70% of the population within a years time.

South Korea is the best example to study as they started the 3 years ago.

See GOING GLOBAL: ATSC 3.0 4K BROADCASTING LAUNCHED IN KOREA - 7/24/2017

Nice one, cheers.

[Lee A Stewart]

Sinclair to Launch First ATSC 3.0 Station in Las Vegas on May 26

LAS VEGAS—Sinclair says KVCW, the company’s CW affiliate in Las Vegas, will begin broadcasting in ATSC 3.0 on May 26, marking the company’s first commercial deployment of the NextGen TV standard.

KVCW was originally scheduled to launch 3.0 broadcasts just prior to the NAB Show in April, but the launch was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, which also resulted in the cancellation of the annual event.

“Out of sheer caution, we decided to take a pause to determine the nature of COVID-19 engagement that was required—a lot of broadcasters had to take a step back,” said Mark Aitken, senior vice president of advanced technology for Sinclair and president of ONE Media LLC, a subsidiary of Sinclair focused on NextGenTV. “We really needed to sign off the 1.0 hosting players and it took a little extra time. We have a whole slew of deployments coming along, this will be the first of several.”

Sinclair is partnering with three other Vegas commercial TV stations to co-host KVCW’s 1.0 programming:

https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/si...egas-on-may-26

[JohnAV]

Originally Posted by Lee A Stewart

Sinclair to Launch First ATSC 3.0 Station in Las Vegas on May 26

On a related note I saw this last years online article (see spoiler below) for the SF Bay Area ATSC 3.0 plans just getting it to work for this area really takes planning. Haven't seen more recent info since April 2019. This is related to this ATSC 3.0 broadcast study.

The new ATSC 3.0 physical layer will provide broadcasters with new transmission capabilities. Broadcasters will have options as they adjust their future broadcast coverage to best suit local terrain and future populations. Broadcasters will have the option to provide fill-in transmitters to cover previously unserved or under-served areas and populations. Broadcasters will also have the option to use single frequency networks to serve their viewers. In order to estimate and illustrate these new capabilities coverage mapping tools are used to create broadcast coverage maps and to develop an estimate of future served populations. Four U.S. broadcast markets were selected as examples to illustrate the potential future coverage of ATSC 3.0. The four markets--Washington, DC, USA, San Francisco, CA, USA, Atlanta, GA, USA, and Des Moines, IA, USA--were selected as markets with very different terrains and population distributions. Various example coverage maps were created to illustrate performances of individual transmitters and all transmission systems in combination. These examples will be presented as a work-in-progress to illustrate some of the future capabilities of ATSC 3.0.

[Show spoiler]

As his new Public Media Venture Group project takes form, CEO Marc Hand said single-frequency networks will be an important part of the company’s work on the transition to the ATSC 3.0 digital TV system.

At PBS TechCon in Las Vegas, Hand announced PMVG is launching a pilot project in San Francisco to build out an SFN project to improve ATSC 3.0 reception across the Bay Area. Currently, broadcast viewers in the market depend on signals transmitted either from Sutro Tower in San Francisco or from Mount San Bruno just to the south. Those sites provide good coverage into San Francisco and Oakland, but mountainous terrain around the bay blocks clear reception of signals from public broadcaster KQED and other local stations in outlying areas.

Under the leadership of Erik Dausman, who presently heads the Sutro Tower transmitter site and will be a consultant to the project, the group plans to install lower-powered SFN transmitters at six additional sites around the Bay Area to help fill in those signal holes.

“SFNs provide a new platform for making stations’ signals much denser and more uniform,” Hand told Current. Broadcasters in the Bay Area have tried to resolve their signal issues by using on-channel boosters in analog and ATSC 1.0 digital, but those create interference issues. The ATSC 3.0 system will eliminate many of those problems, Hand said. Unlike analog and ATSC 1.0, the new system will function better with multiple signals on the same frequency, making SFN operation more technically feasible.

ATSC 3.0 will also function with mobile devices, another advantage over ATSC 1.0. But reliable mobile reception will also require strong signals, which will make SFNs essential in markets such as San Francisco, Hand says.

PMVG hopes to bring KQED into a partnership it is forging with local commercial stations to build and operate the SFN system. The partnership would mirror the existing Sutro Tower partnership that Dausman has led. KQED has been a longtime tenant of the multiple commercial station owners who built and operate the landmark tower and transmission facility, but it hasn’t yet committed to join it, Hand said.

The San Francisco project is fully financed from private sources, Hand said, though details of the financing aren’t being disclosed yet. PMVG plans to recoup the costs of the SFN installation from lease revenues from commercial stations that join the project, as well as from potential revenues to be earned by stations that provide data distribution over the spectrum.

In January, PMVG announced a partnership with Osborn Infrastructure, a commercial engineering firm, to build alliances such as SFNs with public and commercial stations nationwide. At TechCon, Hand said PMVG hopes the San Francisco test will lead quickly to similar projects elsewhere.

“We’re now looking at 20 to 25 other markets,” Hand said, including several in areas where SFNs could be built out statewide in partnership with state public TV networks. “We’re looking at what are available tower sites, what are the existing assets within each system that could be used,” he said.

PMVG will pay the initial costs of building out SFNs in each market, and then participating stations will share the ongoing operating expenses, including tower rental, transmitter maintenance and connectivity. Those costs will vary from market to market, Hand said. In some cases, public stations that take the lead in joining SFN ventures will pay reduced ongoing costs because they’ll be providing space on their own existing towers.

Looking ahead to some of ATSC 3.0’s other promises, Hand said public stations will advance their missions and enhance their bottom lines by using digital TV spectrum over SFNs for non-broadcast applications such as rural educational services, telemedicine and public safety.

PMVG is entering an already-crowded field that includes several groups led by commercial broadcasters. A partnership led by Pearl TV in Phoenix is already testing ATSC 3.0, with pubcaster KAET taking part. At the NAB Show in Las Vegas last week, Pearl TV’s “model market” group announced its own SFN testing with a second transmitter.

The Pearl TV partners and several large commercial TV groups, including Fox TV and Sinclair, also announced plans at the NAB Show to launch ATSC 3.0 broadcasts in 40 major markets by 2020.

Source

[Robert Zohn]

Exciting times for Owned and Operated Networks and Affiliates and all of the cord cutters.

I'm installing a UHF directional antenna on my roof at home and also in our showroom so we'll be ready for my ZAPPERBOX BETA testing and to enjoy the uncompressed OTA broadcasts, higher frame rates and all of the two-way interactive content.