Data Dominates NextGen TV Conference
As ATSC marked its 40th anniversary at last week’s conference, conversations resoundingly turned to alternative uses for the NextGen TV spectrum including datacasting and PNT applications.
Broadcasters eye datacasting for early 3.0 revenues
ATSC 3.0 infrastructure will position TV stations to not just create their own OTT platforms, but also lease a portion of their spectrum for datacasting, location services and many other new revenue possibilities. Leading experts on monetizing NextGen TV offered their predictions and blueprints at a TVNewsCheck webinar last week sponsored by LTN Global. Above, map showing ATSC 3.0 coverage at the end of 2021 from E.W. Scripps.
Low-power TV stations continue to contend with FCC initiatives to move to new channels and convert to digital operations, while interest grows in using LPTV sticks to transmit in the ATSC 3.0 standard. Above, Comark E-Compact transmitters.
TVN Executive Session | Nexstar: Bigger Scale, More IP Opportunities
Nexstar sees more potential to transition to IP workflows with its acquisition of Tribune, says CTO Brett Jenkins. It’s also aiming to light up some major-market NextGen TV signals in the second quarter amid what Jenkins sees as a climate of strong consumer acceptance and adoption of the new ATSC 3.0 standard.
Merging Tech, Repack Keeps Jenkins Busy
Brett Jenkins, VP and CTO of Media General, which now includes the former LIN Media stations, discusses the challenges of integrating the technical operations of both broadcast groups, how to deal with the upcoming spectrum repack, the growing role of digital and its unique demands, how technology is helping the group’s stations share local news stories and his thoughts about the future of terrestrial digital television.
Sinclair Developing Next-Gen TV Standard
Spearheaded by Mark Aitken, Sinclair’s VP of advanced technology, the new “broadcast-centric” transmission standard is being designed to address an issue Sinclair feels is being left out of ATSC’s efforts: the ability to reach viewers on their mobile devices. “ATSC 3.0 ought to be whatever broadcasters want it to be,” Aitken says. “This process should be about bringing broadcasters to the table for a solution, rather than having it dictated to them by TV set manufacturers.”
Exclusives
LIN’s Jenkins And His Busy Tech Agenda
As LIN Media’s chief tech, Brett Jenkins has numerous balls in the air. First there’s continuing the HD transition at the group’s growing portfolio of stations. Next, there’s his work on ATSC that is planning TV’s next-generation standards. And then there’s also automation, mobile DTV, streaming and keeping an eye on the emerging 4K technology.
The former Ion Media tech VP is chosen for a newly created position focusing on advancing the company’s technology strategies and opportunities.
