Four Austin Stations Roll Out ATSC 3.0

Four Austin, Texas, stations — KXAN (NBC), KEYE (CBS), KNVA (CW) and KBVO-CD (MNT), have begun broadcasting with NextGen TV or ATSC 3.0.

Based on the same fundamental technology as the Internet, digital applications, and other web services, NextGen TV can support a wide range of features currently in development, such as immersive audio and video (up to 4K), broadcasting to mobile devices, personalized viewing tools, and advanced emergency alerts providing rich media instead of simple text messages.

NextGen TV also allows full integration with 5G and other broadband-delivered Internet content.

BitPath, which is developing new data broadcasting services, led the planning process and coordinated efforts across the seven television stations. The participating stations have cooperated to ensure that current programming remains available to all viewers, regardless of whether their television service is provided over-the air or by a cable or satellite company.

“We are extremely pleased to be adding more markets to the growing list of areas where NextGen TV is available over the air,” said Brett Jenkins, EVP and Chief Technology Officer of Nexstar Media, owner of KXAN and KBVO-CD. “These consistent upgrades to the transmission technology of our stations enable Nexstar to serve its existing viewers with better products while also opening up greater optionality for the company to pursue a variety of new business opportunities.”

Mark Aitken, SVP of Advanced Technology for Sinclair Broadcast Group, owner of KEYE, said: “We are quite excited to bring the game-changing benefits of NextGen TV to our viewers in Austin, a city with a rich history of driving innovation and progress. Going forward, residents in the area can look for a more enjoyable viewing experience, with future upgrades to the system offering a more personalized and immersive viewing experience.”

“The future of television is NextGen TV and we know that our viewers will embrace the multitude of services this new technology offers. This is an important day for KNVA and the city of Austin.” said TJ Vaughan of Vaughan Media, owner of KNVA.

John Hane, president of BitPath, said: “We’re excited to extend BitPath’s footprint into one of America’s leading technology hubs. Austin’s tech-savvy population will quickly appreciate the 2 power and efficiency of BitPath’s unique broadcast data network. We look forward to working with Austin’s tech companies to launch innovative new wireless services.”