KASW Phoenix Launches ATSC 3.0

Another chapter in the rollout of NextGen TV service is being written in the collaborative Phoenix Model Market, with the launch of ATSC 3.0 signals by Scripps-owned CW affiliate KASW. The station, which will host KSAZ (Fox) as part of the initial launch, becomes the second 3.0 TV transmission source in the nation’s 11^th largest TV market.

Anne Schelle, managing director of Pearl TV, which is coordinating the Phoenix Model Market, said: “The addition of a second transmission facility provides a robust test platform with the power of two transmitters for signal testing by consumer receiver and transmission equipment manufacturers. The Phoenix Model Market continues to lead the industry in the development of the essential next-gen TV service as well as the testing of new automotive services.”

Brian Lawlor, president of Local Media for Scripps, said: “Scripps is pleased to partner with the stations in the Phoenix market to continue to advance next-generation TV service offerings for our viewers and advertisers. Our focus is on delivering local content that informs and entertains our audiences, and these technological advancements will move the entire industry forward.”

Richard Friedel, EVP of engineering for Fox Television Stations, said: “This second station in Phoenix shows the keen interest in the broadcast community to explore the exciting growth and capabilities of NextGen TV. The Phoenix Model Market participates will make use of this second station to expand our business development efforts.”

Viewers in Phoenix watching on conventional digital TV sets will easily find their familiar channels after the launch of the KASW NextGen broadcasts. After rescanning, all of the current programming carried on KASW remains on the familiar channel locations thanks to sharing arrangements with other broadcasters in the Phoenix market.

More than 60 U.S. markets have been targeted as the first areas where next-gen TV service will launch, with the ATSC now tracking market deployments of the new broadcasts. Once service is launched in those markets, NextGen TV powered by ATSC 3.0 will reach more than three-quarters of the nation’s population, according to Pearl TV.