WPIX, WABC, WXTV-DT Launch NextGen TV In New York City

Three stations serving the New York City metropolitan area have begun broadcasting with NextGen TV, a new digital broadcast technology “delivering stunning video with brilliant color, sharper images and deeper contrast to create a more life-like viewing experience,” a press release said. “The launch includes WPIX (CW), WABC-TV (ABC) and WXTV-DT (Univision). NextGen TV is now available in more than 70 markets nationwide.”

Based on ATSC 3.0, an advanced television broadcasting technology, NextGen TV can be enhanced with internet content to enable viewers to get more out of live sports, live news, and live events in real-time. ATSC 3.0 gives broadcasters the power to serve their markets with a range of high value data services in addition to improved television broadcasting, the release said.

“In addition, NextGen TV adds a new dimension to TV viewing, with vibrant video and new Voice+ dialogue enhancement that brings voices to the foreground,” the release continued. “Movie theater-quality sound lets viewers hear every voice clearly and keeps the volume consistent across channels.  NextGen TV also  improves the way broadcasters reach viewers with emergency alerts and can support a wide range of features currently in development.”

NextGen TV is touted as “the most significant broadcast technology upgrade in history.” Features available will vary by device and station as broadcasters roll out service across the country. NextGen TV can continue to evolve as new technologies are introduced because it is built on the same basic technologies that power the internet and mobile broadband. New sets compatible with ATSC 3.0 are marked with the distinctive “NEXTGEN TV” logo.

The launch of NextGen TV follows a decade of development and months of planning and preparation by the local stations, the release said. Owned by Mission Broadcasting, WPIX has converted to ATSC 3.0 transmissions and will broadcast its own programming, as well as the programming of the other participating stations, in the NextGen TV format. All programming of the participating stations will continue to be available in the existing DTV format, which can be received on all modern television sets. BitPath, which is developing new data broadcasting services, led the planning process and coordinated transition efforts across the three television stations.

From Honolulu to Houston and from Miami to Seattle, NextGen TV service is already available in dozens of markets across the country. New York metro area viewers can learn more about NextGen TV by visiting www.WatchNextGenTV.com, which offers a guide listing cities where NextGen TV is already live, as well as links to available NextGen TV set models.

Antenna viewers without NextGen TV sets can simply rescan their TV sets to ensure uninterrupted service. Rescan instructions are available at fcc.gov/rescan. Cable and satellite subscribers do not need to take any action.