NextGen TV Debuts On 8 Orlando Stations

Starting today, an expanded number of central Florida viewers will get a taste of the future as eight Orlando TV stations band together to launch NextGen TV (also known as ATSC 3.0).

Switching on the new transmission standard are Fox Television-owned WOFL (Fox) and WRBW (MNT), Cox Media Group’s WFTV (ABC) and WRDQ (independent), Graham Media’s WKMG (CBS), Hearst Television’s WESH (NBC) and WKCF (CW), and University of Central Florida’s WUCF (PBS).

“With NextGen TV, viewers are immersed in stunning video with brilliant color, sharper images, and deeper contrast, making them feel like they’re part of the action,” explained Mike McClain, senior vice president and general manager of WOFL, WRBW and WOGX. “Offering a whole new dimension to broadcast TV viewing, the Dolby Audio System for NEXTGEN TV offers movie-theater quality sound, consistent volume across channels, and Voice + enhanced dialogue so viewers can hear every voice clearly.”

Orlando, which is the nation’s 17th largest television market, joins Tampa, Tallahassee, and Pensacola, and nearly 30 other early-adopter cities across the country where NextGen TV service is already available.

“NextGen TV merges over-the-air TV with the internet, changing the way viewers watch live broadcast television and revolutionizing their interactions with their home screens,” added Anne Schelle, managing director of Pearl TV, the broadcaster business group that is coordinating NextGen TV station launches. “Because NextGen TV can also be enhanced with internet content, viewers across central Florida will be able to get the most out of live news, live events, and live sports.”

The participating stations have worked together to ensure 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. Antenna viewers can simply rescan their TV sets to ensure full service.