A recent upgrade to the television transmitter atop Shasta Bally, west of Redding, is a big deal for our Chico/Redding broadcasting market. As of now, around 75% of our nation, and even other parts of the world, have already embraced this new broadcast technology, and finally, so can we. It’s called NextGen TV, and it is set to transform the way we consume television here in Northern California.
Sinclair Broadcast Group recently completed a $2 million upgrade, that has been in development for several years, which took place on August 22, 2024. This upgrade involved placing a new transmitter and antenna to better serve our broadcast market, promising to deliver a more reliable signal with significantly reduced susceptibility to manmade interference. As a result, viewers across the Northstate can look forward to a much-improved viewing experience.
However, what hasn’t officially been revealed to us yet is that an upgrade of this caliber can only mean one thing—more than just improving the current signal quality and extending broadcast reach, as described by our local television broadcaster; it’s also about embracing the future of television with NextGen TV! The difference between the current ATSC 1.0 broadcast signal and the new ATSC 3.0 signal is massive, and you may even need additional equipment to receive the benefits of this new NextGen TV signal. Especially if your smart TV is over 2 years old. Much of this will be discussed in detail on this website.
In fact, much more needs to be discussed about NextGen TV and its interactive features via its Internet Protocol. Yes, internet features in a broadcast signal! This amazing enhancement integrates hybrid broadcast-broadband capabilities, revolutionizing what we currently know as television. This integration of over-the-air broadcasting with broadband internet enables on-demand content, interactive applications, and personalized experiences.
This added feature will inevitably improve the viewer experience and open up exciting new advertising opportunities, such as targeted ads with interactive content that can really engage viewers. This will allow local commercials to reach the right people at the right time, making TV marketing efforts even more effective for our local businesses.
So, does this new transmitter and antenna upgrade on Shasta Bally mean that we, as viewers, have access to NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) in the Northstate?
NextGen TV, also known as ATSC 3.0, offers much more than just improved picture and sound quality. It includes UHD video with HDR technology, delivering sharper images with greater detail, contrast, and vibrant colors. Additionally, it features immersive audio with advanced formats for a three-dimensional sound experience.
Combining broadcast and internet content can make the experience feel similar to streaming services.
However, one of the most important enhancements to look forward to is what it brings to the realm of emergency broadcasting.
Emergency Broadcast System (EBS) Integration: NEXTGEN TV enhances the traditional Emergency Broadcast System (EBS) by providing more detailed and informative emergency alerts. These alerts are geotargeted for hyper-local information delivery and can include rich media such as maps, images, and videos, offering viewers comprehensive information during emergency situations. This integration ensures that critical information is delivered promptly and effectively, potentially saving lives.
More Key Features of NEXTGEN TV:
In addition to higher image and audio quality, internet capabilities, and more detailed EBS, this new Broadspan Wireless will also:
- Deliver a reliable and improved signal to mobile devices, not just television sets, allowing us to receive these broadcast-broadband features on our cell phones and mobile devices without needing data or Wi-Fi.
- Enable content distribution to vehicles.
- Provide more precise GPS, with amazing accuracy.
- Facilitate worldwide data distribution in a more efficient and cost-effective way.
Even so, this new ATSC 3.0 broadcast standard, a massive upgrade from the ATSC 1.0 standard that society has relied on for decades, doesn’t appear to be fully understood at the local level. However, now that Sinclair, the current owner of KRCR TV and the creator of NextGen TV, has recently installed the $2 million transmitter and antenna on Shasta Bally on August 22, 2024, as regulated by the FCC timeline, perhaps we will learn more about its capabilities as time goes on.
Bottom line, NextGen TV is here, and it will become more relevant as time goes on.
Meanwhile, let’s discuss what else needs to be done for our community to enjoy the benefits of this new signal.
First, here are the steps that have to be taken for a DMA to upgrade to NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0):
Upgrading a Designated Market Area (DMA) to NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) involves several key steps:
- Infrastructure Upgrade: Broadcasters need to upgrade their transmission infrastructure to support ATSC 3.0. This includes new transmitters, encoders, and other equipment to handle the advanced features of ATSC 3.0. DONE!
- Regulatory Approval: Broadcasters must obtain the necessary permits and licenses from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which involves submitting detailed applications, demonstrating compliance with technical standards, and ensuring that the upgrade will not interfere with existing broadcasts. ????
- Consumer Equipment: Viewers will need compatible TVs or external tuners to receive ATSC 3.0 signals. Many newer TVs already include ATSC 3.0 tuners, but older models may require an external converter. This is possible to do with the proper equipment. (Find out how here!)
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the benefits of NextGen TV and how to access it is crucial. This can include advertising, informational websites (like this one), and community outreach.
- Testing and Rollout: Before full deployment, broadcasters typically conduct tests to ensure the new system works correctly and to address any technical issues. ????
The transition to NextGen TV can be gradual. Even if the infrastructure, like the new transmitter and antenna on Shasta Bally, is in place, the full rollout might happen in phases.
Testing and Calibration: New equipment often requires extensive testing and calibration to ensure it meets all technical standards and provides a reliable signal.
Content Development: Developing content that leverages NextGen TV’s advanced features takes time and resources. (This could be our standstill, locally).
Moving Forward with NextGen TV
NEXTGEN TV, also known as ATSC 3.0, represents not only the latest but the final evolution in digital TV technology, offering an unparalleled viewing experience with a platform that is forever upgradable.
For viewers, the image quality is so incredible, you’ll feel like you’re part of the action. In addition, the integration of the Dolby Audio System ensures that dialogue is crystal clear, volume levels remain consistent across channels, and sound dynamically surrounds you as you watch.
When connected to the internet, NEXTGEN TV seamlessly combines broadcast television with online content. This means you can enjoy enhanced live sports, news, events, and more.
Consumer Equipment:
Ensure that consumer receivers (TVs, set-top boxes) are compatible with ATSC 3.0.
What’s Next:
- Content Creation and Delivery: Develop and deliver content that leverages the new features of ATSC 3.0, such as 4K video, HDR, and interactive services.
- Public Safety Features: Implement advanced public safety features, such as enhanced emergency alerts and geo-targeted notifications.