Introduction

NextGen TV is a new concept in over-the-air TV. As a result, many individuals do not have a full understanding as to what NextGen TV is and what it means to the average person. This page explains everything you need to know about NextGen TV.

NextGen TV Explained

There are four terms, or keywords, that associated with "NextGen TV".

NextGen TV - Is a new broadcast TV standard. The "NextGen TV" signal, sent over-the-air to your TV, is a different signal format than that of the current TV signal. The technical term for "NextGen TV" is called "ATSC3.0". NextGen TV and ATSC3.0 are the same thing. The current TV signal format is commonly known as "digital TV " and it is often referred as "digital broadcast TV". The technical term for "digital tv" is called ATSC1.0. The present broadcast TV signal technical term is called ATSC1.0. The ATSC1.0 signal format is often referred as "digital tv" or "digital broadcast TV". The NextGen TV signal format has a much greater capability than the present ATSC1.0 signal format. The NextGen TV signal has the capability for 4K video. It also allows Dolby 7.1.4 surround sound and Dolby Atmos. See the table below for a side-by-side comparison.

ATSC3.0 - Is the technical term for "NextGen TV". The "ATSC" is an acronym for Advanced Television Systems Committee. This committee develops the broadcast TV standards. The ATSC3.0 signal format was first placed into service during the year 2017.

ATSC1.0 - Is the technical term for "Digital TV" or "Digital Broadcast TV". The ATSC1.0 signal format is the current format for over-the-air television. It was mandated to be used by all U.S. broadcast TV station during the year of 2009. The ATSC1.0 format superseded the NTSC signal format.

NTSC - Is the technical term for the broadcast TV signal that was used prior to the year 2009. The NTSC signal format was used, in the U.S., between the years 1927 thru 2009. This signal format only allowed for analog video and analog sound. The maximum video resolution was 640x480 (480i). This video resolution is often referred as "standard resolution (SD)". The NTSC signal only allowed a maximum of two separate sound channels (Stereo). However, Dolby Prologic surround sound was able to be encoded to any stereo broadcast. Dolby Prologic was an analog version of 5.1 surround sound. Although the NTSC signal format was able to carry Dolby Prologic, most over-the-air TV programs were not encoded with the Prologic. As a result, most over-the-air TV programs were either two channel stereo or mono (one channel).

DRM Encryption - DRM is an acronym for Digital Rights Management. DRM Encryption is a method of scrambling the TV signal so unauthorized devices, such as capture devices, cannot display and/or record the TV signal. DRM is currently being rolled-out across the entire United States on all ATSC3.0 broadcasts. It is highly speculated that TV stations, using DRM encryption, will control which programming can be recorded to a DVR and which programming cannot. It is also speculated that TV broadcasters will use DRM Encryption in an effort to make certain over-the-air-broadcast require payment to watch.

NextGen TV Enabled - This term is sometimes referred as "NextGen TV" or "NextGen Certified". NextGen Enabled refers to devices, such as TV's, that have the ability to decode the ATSC3.0 signal and decode DRM encrypted broadcasts. At the present time, not all NextGen Enabled devices have the ability to decode and display DRM Encrypted broadcast signals. NextGen Enabled devices have the ability to decode non-encrypted ATSC3.0 broadcasts. These devices will have the ability to decode DRM encrypted broadcast through the use of a firmware update to the device once the firmware update is available from the manufacturer. The best way to know if a device is NextGen TV enabled is to see if the device has the official NexGen TV logo on it.

Comparison of TV Broadcast Signal Standards
Commonly Known As:	NextGen TV	Digital TV	Standard Broadcast TV
Technical Term:	ATSC3.0	ATSC1.0	NTSC
Time Period In Service (Years):	2017-Present	2009 - Present	1941 - 2009
Max. Video Resolution (Pixels):	3840x2160 (4k)	2048x1080 (1080p)	640x480 (480i)
Video Resolution Known As:	Ultra HD or UHD	Full High Definition or Full HD	Standard Definition or SD
Video & Audio Format:	Digital	Digital	Analog
Max. Number of Audio Channels:	7.1.4	5.1	2
Viewer Interactivity?	Yes	No	No
Codec:	H.265 HVEC	H.262 MPEG2 or H.264 MPEG4	No Codec
Watch TV While in Motion?	Yes	No	Yes
Is DRM Encryption Used?	Yes	No	No