The Frog 435 Posted February 23, 2017 Posted February 23, 2017 WASHINGTON—The Federal Communications Commission today voted unanimously to allow broadcasters to voluntarily deploy the emerging “next-generation” television transmission standard known as ATSC 3.0. Today’s vote was just the start, as the NPRM remains open for comment, but it frees up broadcasters to retrofit facilities for 3.0 during the upcoming post-incentive auction channel repack. http://www.tvtechnology.com/atsc3/0031/fcc-greenlights-atsc-30/280420 Stations are now free to voluntarily broadcast in ATSC 3.0
24994J 5669 Posted February 23, 2017 Posted February 23, 2017 I skimmed the article, but I'm an incredible novice on this subject matter. In the simplest terms, what does it mean, and is it good or bad?
CircleSeven 1963 Posted February 23, 2017 Posted February 23, 2017 http://www.tvtechnology.com/atsc3/0031/fcc-greenlights-atsc-30/280420 Stations are now free to voluntarily broadcast in ATSC 3.0 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) is not the final rule. It has to be under a "Report and Order" or (R&O), in order for the broadcasters to voluntarily use the new standard. They only approved on the proposal to adopt ATSC 3. And the NPRM is only the comment phase. They won't act on the full order on that proposal until later on this year.
Viper550 294 Posted February 24, 2017 Posted February 24, 2017 I skimmed the article, but I'm an incredible novice on this subject matter. In the simplest terms, what does it mean, and is it good or bad? ATSC 3.0 supports newer video and audio formats, including 1080p and 4K resolution subchannels. There may also be ways to implement interactive services over it as well.
TennTV1983 811 Posted February 24, 2017 Posted February 24, 2017 I guess the only question I have to ask is what does it mean for stations that multicast? More HD subchannel capabilities?
rkolsen 1697 Posted February 24, 2017 Posted February 24, 2017 I guess the only question I have to ask is what does it mean for stations that multicast? More HD subchannel capabilities? Yes - the prospect of multiple HD channels, UHD channels, up to 20 SD channels along with data opportunities. Of course it all depends on how each stations set up their multiplex. WRAL is running a trial currently with a UHD channel (showing demo content) and a 1080p feed of their main channel (likely the only 1080p content is their newscasts). In theory one channel could broadcast the big 4 network program stream with no sweat and each would still retain their main number. As to the data it would likely be used for interactive TV and emergency alerts. I assume for interactive TV it could be things like the U.K.'s red button for additional streams or apps. The emergency alerts could be setup where only a specific area would receive a crawl.
CircleSeven 1963 Posted March 15, 2017 Posted March 15, 2017 Sinclair and Nexstar has started a consortium to promote opportunities with ATSC 3. And the consortium could be open for other station groups to join.
WestleyWolf 123 Posted March 16, 2017 Posted March 16, 2017 at least one of the O&Os should be next since NBC and CBS both have 1080i while ABC and FOX has 720p. might be just limited to the non O&Os right now.
nathannah 2537 Posted March 16, 2017 Posted March 16, 2017 at least one of the O&Os should be next since NBC and CBS both have 1080i while ABC and FOX has 720p. might be just limited to the non O&Os right now. ESPN is running like hell to get anything 4K off the ground; Disney knows they chose the wrong horse in 1.0 and wiil happily abandon 720p the moment they can and encourage the affiliates to do the same. Who knows with Fox though? They're stubborn, especially because some of their base is subchannel affiliates who won't bump them up to 1080i.
nomadcowatbk 156 Posted March 16, 2017 Posted March 16, 2017 ESPN is running like hell to get anything 4K off the ground; Disney knows they chose the wrong horse in 1.0 and wiil happily abandon 720p the moment they can and encourage the affiliates to do the same. Who knows with Fox though? They're stubborn, especially because some of their base is subchannel affiliates who won't bump them up to 1080i. I thought 720P was beter for fast action sports than 1080i. ABC O&Os also have 720P though some affiliates are 1080i
nathannah 2537 Posted March 16, 2017 Posted March 16, 2017 I thought 720P was beter for fast action sports than 1080i. ABC O&Os also have 720P though some affiliates are 1080i The new ESPN Digital Center is 4K-designed and actually using some 4K video equipment bumped down to 720p. 4K is 2160p so the progressive part sports action works with would definitely be covered (it's the scan refresh rates that progressive is better with than interlace sports are looking for, not the number of scanlines).
mardek1995 200 Posted March 18, 2017 Posted March 18, 2017 I don't like ATSC 3.0. In fact, its fair to say that I have some issues with it. A decentralized signal that's IP based... well, that might be rather disasterous for the sort who are used to watching tv via a coaxial cable. Also, I doubt that it will even solve the problem of the news at (insert what time it is here) format even though other sources have videos on specific stories as opposed to sitting through a half hour of news (and not even that since the ads took over as a desperate way to remain relevant). And mind you, this is a worldwide phenomenon, not just here in America. There's also the issue of the fact that people could be spying on you through ATSC 3.0 and you wouldn't know when or if they are, and considering that WikiLeaks confirmed that phones can be spied on, well, they could theoretically be hacked in such a way that makes the max headroom broadcast intrusion (remember that one?) look like child's play... And we wouldn't know if it is going on until it's too late. Those are my reservations with ATSC 3.0. If you disagree with any of those, feel free to explain why you do.
rkolsen 1697 Posted March 18, 2017 Posted March 18, 2017 ATSC 3.0 can be used for data purposes with that being said there is no return path unless you connect it.
Journalist 894 Posted March 18, 2017 Posted March 18, 2017 Eh. Nearly all of these concepts for ATSC 3.0 are ambitious, but let's be real - most stations would utilize the wide colour gamut, streamlined protocols, and the higher resolution. Additionally, user interactively was a thing since ATSC 1.0. If history repeats itself, I'm not going to be surprised. There's also the issue of the fact that people could be spying on you through ATSC 3.0 Never change, mardek.
Eat News 4745 Posted March 18, 2017 Posted March 18, 2017 Eh. Nearly all of these concepts for ATSC 3.0 are ambitious, but let's be real - most stations would utilize the wide colour gamut, streamlined protocols, and the higher resolution. Never change, mardek. I just look forward to the higher quality programming that I'm sure will follow. Remember the first to adapt is always the military...and porn industry.
nathannah 2537 Posted March 18, 2017 Posted March 18, 2017 Eh. Nearly all of these concepts for ATSC 3.0 are ambitious, but let's be real - most stations would utilize the wide colour gamut, streamlined protocols, and the higher resolution. Additionally, user interactively was a thing since ATSC 1.0. If history repeats itself, I'm not going to be surprised. And if there is 'interactivity', it's going to be of the most vapid 'call and response' poll questions mainly asked to lead into inane panel discussions viewers have no real input on, and not the British/Australian model most anyone wants. At minimum, some kind of industry weather warning framework is needed. Then there will be the WTBS-LD/WADL-esque infomercial pipes who will solely upgrade their signals to try to cram in 30 channels of poor content, infomercials and public domain crap to sell kitchen widgets on. The most I'm hoping for out of 3.0 is great picture quality and more closed caption and audio channels with understandable access to each that doesn't involve 12 menu choices through the remote. Accessibility technologies like captioning and audio description seemed to be a last thought with 1.0.
CircleSeven 1963 Posted July 20, 2017 Posted July 20, 2017 Sinclair & Nexstar has made an agreement "in principle" to coordinate their transition to ATSC 3 in 97 markets.
CircleSeven 1963 Posted October 27, 2017 Posted October 27, 2017 Along with the media dereg vote, the FCC will vote on the voluntary authoritization of the new standard at the November 16 meeting.
The Frog 435 Posted November 16, 2017 Author Posted November 16, 2017 It's a done deal. http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/washington/fcc-launches-next-gen-broadcast-tv-standard/170165
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