Thought I'd share what little I know about the new ATSC 3.0, and that's not much.
Basically OTA digital TV is currently using what is known as ATSC 1.0 to bring us the super sharp picture and digital subchannels that we all enjoy today but ATSC 3.0 promises to make things even better. Below is a list of some of those things I've heard about it.
1. Better picture quality
ATSC 1.0 is capable of 1080 video quality whereas 3.0 will be able to do 4K
2. Each TV station will be able to add more subchannels without hurting picture quality. How many no one seems to know but I do recall reading somewhere that the number could be as high as 100. I asked about that in a forum and was told they could maybe do a 100 radio stations but no way 100 TV channels
3. Better reception with small indoor TV antennas. ATSC 3.0 can penetrate walls much better than what we have now
4. Mobile reception. This kind of goes hand in hand with #3 above. Apparently it was tested in a moving vehicle with great results...even when the vehicle went into a tunnel.
Did I mention better reception?
5. It can interact somehow with the internet but an internet connection is not needed to watch ATSC 3.0 TV
6. It can be set up for local emergency alerts even if the TV is turned off. Not sure if that feature is with a internet connection only
Saved The Worst For Last
7. We'll need to purchased either a new TV set or a 3.0 converter box, and this time the government isn't going to give out discount coupons for the converter boxes
No one's sure when ATSC 3.0 will start rolling out (I've heard sometime in 2019) but once they do the broadcasters must continue transmitting their main channel on ATSC 1.0 for a minimum of five years per FCC regulations. Apparently they won't have to transmit their subchannels on 1.0 unless they choose to.
Previously heard nothing about this. Thanks for updating/informing.
ReplyDeleteWhat about a smart tv will that work with the 3.0?
ReplyDeleteSorry, but no it won't. The TV set will have to have an actual ATSC 3.0 TV tuner.
ReplyDeleteOK what about the new 4K TV's could it work on the 3.0?
ReplyDeleteI will try this 1 more time can a TV with 4K work with the 3.0?
ReplyDeleteThe 4K TV's sold in the U.S. are ATSC 1.0 only. Far as I know, only South Korea has 3.0 capable TV's at present.
ReplyDeleteThis is NOT FAR we older folks only have over the air tv and don't have the cash to get a new TV or converter box its just not FAR.
ReplyDeleteRemember, once a channel converts to 3.0, that channel will still have to broadcast the current 1.0 signal for at least 5 years. So no need worrying about new converter box in the foreseeable future.
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