Posted on May 16, 2023 in ATSC News
Thanks to everyone who had a hand in putting the possibilities of ATSC 3.0 center stage at the 100th NAB Show. The ATSC exhibit was jam-packed with 17 demonstrations, showing everything from enhanced video and audio options to enterprise applications for data delivery, accessibility solutions over cable and broadcast, distribution networks for apartments and hotels, and the new capabilities of IP-delivery for broadcasters and their customers.
ATSC was proud to showcase the work of our very own Tower Network Implementation Team, which represents a multinational drive to use a broadcaster’s own tower infrastructure to distribute content – a key functionality of the flexible ATSC 3.0 standard.
International interest in ATSC 3.0 is strong, with a host of nations sending delegations to the NAB Show to discuss their own next-generation television plans. ATSC’s Brazil Implementation Team hosted a special event at the ATSC booth for Brazilian attendees, including Minister of Communications, Mr. Juscelino dos Santos Rezende Filho. Brazil’s SBTVD Forum is in Phase 3 of the technology selection process for their second generation DTT system. Many ATSC 3.0 technologies have already been selected for transport, audio, captions and more. The physical layer testing continues, with that selection slated for early 2024. ATSC was happy to welcome our colleagues from South Korea, the first nation to launch ATSC 3.0, and from Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago, the first nations to convert from analog to ATSC 3.0.
We are heartened and encouraged by the announcement made by FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, who has pledged to work hand-in-hand with the NAB to address the difficult decisions ahead as we seek to propagate NextGen TV across the USA. Terrific progress has already been made with signals now on-air in some 70 markets and reaching almost two-thirds of viewers, but we want viewers and broadcasters to be able to take full advantage of the new standard and its many benefits. That will require a collaborative effort to address markets where having a Host Station is not feasible (because there may only be one local station), as well as finding a way forward to ensure that no viewer is left behind.
ATSC is very encouraged to see the first NEXTGEN TV-certified upgrade accessory receiver hit the market, the ADTH set-top receiver powered by Tolka software. This is the first of what we expect will be a long line of certified accessories that can bring the NEXTGEN TV experience to ever-broadening audiences. This device is now available for under $100 USD (pre-orders only), which is very encouraging when you consider that is TEN TIMES less expensive in today’s dollars than the first HDTV set-top box built for the original ATSC 1.0 standard a generation ago.
Coming up in just four weeks is the 2023 ATSC NextGen Broadcast Conference! Join us at the SPY Museum in Washington, D.C. June 13-15 for our annual members meeting and conference. We will be hosting a Tuesday evening members-only networking event, and a celebration of ATSC’s 40th anniversary open to all featuring presentation of the Richer Medal and Lechner Award ceremony on Wednesday evening.
Visit the conference website for more details including registration information, hotel room block, schedule of events and more. This will be a “must attend” event!
From 100 years to 40 years, 2023 is proving to be a milestone year for ATSC and the broadcast industry. Thank you for joining us on this ride!
Madeleine Noland, ATSC President
Posted in ATSC News
Subscribe to The Standard, our monthly newsletter. Learn More
ATSC is a membership organization with both voting and observer categories. Voting members include corporations, nonprofit organizations, and government entities, and they participate actively in the work of ATSC. Observers are individuals or entities not eligible to be a voting member.
Subscribe to The Standard, our monthly newsletter, to stay up-to-date with ATSC news and events around the world.
Advanced Television Systems Committee, Inc.
1300 I Street NW, Suite 400E
Washington, DC 20005
Do you have questions about ATSC?
The Advanced Television Systems Committee, Inc., is an international, non-profit organization developing voluntary standards and recommended practices for digital terrestrial broadcasting. ATSC member organizations represent the broadcast, broadcast equipment, motion picture, consumer electronics, computer, cable, satellite, and semiconductor industries. ATSC also develops digital terrestrial broadcasting implementation strategies and supports educational activities on ATSC standards.
© 2025 ATSC