Here is a Q&A about next generation TV as provided by Capitol Broadcasting as part of today’s NEXTGEN TV announcement:

  • What is NEXTGEN TV?

In addition to providing a new, improved way for broadcasters to reach viewers with advanced emergency alerting, NEXTGEN TV allows a viewer to be immersed in stunning video with brilliant color, sharper images and deeper contrast that will make viewers feel like they’re really there.  NEXTGEN TV adds a whole new dimension to TV viewing, with brilliant video and new Voice + dialogue enhancement, to bring voices to the foreground.  Viewers will feel the power of movie theater-quality sound that enables a viewer to hear every voice clearly and offers consistent volume across channels. NEXTGEN TV is also enhanced with Internet content to get the most out of live sports, live news, live events and more, in real time.

  • How does it work?

Powered by ATSC 3.0, NEXTGEN TV is considered one of the most important broadcast technology upgrades ever. The launch of NEXTGEN TV is the result of long-term planning by the ATSC Technology Group 3 and includes years of planning and preparation by industry leaders and NEXTGEN TV steering teams.

By merging over-the-air TV with the Internet, NEXTGEN TV is going to change the way viewers watch live broadcast television.  Local stations can now personalize their news, sports, live events and shows with interactive features that give viewers the content most relevant to them.

NEXTGEN TV can support a wide range of features currently in development, such as immersive audio and UHD video -broadcasting to mobile devices, personalized viewing tools, and advanced emergency alerts providing rich media instead of simple text messages. NEXTGEN TV also allows full integration with 5G and other broadband-delivered Internet content.

  • How do viewers receive NEXTGEN TV?

To learn more and also see a list of available NEXTGEN TV models, visit: www.WatchNextGenTV.com

Features available on NEXTGEN TV’s will vary by device and by broadcaster. Currently, NEXTGEN TV is a feature built into select new TV models from LG Electronics, Samsung, and Sony.

In the future, viewers with NEXTGEN TV, viewers will get:

  1. Stunning 4K, High Dynamic Range video
  2. Movie theater quality sound
  3. Added voice clarity with Voice +
  4. Consistent volume across channels
  5. Enhanced Internet content on demand
  6. Advanced Emergency Alerting functions to keep viewers better informed
  • Will this impact my current TV service?

All current programming remains available to all WRAL, WRAZ, WARZ and WUNC viewers, regardless of whether their television service is provided over-the air or by a cable or satellite company. Antenna viewers can simply rescan their TV sets to ensure full service.  Rescan instructions are available at: fcc.gov/rescan. Cable and satellite subscribers do not need to take any action.

  • Does every city get access to NEXTGEN TV?

Across the country, NEXTGEN TV service is beginning to launch, although the broadcast roll out will vary greatly city to city and station to station. WRAL, WRAZ, WARZ and WUNC are proud to join the first wave of early adopters in introducing the new third-generation digital TV broadcast technology.