ATSC 3.0, the next-generation terrestrial broadcast system, promises to reshape television experiences, enabling better video quality, immersive audio, more accessibility, personalization, and interactivity for viewers. As ATSC 3.0 service deployments continue to grow in 2024, let’s take a look at the key trends set to impact NEXTGEN TV.
#1: Monetizing and Monitoring NEXTGEN TV
NEXTGEN TV deployments are progressing past the trial stage to being fully operational. As a result, the next step for broadcasters is to focus on monetization. In 2024, we envision that broadcasters will explore strategies that leverage ATSC 3.0 to drive new revenue streams. This includes leasing out excess broadcast spectrum for data services, delivering targeted advertising, as well as using NEXTGEN TV for connected cars and autonomous vehicles, gaming, advanced emergency alerts, IoT, and datacasting.
As ATSC 3.0 deployments ramp up, advanced test and measurement equipment will be essential for ensuring successful service delivery in the NEXTGEN TV era. When NEXTGEN TV deployments were initially rolled out in the U.S., a primary focus for broadcasters was analyzing the quality of ATSC 3.0 streams. Now that ATSC 3.0 deployments have evolved - and are taking place in multiple countries around the world - 24/7 monitoring is crucial. Recording the ATSC 3.0 streams gives broadcasters insight into the real-time and long-term quality of their NEXTGEN TV services, helping them boost and maintain end-user satisfaction.
#2: Establishing Redundancy Mechanisms
To effectively facilitate new business models such as datacasting services and targeted advertising, in 2024, broadcasters will need to prioritize implementing redundancy mechanisms. Deploying an automatic switch-over system or a dual broadcast chain will be a crucial part of this process. The backup broadcast chain ensures that NEXTGEN TV services will continue running smoothly at all times, which is critical for effectively monetizing ATSC 3.0.
#3: Extending the Reach of NEXTGEN TV
As the momentum for ATSC 3.0 continues to build, we foresee that broadcasters - particularly those operating public state-wide networks - will seek efficient ways to repeat or translate their existing ATSC 3.0 signal to reach additional areas. Translating ATSC 3.0 signals increases broadcasters’ RF footprint and enables them to reach more viewers with NEXTGEN TV services.
#4: Simplifying NEXTGEN TV Service Management
As ATSC 3.0 deployments accelerate, being able to quickly launch NEXTGEN TV services is critical for broadcasters. In 2024 there will be an increased focus on technologies that streamline the configuration of ATSC 3.0 services, eliminating the need to configure each and every product in the broadcast chain.
#5: Expanding Global ATSC 3.0 Deployments
2024 will be the year that ATSC 3.0 goes global in a big way! NEXTGEN TV is now on-air in over 70 markets and reaches 70% of U.S. viewing audiences. By the end of 2024, we anticipate that ATSC 3.0 will reach about 80 to 85% of the population in the U.S.
Globally, ATSC 3.0 has already launched in Jamaica, and we foresee additional countries adopting the next-gen broadcast system over the next 12 months. Trinidad and Tobago has started the transition process, with an expected completion date of 2026.In South America, Brazil recently finalized its technical evaluation phase of ATSC 3.0, with NEXTGEN TV deployments expected later this year. India is still in the trial phase for ATSC3.0. As 2024 progresses, the country will inch closer to real-world deployments.
Conclusion
The broadcast world is in the midst of an exciting transformation. ATSC 3.0 promises to provide a more engaging and interactive television experience to viewers, while opening up additional monetization opportunities for broadcasters. As NEXTGEN TV deployments grow worldwide, broadcasters will look to state-of-the-art service quality assurance solutions to boost redundancy, simplify management, and improve monetization of their ATSC 3.0 services.
