The new era in broadcasting is steadily rolling across the US. The latest market to embrace ATSC-3 is Minnesota and the twin cities of Minneapolis/Saint Paul. The addition of Minnesota means that 70 US markets have now added ATSC-3 signals to their schedules.

Five local TV stations are now transmitting in the new ‘next-generation’ broadcasting standard.

“There is no better system in the world than this one,” said Madeleine Nolan of the Advanced Television Systems Committee.

ATSC-3 makes possible 4K and High Dynamic Range (HDR) video reception. The colours are deeply saturated, with virtually no motion delay, which is especially noticeable in high-action videos such as NFL broadcasts.

Audio is clearer with Dolby-enhanced technology. The technology allows for more sub-audio channels such as descriptive audio for the visually impaired, and multiple languages. ATSC-3 also allows for more advanced emergency alerts and enhanced internet content on demand.

Sinclair Broadcasting, a major owner of TV stations across the US, and an enthusiastic supporter of ATSC-3 is one of the two ‘lighthouse’ stations locally. The other is the CW affiliate (CW-23/WUCW-TV). The others are FOX 9, KARE 11, KSTP-TV, and WCCO-TV.

The new over-the-air signals need a NEXTGEN TV-enabled television set or a converter box. Sony, LG, Samsung, and Hisense are currently adding the technology to their TV sets 55″ and larger. Converter boxes are available for around $90.

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Categories: Articles, Broadcast, Standards

Tags: atsc 3.0, minnesota, usa