FCC Wants Status Update on Next Generation TV

In a Third Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the FCC is seeking comment on the current state of the voluntary Next Generation Television transition, and the scheduled sunset of two related 2017 rules.

Next Gen TV uses the ATSC 3.0 transmission standard that introduces broadband-type capabilities for delivery of video and data content and a better viewing experience.  In 2017 the FCC adopted rules allowing the voluntary transition to the new standard, but with some caveats such as requiring that a simulcast ATSC 1.0 standard video signal remain simultaneously available to viewers in the market so no one lost programming if they did not have an ATSC 3.0 reception device.  This rulemaking does not remove the 1.0 signal requirement, but is does ask whether the rule requiring that the 1.0 signal be substantially similar to the 3.0 programming stream.

In addition, the FCC wants input on the scheduled 2023 sunset of the requirement that a Next Gen TV station comply with a published ATSC A/322 technical standard.

The responses to this rulemaking may have a significant impact on the further deployment and viability of Next Gen TV.