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Showing posts with the label atsc 3.0 converter box

Frank's Take: What NextGen TV Means for You — and How to Get a Converter Box

By Frank Macek If you've seen the phrase "NextGen TV" pop up on a commercial, a billboard, or maybe even your own television's home screen, and wondered what in the world it means, you're not alone. I get asked about this more than you'd think, usually by someone who's worried their TV is about to stop working. So let's clear it up, because there's actually some good news buried in all the technical jargon. NextGen TV is the consumer-facing name for ATSC 3.0, the newest broadcast television standard. Think of it as the next step up from the digital broadcast standard we've all been using since the big DTV transition back in 2009. ATSC 3.0 brings sharper picture quality, including 4K and HDR, better sound, and a more reliable signal that should hold up better in bad weather or when you're farther from the broadcast tower. It also opens the door to things like interactive features and better emergency alerts built right into the broadcast s...