At CES this year, we’re getting updates on NEXTGEN TV, including announcements about partnerships for new products and technology testing. Today, Hisense and MediaTek each made announcements about integrating ATSC 3.0 into 2022 plans to bring more compatible products to consumers.
“NEXTGEN TV has garnered remarkable traction in a relatively short time since the first commercial launch in early 2020, proving that watching TV is more than just one of America’s favorite pastimes. Television is our source for news, entertainment and access to our communities and the broader world,” stated Anne Schelle, managing director of Pearl TV, a broadcaster coalition managing the NEXTGEN TV rollout. “NEXTGEN TV enhances broadcast TV and is a critical technology to the preservation of free, over-the-air local news. We’re very happy to be back at CES, showcasing NEXTGEN TV’s role at the forefront of the evolution of broadcast television and the changes in consumer perception of it.”
Hisense announced that it will be integrating NEXTGEN TV technology into some new Smart TV models, bringing more broadcast options and upgrades to viewers who are ready for 4K over-the-air content and the latest upgrades. New models will be introduced in fall 2022, starting at $799.99.
“As Hisense receivers equipped with NEXTGEN TV hit store shelves later this year, consumers will have more model and pricing choices, on top of an improved audio and visual experience,” stated Schelle. “Hisense pushes the boundaries of innovation that is reflective of the value of what NEXTGEN TV delivers.”
MediaTek has signed a test agreement with Pearl TV to speed development and time to market of new receivers. Testing includes a Mediatek 9100 ATSC 3.0 Demodulator, a high-performance receiver that complies with ATSC 3.0 standards, a comprehensive Smart TV system on chip (SoC) family that ranges from entry 4K to premium 8K, and a ready-to-go software stack for both Android and Linux. The testing will allow TV brands to bring products to market faster, with lower costs.
“By embracing NEXTGEN TV, MediaTek reaffirms its commitment to enabling the most forward-thinking standards and technologies,” stated Alfred Chan, vice president of TV and smart home business unit at MediaTek. “We are thrilled to be working with a diverse network of broadcasters, engineers, and gifted innovators to help advance this technology and help put it in more consumer living rooms, kitchens, garages, dorm rooms—wherever people gather to enjoy news and entertainment.”