ATSC 3.0 is now live in Seattle, with seven stations broadcasting with the NextGen TV transmission standard.
The local stations that are now transmitting with ATSC 3.0 include KOMO-TV (ABC), KIRO-TV (CBS), KCPQ (Fox), KING-TV (NBC), KONG (Ind.), KZJO (MyNet) and KUNS-TV (Univision). The list includes all of Seattle’s major broadcasters.
NextGen TV will be able to support new features incusing immersive audio and video, broadcasting to mobile devices, personalized viewing tools, and advanced emergency alerts providing rich media instead of simple text messages.
All stations are cooperating to ensure that all viewers in the Seattle area will continue to have access to the channels. Those using an antenna to receive the channels can do a rescan to continue receiving them.
“As broadcasters, we must always consider ways to enhance our products for viewers to receive the best quality of our content,” said Richard Friedel, executive vice president, Corporate Engineering, at Fox Television Stations, which owns KCPQ and KZJO. “Working together with our fellow broadcasters to bring this new generation of innovative technology to viewers in the Seattle-Tacoma market delivers on that goal.”
“Our Emerald City has truly become the nation’s technological core. It’s only appropriate that we usher in the latest revolution in broadcast innovation to our tech-savvy audience,” added Mark Aitken, senior vice president of Advanced Technology for Sinclair Broadcast Group, owner of KOMO-TV and KUNS-TV. “We are thrilled to introduce the myriad benefits NextGen TV to Seattle, taking the television viewing experience to new heights.”