Unlocking the Potential of Over-The-Air Television: A Guide for Telecom Professionals

In the ever-evolving landscape of telecommunications, an often-overlooked gem is gaining momentum: free over-the-air television. We're not referring to the latest streaming services like Roku, Pluto, or YouTube. Instead, we're talking about the untapped potential of traditional TV channels like ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, Fox, and more, made accessible with a simple antenna. Even in urban and suburban settings, many people can receive a substantial array of channels, all in high-definition and surround sound, without an eyesore of an #antenna disrupting your decor. Most people are unaware of the impressive features available with #broadcast television.

The Cord Cutting Phenomenon

While cable and satellite TV have reigned supreme for decades, a significant shift has been occurring - the rise of "Cord Cutting." This trend is seeing masses of viewers relinquishing traditional cable and satellite services in favor of streaming platforms. However, there's a catch - some individuals are beginning to feel the pinch of rising costs. Bundling multiple streaming services can often equate to the cost of cable or satellite service, if not more. Others believe that a subscription service, such as cable or satellite, is required to have surround sound and a high-definition picture. Unfortunately, this is a very common misunderstanding.

Within the #cordcutting community, there's a subset of viewers who have fully embraced Over-The-Air (OTA) television. The concept may seem nostalgic to Boomers and Gen Xers who once fiddled with "rabbit ears" antennas to capture signals from NBC, ABC, CBS, or PBS. In contrast, Gen Y and Z grew up in the digital age, where the notion of receiving television through an antenna seemed obsolete.

The Digital Transition

The pivotal year 2009 marked a significant shift when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) replaced analog television (NTSC) with digital (ATSC). During this transition, people without cable or satellite services were required to purchase a converter box, akin to a cable box, to continue using their analog TVs with antennas. Unfortunately, misconceptions were widespread. Some believed that broadcast television was being entirely shut down, while others thought they needed to invest in new televisions. Neither of these assumptions held true.

Broadcast television thrived in the ATSC format, offering the first taste of high-definition television over the air. Intriguingly, the high-definition picture quality from an antenna often surpasses that of cable TV, primarily because over-the-air signals remain uncompressed. Cable service providers must compress and code numerous channels into a single coaxial cable, which is then decoded by your set-top box, resulting in a less than perfect picture - a detail that audio and video purists certainly notice.

The Hidden Advantages

The 2009 transition to digital brought another hidden secret - ATSC 1.0 introduced 5.1 surround sound. Today's cinematic audio is easily enjoyed with an inexpensive off-the-shelf 5.1 channel wireless. These are affordable at many big box stores and many of these “theater-in-a-box” systems are wireless making them easy to set up. This format beautifully complements episodic soundtracks and sporting events.

Because the majority of the population in the US are concentrated in and around big cities, most people can receive broadcast television with an inconspicuous antenna. Historically, television broadcast was divided among UHF, VHF, and FM frequencies (simultaneously broadcasting audio in FM). With ATSC, most stations shifted to UHF, rendering the old-fashioned, large antennas unnecessary. This is excellent news for those who prefer a discreet setup. Depending on your proximity to broadcasting towers, it is often possible to conceal an antenna behind a TV or a picture hanging on the wall.

For those in rural areas, receiving signals over 75 miles away, and even farther in line-of-sight scenarios, is entirely possible. If the aesthetics of an antenna don't align with your preferences or if your Homeowners Association (HOA) prohibits them, consider mounting the antenna in the attic. While some signal may be lost through the roof, using an oversized antenna can compensate for this and still deliver a perfect picture. Others may opt for rooftop or pole-mounted antennas built to withstand the elements. Online resources exist to help people choose the right antenna based on distance to the tower, geography, construction and even trees.

Two great resources to help with antenna selection and set are Antennas Direct and Antenna Web. These identify stations in your area; show the direction and distance to the transmitters, and the type of antenna you may need for your address.

The Dawn of ATSC 3.0 - NextGen TV

Now, fast forward to the present. ATSC 3.0, also known as NextGen TV, is making waves, though it remains in its early stages. This transition brings numerous advantages for both consumers and broadcasters. Remarkably, unlike the analog-to-digital shift of the early 2000s, ATSC 3.0 will run side-by-side ATSC 1.0, so new hardware is NOT required. However, if you want the features of ATSC 3.0, you will want either a converter box, or a new TV with the ATSC 3.0 tuner. It is notable that an ATSC 3.0 tuner is backwards compatible to ATSC 1.0 so as the broadcasting stations make the transition, it is transparent to you. Furthermore, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has thus far positioned this transition as voluntary, devoid of stringent deadlines.

As of July 2023, ATSC 3.0 broadcast service is available in 72 markets across 34 states and Washington, D.C and deployment continues across the US.

ATSC 3.0 brings a fresh perspective on broadcast television and content delivery. It is the world's first system to transmit Internet Protocol (IP) over the air. Yes, you read that correctly. Local TV stations are now speaking the same IP language used by streaming giants like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. This seismic shift ushers in several noteworthy improvements for viewers.

A Quantum Leap in Picture Quality

Foremost, ATSC 3.0 greatly enhances picture quality. The system can now broadcast 1080p signals enriched with high dynamic range (HDR), promising visually stunning content. While 4K Ultra HDTV is a potentiality, bandwidth constraints currently limit stations from broadcasting in 4K. Nevertheless, configurations may evolve in the future. Ancillary features, like channel programming, become even more versatile when paired with an internet connection. Interactive possibilities, such as sports betting and real-time player statistics, are under development.

In a rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape, the enduring power of free over-the-air television should not be underestimated. Its fusion with cutting-edge technologies like ATSC 3.0 offers a fresh viewing experience that combines the best of both worlds - high-quality content delivery and cost-efficiency.

Immersive Sound

NextGen TV delivers heart-stopping Dolby AC-4, the successor to Dolby AC-3 (known as Dolby Digital). This technology brings Dolby Atmos-enhanced surround-sound, offering a heightened level of realism.

Summary

Sony, Samsung and LG already build some televisions with ATSC 3.0 tuners rendering the external converter boxes unnecessary. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly TV service or the latest in high-definition viewing, cord-cutting is a viable option and NextGen TV has a lot of potential.

As telecom professionals, staying informed about these developments can open new opportunities for both personal entertainment and potential synergies with the industry. With ATSC 3.0 at the forefront, the future of television looks promising and invites us to reimagine the way we engage with content.

#cordcutting #cutthecord #atsc #atsc3 #broadcasttv #antenna #tvantenna #surroundsound #highdefinitiontv #highdef