ATSC 3.0: The future of free antenna TV is coming

After years of planning and study, ATSC 3.0, also known as Next Gen TV, is nearly here. Several US stations have already started broadcasting. But that doesn’t mean you need to rush out and buy a new ATSC 3.0-ready TV — in fact, right now you can’t. Next Gen TV has the capability to broadcast high-quality Ultra HD 4K video, HDR and wide color gamut, high frame rates up to 120Hz, and more. Like current over-the-air TV broadcasts — and unlike cable, satellite or live TV streaming — it will be free. You’ll just need an antenna and a TV or separate tuner that can decode it. ATSC 3.0 proponents also claim better reception indoors and on the go, perhaps on your phone or even to your car. One potential downside for consumers? ATSC 3.0 will also let broadcasters track your viewing habits, information that can be used for targeted advertising, just like websites and companies like Facebook and Google use today. Here’s the top-line info: If you get your TV from streaming, cable or satellite, ATSC 3.0 won’t affect you at all. The transition is voluntary. Stations don’t have to switch. Many will, however, for reasons we’ll explain below. It is not backwards compatible with the current HD (ATSC 1.0) standard, so your current TV won’t be able to receive it. Your current antenna should work fine though. Stations that switch to ATSC 3.0 will still have to keep broadcasting ATSC 1.0 for 5 years. You can’t buy ATSC…