Today’s question comes from Paul, who asks, “What’s happening with ATSC 3.0? I thought I heard that the FCC is going to let broadcasters decide when to switch over from 1.0.”
If you’re not familiar with the ATSC 3.0 transition, it’s a plan for over-the-air broadcast TV stations to eventually move to a newer broadcasting standard (ATSC 3.0) from what they use today (ATSC 1.0).
The Latest Developments
The FCC has recently called for consumer comments and proposed rule changes around the ATSC 3.0 transition.
In its latest update, the FCC is proposing to:
- Eliminate a specific switchover deadline for the transition currently set for 2027. Transitioning to ATSC 3.0 would remain voluntary for broadcasters.
- Relax the requirements for broadcasters to continue broadcasting content via ATSC 1.0 after switching to ATSC 3.0.
What This Means for Viewers
There is no immediate impact on antenna TV viewers. Even if these proposals become regulatory mandates, broadcasters will likely continue to take a cautious approach with the transition, avoiding impacts on viewers of over-the-air television.
What to Expect Moving Forward
In the short term, additional stations may take the ‘baby step’ of shifting more of their ATSC 1.0 broadcasts from MPEG-2 to MPEG-4 video, which offers improved video compression. This will allow existing broadcast frequencies to be shared by additional stations, ensuring more ATSC 1.0 stations remain on the air as ATSC 3.0 broadcasts begin.
This shift should be seamless for viewers using most modern television devices, including 4th Generation Tablo DVRs, as they work with both MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 video.
Over the longer term, we also expect this new period of FCC consultation to lead to additional clarity on how the industry can best help consumers through the transition with ATSC 3.0-compatible televisions and tuner devices.
What Tablo Is Doing
In the meantime, Tablo and our parent company, E. W. Scripps, will continue to engage regularly with ATSC 3.0 industry groups. In our labs, there are ongoing efforts toward creating an ATSC 3.0-compliant product with the same whole-home, network-connected approach that consumers have come to expect from the Tablo brand.
The Takeaway
Even with the FCC’s newest proposals, consumers, broadcasters and device manufacturers may take a measured approach when it comes to ATSC 3.0. For now, you can continue to enjoy over-the-air TV as you do today.
Have a question about watching TV that you’d like answered? Send us a note and you may see your question on the Tablo blog and in an upcoming issue of our newsletter, Stay Tuned!
