Critics of NextGen TV facing accusations of defending their territories, as per NAB's assertions.
The broadcasting industry is currently embroiled in a debate over the transition from the existing ATSC 1.0 standard to the next-generation ATSC 3.0, with the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) pushing for a mandatory shift and the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and NCTA—The Internet & Television Association advocating for a voluntary approach.
In a recent meeting with FCC officials, the NAB presented a petition to phase out the current DTV over-the-air standard and transition to ATSC 3.0 by 2028 for the top 55 DMAs, with the rest of the U.S. DMAs doing so by 2030. However, the CTA and NCTA expressed strong opposition to this mandate.
The CTA reiterated its longstanding position that the transition to ATSC 3.0 should remain voluntary. They argue that forcing all television sets to include ATSC 3.0 tuners would harm consumers by increasing manufacturing costs for a feature not demanded by most households. According to the CTA, only a small percentage of households rely solely on over-the-air broadcasts.
The CTA also emphasizes that mandates would stifle innovation and impose unnecessary regulations on manufacturers and consumers. They believe broadcasters should focus on consumer education and promotion rather than seeking regulatory mandates.
In response, NAB's Chief Legal Officer, Rick Kaplan, accused the CTA and NCTA of blocking innovation to protect their own turf. Kaplan pointed out the irony of CTA's criticism against ATSC 3.0, as many manufacturers who support it are delivering value to consumers and modernizing free, over-the-air television.
Kaplan also addressed concerns from the LPTV Broadcasters Association, proposing that LPTV stations be exempted in the mandated transition and that non-commercial educational broadcasters be given more time to transition if needed.
The NAB's proposal combines traditional radio frequency broadcast with internet protocol, allowing broadcasters to transmit higher resolution video, multichannel audio, advanced alerting, and interactive advertising and programming. Kaplan emphasized that the broadcast industry is among the most efficient spectrum users and that using spectrum for services other than traditional over-the-air TV should be welcomed.
In a blog post, Kaplan criticized comments made by representatives of the CTA during the meeting with FCC officials. He accused the CTA of using "faulty logic" when estimating the price difference between TVs with NextGen TV capability and those without. Kaplan also denigrated the CTA's criticisms as "another day, another reflexive, innovation-blocking FCC filing."
Kaplan noted that while broadcasters are working to strengthen free over-the-air TV, competitors are busy finding new ways to extract more money from viewers by diverting them to paid streaming services. He accused the CTA of protecting their own interests by opposing the transition to ATSC 3.0.
The meeting with FCC officials was also attended by ACA Connects, the American Television Alliance (ATVA), and the LPTV Broadcasters Association. The debate is expected to continue as both sides present their arguments to the FCC in the coming months.
- The media is abuzz with the ongoing debate within the broadcasting industry over transitioning from ATSC 1.0 to ATSC 3.0, with the NAB advocating for a mandatory shift.
- The CTA and NCTA, on the other hand, support a voluntary approach to the transition, citing potential harm to consumers and stifling innovation.
- Kaplan, the NAB's Chief Legal Officer, accused the CTA and NCTA of blocking innovation to protect their own interests.
- The NAB's proposed transition combines radio frequency broadcast with internet protocol, enabling higher resolution video, multichannel audio, advanced alerting, and interactive advertising and programming.
- Kaplan criticized the CTA for using "faulty logic" in estimating the price difference between NextGen TV-capable TVs and those without.
- He also criticized the CTA's opposition to the transition as a tactic to protect their own interests and block innovation.
- The broadcast industry, according to Kaplan, is among the most efficient spectrum users, and using spectrum for services other than traditional over-the-air TV should be welcomed.
- The FCC meeting was also attended by ACA Connects, the American Television Alliance, and the LPTV Broadcasters Association, who will continue to present their arguments in the coming months.
- The industry's finance and business sectors, as well as the realm of politics and general-news, are closely watching this debate for its potential impact on the future of 8K television and streaming technologies.
- Opponents of the mandated transition argue that it would increase manufacturing costs for a feature not demanded by most households, while proponents contend that it is necessary for the advancement of technology and the television viewing experience.
