November 16th is a Big Day for ATSC 3.0

On November 16th, the FCC will vote on the voluntary roll-out of the new ATSC 3.0 next gen TV standard. One especially interesting public policy issue is whether the FCC will require simulcasting of ATSC 1.0 signals in the same format prior to transmission of a companion ATSC 3.0 signal. This would allow consumers to continue to receive HD signals without requiring the purchase of a new TV set that could handle ATSC 3.0.

If the FCC requires simulcasting of both signals, then for how long? The draft text of the Order released by FCC Chairman Pai did not require broadcasters to deliver HD. The Order could be changed prior to the vote on November 16th.

This is a very important policy issue for ESI. I’ll provide an update on it later in November.