Unveiling the Long-Awaited Document: NAB's Vision for Television's Tomorrow

MVPDs (Multichannel Video Programming Distributors) are facing numerous obstacles in carrying ATSC 3.0 signals, as only the current 1.0 standard is required and no U.S. MVPD is currently carrying 3.0 signals. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has released a report titled "Future of Television Initiative" to provide insights on transitioning from ATSC 1.0 to ATSC 3.0.

The report highlights several key challenges for MVPDs, including the absence of a hard transition deadline, simulcasting requirements, tuner availability and standardization, and security concerns. The lack of a fixed date complicates MVPD planning and investment in ATSC 3.0 infrastructure and devices, slowing carrier adoption and availability of gateway tuning devices to consumers.

The FCC's extended simulcasting of ATSC 1.0 alongside 3.0 until 2027 imposes technical and operational burdens on infrastructure and spectrum use. There is a shortage of ATSC 3.0 gateway tuners compatible with MVPD systems partly because manufacturers await clearer regulatory signals and market mandates. Debates persist over standardization vs. flexibility in UI/UX across ATSC 3.0 deployments, impacting MVPD integration and consumer experience consistency. Some industry players have raised concerns about national security threats related to ATSC 3.0 tuners.

To address these challenges, the report proposes several recommendations. These include setting a phased and enforceable transition timeline, mandating ATSC 3.0 tuners in new TVs, encouraging industry collaboration and standards flexibility, and addressing security and interoperability through industry bodies.

The NAB proposes phased deadlines by market size, which could give MVPDs a predictable schedule for infrastructure upgrades and carrier agreements. Making tuner inclusion compulsory would support MVPD carriage and consumer access simultaneously. Broadcasters and MVPDs should work together to balance UI/UX standardization with innovation, ensuring reliable and attractive consumer experiences without limiting competitive differentiation. Collaboration with the ATSC 3.0 Security Authority (A3SA) and other experts can help resolve technical concerns, facilitating a trusted and secure content ecosystem for MVPDs.

MVPDs have also raised concerns about carrying the interactive features of a 3.0 signal, as they believe it could cause confusion for viewers. Under FCC rules, stations wishing to transmit 3.0 must arrange to host their primary 1.0 on another station in the market, and the programming delivered via 1.0 must be "substantially similar" to that transmitted via 3.0. The definition of what constitutes "good quality video" for ATSC 3.0 was also a topic of discussion for MVPDs, as they would need to meet the FCC's requirement of a good-quality signal reception.

The post-transition regulation working group agreed that many existing regulations, such as those regarding retransmission consent, children's programming, accessibility, and others, should not change for broadcasters. Some public interest participants suggested that broadcast public interest obligations may need to change "to reflect ATSC 3.0 transmission and the advanced capabilities that ATSC 3.0 offers."

Another strategy acknowledged in the report is an ATSC 1.0 nightlight service, which could bridge and minimize disruption for viewers as they move to NextGen TV. Sales of converter devices are expected to reach 400,000 units annually by 2026.

Outgoing FCC chair Jessica Rosenworcel announced the formation of the NAB-led public-private initiative at the 2023 NAB Show in Las Vegas. The report's consensus recommendations call on broadcasters to establish best practices for consumer notification and education. The report suggests exploring strategies and funding to help lower the cost of 3.0-to-1.0 converter devices for consumers, as an alternative to changing the 3.0 standard.

In summary, a coordinated approach involving fixed transition dates, equipment mandates, technical standards consensus, and security frameworks is recommended to overcome the obstacles and enable successful ATSC 3.0 deployment in MVPD environments.