STOCK TITAN

Major Broadcasters Launch NEXTGEN TV On Four Local Television Stations In Austin, TX

Rhea-AI Impact
(Low)
Rhea-AI Sentiment
(Very Positive)
Tags
Rhea-AI Summary

On October 6, 2020, four major television stations in Austin, TX, including KXAN-TV, KEYE-TV, KNVA, and KBVO-CD, launched NEXTGEN TV, a groundbreaking broadcast technology. This upgrade, based on ATSC 3.0 standards, supports features such as immersive audio, 4K video, and mobile broadcasting. The initiative aims to enhance viewer experiences and integrate with future 5G services. The planning was spearheaded by BitPath, highlighting a commitment to improving technology in the local broadcasting landscape. This development signifies a pivotal step in television broadcasting.

Positive
  • Introduction of NEXTGEN TV enhances broadcast quality and variety.
  • Potential for new business opportunities with improved technology.
  • Integration with 5G improves service delivery to viewers.
Negative
  • None.

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Four leading local television stations in Austin, TX, including  KXAN-TV (NBC), KEYE-TV (CBS), KNVA (CW), and KBVO-CD (MyNet), today became among the first in the nation to begin broadcasting with NEXTGEN TV, a revolutionary new digital broadcast technology. Based on the same fundamental technology as the Internet, digital applications, and other web services, NEXTGEN TV can support a wide range of features currently in development, such as immersive audio and video (up to 4K), broadcasting to mobile devices, personalized viewing tools, and advanced emergency alerts providing rich media instead of simple text messages. NEXTGEN TV also allows full integration with 5G and other broadband-delivered Internet content.

Powered by ATSC 3.0, NEXTGEN TV is the most significant broadcast technology upgrade ever. Today's launch in Austin is one of the first in the country for NEXTGEN TV and follows a decade of development of the new technology and months of planning and preparation by the local stations. BitPath, which is developing new data broadcasting services, led the planning process and coordinated efforts across the four television stations.

The participating stations have cooperated to ensure that current programming remains available to all viewers, regardless of whether their television service is provided over-the air or by a cable or satellite company. Antenna viewers can simply rescan their TV sets to ensure full service.  Rescan instructions are available at: fcc.gov/rescan. Cable and satellite subscribers do not need to take any action.

"We are extremely pleased to be adding more markets to the growing list of areas where NEXTGEN TV is available over the air," said Brett Jenkins, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for Nexstar Media, owner of KXAN-TV and KBVO-CD.  "These consistent upgrades to the transmission technology of our stations enable Nexstar to serve its existing viewers with better products while also opening up greater optionality for the company to pursue a variety of new business opportunities."

Mark Aitken, Senior Vice President of Advanced Technology for Sinclair Broadcast Group, owner of KEYE-TV, said, "We are quite excited to bring the game-changing benefits of NEXTGEN TV to our viewers in Austin, a city with a rich history of driving innovation and progress.  Going forward, residents in the area can look for a more enjoyable viewing experience, with future upgrades to the system offering a more personalized and immersive viewing experience."

"The future of television is NEXTGEN TV and we know that our viewers will embrace the multitude of services this new technology offers.  This is an important day for KNVA and the city of Austin." said TJ Vaughan of Vaughan Media, owner of KNVA.

John Hane, President of BitPath, said, "We're excited to extend BitPath's footprint into one of America's leading technology hubs. Austin's tech-savvy population will quickly appreciate the power and efficiency of BitPath's unique broadcast data network. We look forward to working with Austin's tech companies to launch innovative new wireless services."

About KXAN-TV and KBVO-CD – Nexstar

KXAN-TV and KBVO-CD are leading television stations in Austin, TX, owned and operated by Nexstar Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Nexstar Media Group (NASDAQ: NXST).  Nexstar is the nation's largest operator of local television stations and a leading diversified media company that leverages localism to bring new services and value to consumers and advertisers through its broadcasting, digital and mobile media platforms. KBVO-CD is affiliated with the MyNet network and KXAN-TV is affiliated with the NBC network.  

About KEYE-TV - Sinclair

KEYE-TV is a leading Austin television station owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SBGI), a diversified media company and leading provider of local sports and news. KEYE-TV is affiliated with the CBS network. Sinclair owns and/or operates 23 regional sports network brands; owns, operates and/or provides services to 190 television stations in 88 markets; is a leading local news provider in the country; owns multiple national networks; and has TV stations affiliated with all the major broadcast networks. For more information, please visit https://cbsaustin.com/ and sbgi.net.

About KNVA –Vaughan Media

KNVA, known as The CW Austin, is one of four stations owned and operated by Vaughan Media, LLC.  KNVA is Austin's entertainment destination on-air, on-line, and in the streets, connecting viewers through localized web features and great programming, including local lifestyle program Studio 512.

 

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/major-broadcasters-launch-nextgen-tv-on-four-local-television-stations-in-austin-tx-301146964.html

SOURCE BitPath

FAQ

What is NEXTGEN TV launched by Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media on October 6, 2020?

NEXTGEN TV is a new digital broadcast technology that offers enhanced features such as immersive audio, 4K video capabilities, and mobile broadcasting.

Which stations are broadcasting NEXTGEN TV in Austin?

The stations broadcasting NEXTGEN TV in Austin are KXAN-TV, KEYE-TV, KNVA, and KBVO-CD.

How does NEXTGEN TV improve the viewing experience for viewers in Austin?

NEXTGEN TV provides a more personalized and immersive viewing experience with advanced features and capabilities.

What technology powers NEXTGEN TV launched in Austin?

NEXTGEN TV is powered by ATSC 3.0 technology, which is a significant upgrade in digital broadcasting.

Who coordinated the launch of NEXTGEN TV in Austin?

BitPath coordinated the planning and launch of NEXTGEN TV across the four participating television stations.

Sinclair, Inc.

NASDAQ:SBGI

SBGI Rankings

SBGI Latest News

SBGI Stock Data

1.06B
60.68M
13.36%
65.84%
3.85%
Broadcasting
Television Broadcasting Stations
Link
United States of America
HUNT VALLEY