Now we have covered the topic of OTA (over the air) TV a number of times in the recent years, and here it is time to do so yet again. Reaching towards the world of free TV vs paid-for cable/satellite giants, a new technology has been tested in Baltimore, successfully transmitting UHD (Ultra HD, or 4K) content over the air.
The experiment involved Technicolor’s ATSC 3.0 platform based on MPEG technology, transmitted from the Sinclair Broadcast Group. The new platform essentially allows a broadcasting station to transmit the signal in layers of quality, allowing it to be easily received (even by weaker connections/antennas). The end result is similar to streaming media online. The better the connect you have, the higher the resolution you will be able to receive in. Most digital signals (today) require you to have a solid connection/pickup to receive picture.
The new platform will help cater to weaker signals so that the information can still be received (and displayed). You may receive a lower HD resolution or you may receive 4K. It all depends on how good that antenna is.
They are continuing to develop the platform so that it may support even higher resolutions in the future (ie, 8K), but for now, the ATSC 3.0 platform is limited to 4K (which still has some time before it becomes a standard anyway). At the moment, the technology isn’t yet antenna ready. It was just a test of things to come. For now, you can get ready by dropping your cable provider and investing into an antenna so that you no longer have to pay for TV. You can even have the luxury of DVR functionality. Forget about all of those over-priced bills, once and for all!
