Audiences in the Tucson, Ariz., area can now experience the future of broadcast television as six stations launch NEXTGEN TV. A revolutionary, free digital broadcast technology, NEXTGEN TV utilizes the internet and digital applications powered by the ATSC 3.0 broadcast standard to present viewers with more news and entertainment choices, while providing broadcasters with a more compelling and interactive way to deliver their content.
Tucson viewers can now access six channels over-the-air for free with NEXTGEN TV: NBCUniversal Local’s KHRR-TV / Telemundo 40 (channel 40.1); KVOA-TV / NBC (channel 4.1); KOLD-TV / CBS (channel 13.1); KUAT-TV / PBS (channel 6.1); KGUN-TV / ABC (channel 9.1); and KMSB-TV / FOX (channel 11.1). Local viewers can easily tune to each station for information about accessing NEXTGEN TV locally, rescanning information, and how to purchase the right television set to receive NEXTGEN TV.
Viewers watching these six channels can look forward to enhanced television viewing provided by NEXTGEN TV without impacting the use of other internet-connected devices, since NEXTGEN TV doesn’t compete for household bandwidth as a free over-the-air service.
“In addition to delivering enhanced audio and video, NEXTGEN TV enables personalized, customized and interactive experiences to be integrated into over-the-air television for the first time, which NBC and Telemundo stations began launching across the nation last month,” said Clarence Hau, Senior Vice President, Standards, Policy & Emerging Technology for NBCUniversal. “These innovative features, which include the ability to restart a program when joined in progress, are now available on NBCUniversal Local’s Telemundo stations in Arizona.”
A feature built into select TV models manufactured by Hisense, Sony, LG Electronics, Samsung, and TCL, NEXTGEN TV sets start at a suggested retail price of $479. Consumers can choose from more than 100 models of NEXTGEN TV sets and upgrade accessory devices, with a comprehensive list of available products on WatchNextGenTV.com. While features may vary by device and broadcaster as commercial service expands in local markets, NEXTGEN TV is designed to be “future proof,” enabling a viewer’s television set to advance with technological improvements.
NEXTGEN TV, a free, over-the-air service, is the first major overhaul to the Advanced Television Systems Committee’s standard for receiving over-the-air signals in 25 years. Now broadcasting in more than 75 markets, NEXTGEN TV currently reaches 75% of U.S. television households.
NEXTGEN TV makes possible:
- High Dynamic Range (HDR) video
- Consistent volume across channels
- Added voice clarity with the Dolby Audio System
- Movie theater-quality sound
- Enhanced internet content on demand
- Advanced emergency alerts and information
- Expanded and hyperlocal news
- Dual language capabilities
The participating stations have worked together 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.
Tucson viewers can learn more about NEXTGEN TV by visiting www.WatchNextGenTV.com, which offers a guide to cities carrying the service, as well as links to available NEXTGEN TV models and upgrade accessory device options, features and suggested retail pricing as they are certified and verified for content security.
About Telemundo 40 / KHRR:
Telemundo 40 / KHRR has served the Spanish-speaking community in the Tucson area for over 30 years. Part of NBCUniversal Local’s Telemundo Station Group, Telemundo 40 delivers local breaking news, weather, entertainment, and sports coverage across a variety of platforms, including, Noticiero Telemundo Arizona, TelemundoArizona.com and via mobile, OTT and social media channels. Telemundo 40 has received multiple awards for its commitment to journalism and community service.
About NBCUniversal Local
NBCUniversal Local, part of NBCUniversal News Group, is comprised of more than 50 media properties, including local TV stations and regional sports networks that deliver English and Spanish-speaking audiences in 30 U.S. markets and Puerto Rico comprehensive news, weather, consumer and investigative reporting, lifestyle and entertainment content and live sports coverage across television, streaming and digital platforms. NBCUniversal Local consists of three individual media groups – NBC Owned Television Stations, NBC Sports Regional Networks and Telemundo Station Group – plus multicast networks COZI TV and TeleXitos, regional cable news network NECN, and 16 free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels – including 11 NBC local news, four Telemundo regional news channels and NBC LX Home. NBCUniversal Local also features NBC Spot On, an advanced CTV and OTT advertising platform; LXTV Productions; marketing and promotions company Skycastle; out-of-home business NBC Everywhere; and The Arthouse, a graphic design group.
About Pearl TV:
Pearl TV is a business organization of U.S. broadcast companies with a shared interest in exploring forward-looking broadcasting opportunities, including innovative ways of promoting local broadcast TV content and developing digital media and wireless platforms for the broadcast industry. Pearl’s membership, comprising more than 820 TV stations, includes eight of the largest broadcast companies in America: Cox Media Group, Graham Media Group, Gray Television, Hearst Television Inc., Nexstar Media Group, Sinclair Broadcast Group, the E.W. Scripps Company, and TEGNA Inc.
