NEXTGEN TV is not a separate app that you download, it’s included as a key feature in selected TV receivers. Some app stores have a “NextGen Television” application available, but that’s for the country of Belize – and not for the U.S. It’s not related to the broadcast over-the-air NEXTGEN TV service powered by ATSC 3.0 in the U.S. You need the NEXTGEN TV electronics built into a new TV set and an antenna to receive NEXTGEN TV – not a downloadable app from the country of Belize (which is near Mexico.)

NEXTGEN TV (sometimes called ATSC 3.0) is the third generation of digital TV technology, and a giant technological step forward for TV viewers. It delivers stunning video with brilliant color, sharper images and deeper contrast that’ll make you feel like you’re really there. And it’s built with the Dolby Audio System for NEXTGEN TV, which intelligently enhances dialogue, maintains consistent volume as you change the channel and literally moves around you as you watch TV. 

When connected to the internet, NEXTGEN TV can merge broadcast TV with content from broadband sources. That means NEXTGEN TV will be enhanced with internet content to get the most out of live sports, live news, live events and more—in real time. And with NEXTGEN TV, the TV you buy today is designed to be upgradeable with the advancements of tomorrow. 

Free over-the-air TV does not require an internet connection. However, in order to get the most out of your TV viewing experience, we do recommend that TV receivers be connected to the internet. Most people who bring home a new TV already connect it to the internet to enjoy streamed subscription content, and some programming from your local station may be available through an internet connection. You’ll also want to make sure your set has the latest software updates from the manufacturer, and an internet connection is the quickest and best way to receive updates to enhance your viewing experience.

The NEXTGEN TV platform includes new services and broadcasters and receiver manufacturers frequently enhance device capabilities. These improvements include: faster channel change time, improved accessibility features, video and audio quality enhancements, content discovery features, and security.

NEXTGEN TV is the biggest leap forward in TV in years and combines the benefits of broadcast with broadband TV viewing. Local broadcasters are on-air reaching over 50% of US households with plans to add more markets throughout this year.

By merging over-the-air antenna TV with the internet, local stations will be able to enhance their news, sports, live events and shows with interactive features that give viewers the content that’s most relevant to them. Of course, features available on NEXTGEN TV will vary by broadcaster and by television as commercial service becomes available in local markets. 

Look for the NEXTGEN TV logo in the television section of your local store or from your favorite online retailer. Many new television sets from Samsung, Sony and Hisense already come equipped to receive NEXTGEN TV with more TV brands expected to jump aboard the bandwagon.

Local stations are beginning to take full advantage of the capabilities of the ATSC 3.0 broadcast standard, including securing signals to prevent theft of content or harm to consumer receiving equipment. Products with the NEXTGEN TV certification logo are designed to properly receive and display NEXTGEN TV content, and we encourage consumers to look for the certification mark when purchasing new equipment. TV manufacturers with available certified receivers to date include Hisense, Samsung, Sony and TCL. Later in 2023, we expect the first certified upgrade accessory receivers to be available that will properly receive signals and deliver the full NEXTGEN TV audio and video experience. If you have a concern about the capabilities of your receiver, we recommend contacting the manufacturer directly.

We’re keeping track of NEXTGEN TV local station deployments right here on this website. With our national map, you can see where NEXTGEN TV signals are rolling out and what stations are already on the air. More cities and more broadcasts in the new format are being added each month. 

Just like current TV broadcasts, NEXTGEN TV will primarily be a free service for viewers. In the future, there may be major events that are available only on a pay-per-view basis. 

Yes, you’ll need an antenna to receive free, local channels that are broadcasting NEXTGEN TV. To find out more about selecting an antenna, you can visit https://www.antennaweb.org/antenna-info.

Standards are also being developed so NEXTGEN TV channels can be delivered by cable providers.