Expected by many to redefine TV broadcasting, the Internet Protocol-based ATSC 3.0 broadcast standard will deliver 4K UHD services, reception on mobile devices and improved spectrum efficiency. The increased payload capacity of the physical layer combined with HEVC encoding can potentially allow broadcasters more options when planning their broadcast services. Most of the ATSC 3.0 suite of standards has been approved or is in the final stages of approval, expected to be completed this spring.

The CE giant plans to launch new 2017 models of Ultra HD and large-screen LG smart TVs in advance of the 2018 Winter Olympics with both ATSC 3.0 and ATSC 1.0 tuners.

The 65-inch class LG LED TV has an embedded second-generation ATSC 3.0 tuner offering 4K UHD high-dynamic range (HDR) broadcast programming. It also includes video-on-demand and a programme guide delivered by the ROUTE (Real-Time Object Delivery over Unidirectional Transport) protocol specified in the nearly-finalised ATSC 3.0 standard.

“In parallel with our extensive standards development work with the ATSC, LG has been collaborating with Korean broadcasters and the Korean government to support the Next Gen TV launch this year,” said Brian Kwon, president of LG Home Entertainment. “The combination of the latest ATSC 3.0 chipset with our industry-leading LG 4K OLED and LG SUPER UHD displays will deliver the promise of Next Gen TV for consumers in Korea. Early availability of ATSC 3.0 products in Korea also sets the stage to support US broadcasters’ Next Gen TV rollout plans in 2018 and beyond.”