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 in Central America and not for U.S. viewers 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. 

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 dialog and maintains consistent volume as you change the channel. 

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: enhanced video and audio, interactive applications and services, ability to restart your programs, improved accessibility features and emergency alerts, 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 now with NEXTGEN TV, reaching over 75% of U.S. viewing households. 

By merging over-the-air local TV service with the internet, local stations are 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 logo here in our roster of available receivers. Many new television sets from Hisense, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony and TCL already come equipped to receive NEXTGEN TV with more TV brands expected to jump aboard the bandwagon.

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, live NEXTGEN TV is a free local TV service for viewers.

Yes, you’ll need an antenna to receive free, local channels that are broadcast in 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.