As cord cutting grows, over-the-air TV with an antenna is getting more attention. Once again over-the-air TV, something that had become an afterthought for many in the 2000s, is front and center and growing quickly.
Now many companies are doubling down on their over-the-air TV efforts. In this post I address a few of the big new over-the-air trends to keep an eye on.
Stadium, a 24/7 Sports Network
Yesterday Stadium launched its 24/7 free sports network. It will be backed by a huge list of companies including big names such as Time Inc and Sinclair. Now it has announced that its 24/7 sports network will be coming to over-the-air TV.
Details are still thin but Sinclair is the largest owner of over-the-air TV stations with about 170 sub stations across the United States. It seems determined to launch this new sports network as a sub channel for antenna users.
3.0 Over-the-Air TV
Starting soon stations will start to roll out 3.0 over-the-air TV. This new standard will bring 4K support along with better reception because 3.0 does a better job cutting through obstacles.
“ATSC 3.0 anticipates that many viewers may be watching on a future device with an embedded ATSC 3.0 tuner,” said Dave Arland spokesperson for ATSC 3.0. “So it will be possible to receive a signal and display it deep inside a building or for a passenger to view live TV on a mobile device in a car or train.”
Now about 200+ stations have announced plans to start rolling out 3.0 broadcasts. NBC has even announced plans to air some of the Olympics in 4K free over the air in select markets.
We are still likely two years away from most Americans having 3.0 in their area but by 2020 expect to see 3.0 in your hometown.
Better Programming
As more Americans use an antenna to watch TV, the programming is slowly getting better. Networks such as MeTV have announced deals to bring more classic shows such as “Touched By An Angel” and “T. J. Hooker” to the airwaves. Others such as Antenna TV have announced deals to roll out in new markets and even talked about launching a second Antenna TV Network.
According to reports broadcast stations are investing millions into their digital sub networks. So if you have not given an antenna a try lately you may want to give it a second look.
Want to see what you can get with an antenna? Check out AntennaRecommendations.com to see what you can watch for FREE with an antenna.
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