What is NextGen TV?
NextGen TV is the consumer name for ATSC 3.0, a newer standard for broadcast TV. The industry's NextGen TV site lists HDR video, 1080p, 4K "when available" and theater-quality sound among its features (watchnextgentv.com). The FCC describes it as able to deliver UHD, immersive audio, programming to home and mobile screens, and more targeted emergency alerts (Federal Register).
The catch: the FCC says ATSC 3.0 is "not backward-compatible with most existing TV sets." A TV without a NextGen tuner can't decode it.
Will your current TV keep working?
Yes, for now. FCC rules require stations that broadcast in NextGen to keep airing at least their primary channel in today's standard (ATSC 1.0), so any digital TV with an antenna still gets it. Your city page shows which stations in your area are on the air in NextGen today.
When will today's broadcasts end?
No date is set. Here is where it stands as of November 2026:
- In October 2025 the FCC proposed letting stations that want to switch drop their ATSC 1.0 simulcast (CommLawCenter). The proposal set no firm cutoff date or mandate (TV Technology).
- In March 2026, 91 members of Congress urged the FCC to set a firm transition date (TV Technology).
- The NAB has asked for ATSC 1.0 to end at the end of 2028 in the top 55 markets and at the end of 2030 everywhere else. As of November 3, 2026, TV Technology reported that the FCC "has delayed a final decision" (TV Technology).
We update this page when the rules change.
What do you need to watch NextGen TV?
A TV with a NextGen tuner built in, or a separate NextGen tuner box, plus an antenna. The NextGen TV site says "You need the NEXTGEN TV electronics built into a new TV set and an antenna," and that free over-the-air NextGen TV doesn't need an internet connection (NextGen TV FAQs). You can look up NextGen stations by address on the NextGen TV market finder.
Why are some NextGen channels encrypted?
Some broadcasters encrypt their NextGen signals with digital rights management (DRM). Only devices certified by the A3SA, the group that manages the encryption, can play those channels. SiliconDust says its HDHomeRun Flex and Flex 4K tuners can't decode them because the A3SA has refused certification, and it has asked the FCC to drop encryption (TV Technology). PCWorld reported in January 2026 that some gateway devices need an internet connection to play encrypted channels (PCWorld).
If you're buying a NextGen tuner or DVR, check that it can play encrypted channels before you buy. Our DVR guide covers recording.
Should you buy a NextGen TV now?
There's no need to replace a working TV yet, since stations must still air today's format. If you're buying a TV anyway and NextGen is on the air where you live, a built-in NextGen tuner lets you watch those broadcasts now and keeps you ready if the FCC sets a date.