Pearl TV, the consortium of U.S. broadcast companies leading the nation’s transition to NEXTGEN TV and its network partners, have announced TCL’s participation in the U.S.’ NEXTGEN TV transition that includes its models coming to retail in 2024.
TCL, a Fast Track partner of Pearl TV and the Pearl Network Consortia, joins a growing OTA services receiver retail marketplace throughout the country of more than 100 models across Hisense, LG Electronics, Samsung and Sony. With four major television manufacturers supporting NEXTGEN TV in 2024, an expanding upgrade accessory device market, and broadcasters reaching 75% of U.S. households before mid-February, consumers now have more device and content choice when it comes to their news and entertainment.
“Popular among and trusted by consumers for its design, innovation and high-tech features, TCL is a leading brand and one of the largest television manufacturers the U.S.,” says Anne Schelle, managing director of Pearl TV. “As TCL joins NEXTGEN TV, America’s broadcasters and other leading manufacturers, the brand is once again underscoring the value and innovation it’s known for. We congratulate and are thrilled to welcome TCL to NEXTGEN TV, and the expanded choices it has created for consumers when they invest in their next television.”
NEXTGEN TV, a free, over-the-air (OTA) service, is the first major overhaul to the Advanced Television Systems Committee’s (ATSC) standard for receiving OTA signals in more than 25 years. Powered by the IP-based ATSC 3.0 standard, the OTA platform is also a complement to streaming platforms, as it doesn’t compete for household bandwidth with over-the-top content. While features may vary by device and broadcaster as commercial service expands in local markets, the free service is designed to be future proof, enabling a viewer’s television set to advance with technological improvements.
With NEXTGEN TV technology to be integrated into its model series, TCL brings more broadcast options and upgrades to viewers who are ready for features including High Dynamic Range (HDR) video, consistent volume across channels, added voice clarity with Dolby’s Voice +, enhanced internet content on demand, advanced emergency alerts and information, and dual language capabilities.
PEARL TV points out that on the eve of CES 2024, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) issued industry projections that show sales of NEXTGEN TV receivers are expected to increase 45% over 2023 sales. While television receivers are currently the primary access to NEXTGEN TV channels and content, consumers are also accessing OTA TV service using an antenna, which, according to the latest research from the CTA, home antenna use is now at 25% of U.S. households.
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