As the fall football season gains momentum and local broadcasters expand their sports offerings, viewers with NEXTGEN TV are experiencing significant improvements in broadcast quality. Over 250 channels nationwide now deliver content in High Dynamic Range (HDR), a feature adopted by nearly all NEXTGEN TV broadcasters. This technology enhances picture quality by improving contrast between the brightest and darkest colors, providing a more vivid viewing experience.
The football season kicked off with a notable milestone when Gray Media broadcast a New Orleans preseason professional football game on August 23 in native HDR. This marked the first time a local broadcaster in the United States produced an over-the-air broadcast entirely in native HDR, from cameras to production truck to viewers’ NEXTGEN TV sets. The broadcast, handled by Gray’s Tupelo Media Group and WVUE, the New Orleans Fox affiliate, showcased the enhanced visual clarity that NEXTGEN TV promises. Viewers in the local market witnessed sharper images and more vibrant colors, highlighting the potential of next-generation broadcasting.
Sinclair has also embraced HDR, transmitting upconverted HDR content through its NEXTGEN TV stations. Additionally, Sinclair offers the T2 Tennis Channel and Pickleball TV Channel in 45 markets via broadcast-enabled streaming virtual channels, accessible to connected NEXTGEN TV viewers. These advancements in sports broadcasting set the stage for upcoming international events, including soccer, which are expected to leverage similar technologies.
Beyond sports, NEXTGEN TV reaches over 76% of U.S. households, covering 78 Designated Market Areas and more than 250 million potential viewers. More than 620 services are available through traditional broadcast and internet-connected platforms. Over half of U.S. households also have access to Dolby Atmos audio, which enhances sound quality for both sports and entertainment programming, adding depth to the viewing experience.
In addition to improved visuals and audio, NEXTGEN TV introduces interactive features. FastStream Interactive and Sinclair have launched ROXi, a free music video channel, in over 31 U.S. TV markets. ROXi offers access to 100 million music videos from major labels, allowing viewers to skip through videos, search for specific artists or songs, or enjoy curated playlists across genres like Pop, Rock, and Country. The channel is set to expand to additional markets later this year.
Another interactive offering, GameLoop, transforms traditional TV into a gaming platform. Available in 49 NEXTGEN TV markets through Gray Media and Sinclair, GameLoop features games like PAC-MAN, TETRIS, and Tomb Runner. Hosted by engaging presenters, the channel creates a dynamic, two-screen experience that encourages viewers to participate in gameplay and explore new titles. These innovations reflect the growing versatility of NEXTGEN TV, blending traditional broadcasting with interactive entertainment.
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