LG is dropping ATSC 3.0 from its TVs Next Year

LG told the FCC it’s pulling support for the ATSC 3.0 standard in its TVs next year because of a “challenging and uncertain patent landscape,” according to LightReading (via ZatzNotFunny).

ATSC 3.0, aka Nextgen TV, is the next-generation broadcast format that would bring 4K TV and advanced video and audio formats like HDR and Dolby Atmos, as well as interactive apps, for free.

According to The Verge, LG’s decision follows its patent fight loss with a company that holds multiple ATSC 3.0 patents. LG “strongly” urged the FCC to look at how certain companies that own ATSC-related patents but don’t commit to reasonable and non-discriminatory, or RAND, terms can have what it calls a “chilling” effect on companies in bringing “advanced technologies” to market.

Some of the most popular budget brands like Vizio and TCL have refused to support the format, and broadcasts still don’t cover the whole of the country.

If you want a TV with ATSC 3.0 support, options include Sony’s A90K OLED, LG’s own G2, along with certain TVs from Hisense and Samsung.


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