Sinclair is staying busy at CES drumming up excitement around the ATSC 3.0 next-generation TV standards. The company’s latest move looks to capitalize on the technology’s mobile reception capabilities.
Sinclair announced a nonbinding agreement today with audio specialist Harman and Korean mobile operator SK Telecom to develop and launch digital broadcasting network-based automotive electronics technology for global markets. In other words, the companies want to design a way for drivers and passengers to receive terrestrial broadcast signals inside of moving vehicles.
The potential platform could also be used for sending secure firmware updates, updating maps and handling V2X certificate management via terrestrial digital broadcasting facilities.
The companies are already planning on introducing their automotive platform and related equipment at the 2019 NAB Show taking place April 6-11 in Las Vegas. In addition to technologies for use in the U.S., the companies will also work on products made available internationally.
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"With this announcement, Sinclair is continuing to partner with market leaders to further develop next-gen broadcasting solutions," said Chris Ripley, president and CEO of Sinclair Broadcast Group, in a statement. "We are excited to be working with Harman and SK Telecom, two prominent international technology leaders, to progress ATSC 3.0 automotive solutions and experience. This collaboration focuses on developing key mobility enhancements of ATSC 3.0 as a potential value creator for Sinclair and other U.S. broadcasters."
"Today's pervasively connected cars are becoming just one more personalized mobile device that consume data to deliver a maximum safety and reliability and an optimized user experience," said Dinesh Paliwal, president and CEO of Harman, in a statement. "ATSC 3.0 will bring a high-value option for bulk data communication, which can supplement conventional 4G and 5G mobile data networks. We are pleased to work with two industry powerhouses in partnership to bring this powerful technology to the market."
In addition to its deal with Harman and SK Telecom, Sinclair recently announced the launch of ATSC 3.0 chips for HDTV sets, set-top boxes, home gateways and mobile devices.
Sinclair said that it and SK Telecom will jointly fund and manage a joint venture company within the first quarter of this year, with the intention of developing ATSC 3.0 broadcasting solutions for the U.S. and internationally.