Sinclair to Introduce Android Tablet with ATSC 3.0 Compatibility at APCO Conference in 2025
Sinclair, a leading broadcasting company, is set to demonstrate NextGen TV-enabled devices at the APCO 2025 public-safety convention, taking place at the Baltimore Convention Center from July 27-30.
The demonstration, led by Patrick McFadden, senior vice president for global public policy and communications at Sinclair, aims to showcase what ATSC 3.0 can do in a public safety context, both at home and on the move. The devices will be used to demonstrate emergency alert messages and advanced emergency information to more than 5,000 show attendees.
Sinclair has been at the forefront of NextGen TV technology, having unveiled production samples of the Mark One NextGen TV-enabled smartphone in October 2020 and subsequently rolling out the next-generation Mark Two smartphone. The company believes that the market will advance as ATSC 3.0 moves forward.
McFadden emphasized the importance of ATSC 3.0 for emergency messaging due to network resiliency and reliability, comparing it to cellular networks that may be compromised during emergencies. He declined to name the company responsible for making the NextGen TV-enabled tablet but mentioned that Sinclair has been working with multiple manufacturers to develop 3.0 mobile devices, including tablets and phones.
The tablet demonstration is a precommercial trial, and Sinclair has ordered a large number of these devices. The media tablet debut is aimed at public safety officials, particularly public-safety communications officials. Sinclair will also show the Mark Two 3.0-enabled smartphone and NextGen TV dongles at the convention.
The opportunities for broadcasters to reach viewers wherever they are with over-the-air TV signals is significant for the industry, according to Sinclair. The tablet is being presented to underscore the role ATSC 3.0 can play in keeping the public informed during emergencies.
It's worth noting that broadcasters in North Carolina, including PBS North Carolina and Capitol Broadcasting's WNGT, demonstrated the ability of ATSC 3.0 digital broadcast paging to transmit emergency call data to first responders a few years ago. However, Sinclair's APCO 2025 demonstration of the version 3.0 tablet and phone will focus on the consumer-facing side of emergency communications, not first responders.
Sinclair is exhibiting with the AWARN Alliance and Digital Alert Systems in booth 3065.
NextGen TV-enabled devices play a significant role in emergency communications for public safety during emergencies primarily by providing enhanced, direct, over-the-air emergency alerts and advanced emergency information to the public. These devices, which include tablets, smartphones, and dongles with built-in ATSC 3.0 receivers, allow broadcasters to transmit not only traditional alerts but also enriched multimedia information—such as detailed messages, maps, and videos—to consumers regardless of whether they are actively watching TV.
Key roles and capabilities include:
- Direct Consumer Alerts: NextGen TV devices can receive emergency alert messages directly from broadcasters using the ATSC 3.0 standard, enabling timely and reliable communication to the public during emergencies, independent of cellular or internet networks.
- Multimedia Emergency Information: Unlike traditional emergency alerts, NextGen TV-enabled devices support advanced alerting features such as video, audio, and detailed textual information, improving the clarity and usability of emergency messages for the public.
- Broadened Access and Reach: These devices enhance broadcasters' ability to reach viewers wherever they are, reflecting evolving media consumption habits and ensuring emergency information is accessible on mobile and portable platforms beyond traditional TVs.
- Potential for Geographic Targeting and Multilingual Support: Although not detailed in the demonstration, the ATSC 3.0 standard underlying NextGen TV supports precise geographic targeting and multiple languages for emergency alerts, increasing the relevance and effectiveness of messages for diverse communities.
In summary, NextGen TV-enabled devices enhance public safety in emergencies by delivering advanced, multimedia emergency alerts directly to consumers, improving public awareness and response capabilities during critical events, and complementing other emergency communications infrastructure.
- Sinclair, at APCO 2025, will showcase NextGen TV devices, led by Patrick McFadden, to demonstrate emergency alert messages and advanced information for more than 5,000 show attendees.
- Sinclair has been at the forefront of NextGen TV technology, releasing production samples of the Mark One NextGen TV-enabled smartphone and subsequently launching the Mark Two.
- The tablet demonstration is a precommercial trial, with a focus on public safety officials, and Sinclair has ordered a large number of these devices.
- Broadcasters, such as Sinclair, see the potential for over-the-air TV signals to reach viewers wherever they are with NextGen TV technology.
- NextGen TV-enabled devices, including tablets, smartphones, and dongles, can receive emergency alerts directly from broadcasters and transmit enriched multimedia information, such as detailed messages, maps, and videos, to consumers.
- Key capabilities of NextGen TV devices include direct consumer alerts, multimedia emergency information, broadened access and reach, and potential for geographic targeting and multilingual support.
- NextGen TV-enabled devices contribute to public safety in emergencies by delivering advanced, multimedia emergency alerts directly to consumers, improving public awareness and response capabilities during critical events, and enhancing other emergency communications infrastructure.
