Sinclair Broadcast Group plans to bring HD terrestrial TV broadcasting and other services to vehicles through a collaboration with Korean mobile operator SK Telecom, and Harman, devloper of audio and connected car products.
The trio signed a memorandum of understanding at CES in Las Vegas this week, to jointly build and commercialize an advanced automotive platform based on the next-gen broadcasting technology standard ATSC 3.0.
ATSC 3.0 enables data communications in broadcasting bands, as well as support for advanced features.
In addition to TV broadcasting, the effort also aims to enable secure firmware updates, HD map updates, and V2X certificate management, using Sinclair-operated broadcast facilities throughout the United States.
“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.”
Sinclair President and CEO Chris Ripley said the collaboration “focuses on developing key mobility enhancements of ATSC 3.0 as a potential value creator for Sinclair and other U.S. broadcasters.”
The companies also plan to push into the global automotive market and noted the technology will be deployed in locations outside the U.S. “as local broadcast facilities become available.”
The trio plans to debut the platform and related technologies at the 2019 NAB Show, taking place in Las Vegas in April.
“Mobility and media are core business areas that will undergo innovative changes in the 5G era,” said Park Jung-ho, president and CEO of SK Telecom, in a statement. “With Harman and Sinclair Broadcast Group, SK Telecom will target the mobility and media markets in the U.S. and expand into the global market.”
Sinclair and SK Telecom announced earlier this week that they are creating a joint venture within the first quarter of 2019 to actively develop and provide ATSC 3.0 standards-based solutions “to all U.S. broadcasting companies” and seek global opportunities.
Advancements supported by ATSC 3.0 include mobile viewing, immersive audio, UHD, and HDR, among others.
