The 5G Broadcast Collective, a new non-profit organization established by XGen Network (XGN) and Milachi Media in collaboration with the LPTV Broadcasters Association, aims to promote and facilitate the global adoption of 5G broadcasting technology.
The organization will officially commence its activities at the upcoming 2024 NAB Show, scheduled for April 14-17 in Las Vegas.
Founding Members and Partners
The founding entities, XGN and Milachi Media, are joined by other significant members in the broadcasting and technology sectors, including Qualcomm and HC2 Broadcasting. The latter is a notable broadcast group based in New York, managing four full-power stations, 34 Class A stations, and 97 LPTV stations.
Technical Overview of 5G Broadcasting
5G Broadcasting offers a unique method to deliver content directly to mobile devices, operating independently from other smartphone services like cellular, satellite, WiFi, or Bluetooth connections. In the United States, broadcasters can integrate 5G broadcasting by updating their current exciters to ones equipped with a 5G broadcast modulator and core software. This upgrade does not affect existing transmitters or antennas. Globally, 5G Broadcast can be integrated with other broadcasting standards such as ISDB and DBTV-2, and trials are underway to explore its compatibility with ATSC 3.0 in the U.S.
Recent Advances and Demonstrations
A notable implementation was carried out by Milachi Media in the Boston area, where its station WWOO-LD successfully tested 5G broadcasting. This trial included instant delivery of streaming content and emergency alerts to smartphones, as well as high-quality video streaming to televisions. The FCC has also granted additional experimental licenses to XGN for further 5G Broadcast testing in Stamford, Conn., Washington DC, and Las Vegas.
Leadership and Future Prospects
Bill Christian, President of Milachi Media, highlighted the potential of 5G Broadcasting to revolutionize mobile TV by providing direct broadcast services to smartphones. The organization’s President and Founder, SuperFrank Copsidas, also expressed optimism about the global interest in 5G broadcasting and emphasized the importance of collaboration among broadcasters to advance this technology. Although no exhibitors have confirmed 5G Broadcasting demonstrations for the NAB Show yet, companies like Italy’s SYES and Germany’s Rohde & Schwarz have showcased their 5G solutions at various industry events. Full deployment of 5G Broadcast technology is expected to begin globally in 2025.
News source: https://5gbc.tv/
