(upbeat music) - [Narrator] The next evolution of television broadcast technology is on the horizon.

And, it will radically change the way we create, distribute and consume content.

The first TV revolution transformed our world from black and white to color.

Then there was analog to digital conversion.

And now, digital is evolving to NextGen TV.

But what is NextGen TV?

First, a quick refresher on current broadcast technology.

When TV signals leave our broadcast towers they travel over the air to your home.

Here's where things get interesting.

TV signals are a part of a larger communication spectrum that we use in our everyday lives.

Within our part of the spectrum, we broadcast five television channels as well as data streams utilized by state and federal emergency responders.

But, it gets better.

With NextGen TV, our broadcast signal will get a dramatic boost in efficiency and reach.

We'll be able to fit more content and services into our spectrum and have those signals delivered to any screen, not just the black box in your living room.

So what does that mean for you?

For starters, it means more video options, better video and audio quality, on demand access, more interactive content and all of this on any screen anywhere.

Plus, better reception in rural and crowded urban areas.

And yes, it's still free for our viewers.

For emergency services currently using our spectrum, NextGen TV means getting vital information delivered faster than ever before.

In situations where every second counts, that can save lives.

NextGen TV enables educational opportunities for students and caregivers to receive personalized lesson plans, wherever and whenever they need them.

This could completely change the way people without broadband interact with our content.

These are just a few ways that NextGen TV can change the way we create, distribute and consume content.

Like any radically new technology, we don't know what other opportunities are waiting to be unlocked.

While commercial broadcasters will likely use this opportunity for targeted advertising, we here at public media will continue to be stewards of the public airwaves ensuring equal access and opportunity for all Michiganders.

(upbeat music)