Sinclair Broadcast Group has confirmed plans to offer T2 as a virtual channel in its markets where the NextGen Broadcast standard is available. T2 is Tennis Channel’s second channel and is a free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channel.
While T2 isn’t a replacement for the main Tennis Channel, it does offer a way for homes to access more tennis-related content, including live matches, at no cost. The channel can already be accessed for free via various services and platforms. Some live TV services, including Hulu Live TV and YouTube TV, also offer the free channel as part of their lineup.
Following today’s announcement, T2 will also soon be available as a virtual channel. According to Sinclair, the company is currently using the NextGen Broadcast standard in 43 markets, which are all now expected to get access to the T2 virtual channel.
One of the additional benefits of NextGen Broadcast, or ATSC 3.0, is the ability to receive broadcasts in higher resolution (including 4K and High Dynamic Range) along with improved audio, while also taking advantage of interactive features. In effect, Tennis Channel fans can also now expect some of these benefits when the new T2 virtual channel goes live.
“With this new NextGen Broadcast platform that Sinclair is leading the way in introducing, people all over the country will have more ways to watch live, top-tier professional sports around the clock, with the best players in the world, all year long. This means hours and hours of daily, continuous play and original programming that only exists on T2,” said Ken Solomon, Tennis Channel President.
Of course, the use of a newer technology like ATSC 3.0 does require the use of newer equipment, including ATSC 3.0-compatible TVs, tuners and antennas.
Earlier this month, Sinclair also announced plans to provide free carriage of virtual public television stations in markets where Sinclair has deployed its Nextgen Broadcast service but the public television stations haven’t.
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