Sinclair Launches “Broadspan” Datacasting Platform

Sinclair, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI) announced the launch of its “Broadspan” datacasting platform to enable data distribution capability across all current Sinclair NextGen Broadcast (ATSC 3.0) markets where it serves as the host station. Edgio, Inc., a leading content delivery network, will become the first commercial partner of the Broadspan datacasting platform.

This marks an exciting step forward for broadcasters and consumers and begins to fulfill the promise of digital convergence offered by ATSC 3.0. It opens the door to multiple new business opportunities for broadcasters and greatly enhanced efficiency for data distribution.

Using a broadcaster’s ATSC 3.0 channel, the Broadspan platform will allow businesses to distribute files, updates, or video over the air to any device with a 3.0 receiver – cars, tablets, phones, or television sets. Data delivery relies on the newly designed broadcast core network. This infrastructure provides the means to link all available ATSC 3.0 spectrum intelligently from multiple stations to deliver the customer’s data quickly, efficiently, and securely.

Broadspan’s straightforward customer experience allows for easy and seamless data distribution planning with an intuitive and streamlined ordering and tracking process. Customers can immediately visualize the network availability across markets and submit a distribution request tailored to their needs. They will have a full picture of the path their data will take through the broadcast network. The provisioning system also gives customers real-time visibility into the status of their data distribution request, allowing them to confirm the scheduling, and if enabled, see the validation of the data delivery on the receiving systems.

Edgio is the initial commercial partner of the Broadspan system. It will use the Broadspan platform to deliver a true 4K experience to viewers, by supplementing streaming over the internet with over-the-air data. This takes advantage of the unique capability of ATSC 3.0 to converge broadcast and broadband seamlessly. Broadspan’s ability to deliver the extra bits to the customer over the air is a game changer. It will be able to offload significant video and audio data from the internet, reducing congestion and enhancing user experience while allowing increased bitrates without any loss of service.