Next-Generation ATSC 30 TV Ensures Uninterrupted DVR Support

The emergence of ATSC 3.0, also referred to as "NextGen TV," as the new standard for over-the-air television broadcasting in the United States has encountered obstacles during its rollout. However, there is now positive news indicating that this new technology will not disrupt DVR devices like ZapperBox and HDHomeRun.

Efforts to develop ATSC 3.0 have been ongoing for several years, aiming to introduce 4K broadcasts to over-the-air (antenna) TV with enhanced features such as up to 120 FPS, HDR, improved audio, and compatibility with interactive content. In certain areas, it is already possible to view ATSC 3.0 TV as select channels are simultaneously transmitting ATSC 1.0 (regular OTA TV) and 3.0 signals. Nonetheless, the promising prospects for NextGen TV have not fully materialized. Some channels have started enforcing DRM, causing certain TVs and DVRs that are compatible with ATSC 3.0 to revert back to the ATSC 1.0 streams. LG has announced that it will no longer sell new TVs with ATSC 3.0 from 2024 onwards due to legal disputes related to patents.

Good news for ATSC 3.0: DRM will be less restrictive, but won't go away completely. A3SA, the group in charge of ATSC 3.0 security, has approved "encoding rules" for encrypted broadcasts simulcast with ATSC 1.0. DRM on ATSC 3.0 channels can no longer prevent recording, blocking pause, rewind, fast-forward, ad-skipping, or restrict video output (such as HDMI encryption).

These new rules may be a response to a petition by Lon Seidman, the creator of Lon.TV, demanding the complete removal of DRM from ATSC 3.0 broadcasts. The petition states the need to stop the mass encryption of free over-the-air TV, as the public grants broadcasters the right to use public airwaves for the public good, and broadcasts should remain free and open. Currently, the petition has nearly 9,000 signatures.

The new rules may bring relief to viewers of over-the-air television, but they specifically apply to "broadcasts that are simulcast with ATSC 1.0 broadcasts." Essentially, once channels stop transmitting ATSC 1.0 signals, there may be additional restrictions on DRM content. The FCC has stated that channels must continue broadcasting ATSC 1.0 until at least July 17, 2023, although this timeline could change in the future.

Despite the possible invasiveness of DRM on ATSC 3.0 channels, the technology is uncertain. LG discontinuing support dealt a significant blow to NextGen TV, and other TV manufacturers may follow suit. In light of escalating cable TV prices and carriage disputes, free and easily accessible over-the-air TV is arguably more vital than ever, and NextGen TV still has its drawbacks.

Source: A3SA via ZapperBox

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of over-the-air television, I am thrilled to hear that the NextGen ATSC 3.0 TV standard will not disrupt DVR support. This is a huge relief for those of us who rely on DVRs to record our favorite shows and watch them at our convenience.

The new rules approved by A3SA, the group in charge of ATSC 3.0 security, will ensure that DRM will be less restrictive on ATSC 3.0 channels. This means that we will still be able to record, pause, rewind, fast-forward, and ad-skip our shows without any restrictions. This is a huge victory for consumers, and I am grateful to Lon Seidman for his petition to remove DRM from ATSC 3.0 broadcasts.

However, I am concerned about the future of ATSC 3.0 TV. LG's decision to discontinue support for ATSC 3.0 TVs is a major blow to the new standard. I hope that other TV manufacturers will not follow suit, and that ATSC 3.0 TV will continue to be developed and supported.

Overall, I am cautiously optimistic about the future of ATSC 3.0 TV. I believe that this new standard has the potential to revolutionize over-the-air television, and I am excited to see what the future holds for it.