It is hard to believe that it has been 14 years since the US switched from analog to digital TV broadcasting (aka ATSC 1.0), adopting standards developed by the ATSC (Advanced Television Standards Committee).
As a result of the transition, millions of analog TV owners needed to add an external analog-to-digital converter box to their TV in order to continue to receive over-the-air TV broadcasts.
This also spurred many consumers to purchase new HDTVs which already had the necessary tuners built-in that could receive DTV and HDTV signals.
However, the story doesn’t end there. There is currently another transition slowly taking place toward an even newer TV broadcast system, referred to as ATSC 3.0 (aka NEXTGEN TV). This system offers benefits such as support for 4K UHD resolution signal transmission as well as support for HDR, immersive audio, and internet-based services.
For more details, read our companion article: WTF Is ATSC 3.0/NextGen TV?
Unfortunately, the vast majority of TV owners can’t receive NEXTGEN TV signals because most TVs don’t have the required tuners built-in. Only a limited number of high-end TV models from Samsung, Sony, LG, and Hisense include the required tuner. This means that if you want to receive those signals, the purchase of an external NEXTGEN TV box is required. Of course, this also means that one or more TV stations in your reception area have to be transmitting NEXTGEN TV signals.
Tech Note: Due to a patent dispute, LG is not including NEXTGEN TV tuners in any of its 2024 model TVs which adds more importance to the following section.
So far, there are a limited number of external plug-in tuners available such as the:
- Silicon Dust HomeRun for NextGen TV – $199 at Amazon
- Tablo TV ATSC 3.0 Quad HDMI DVR for NextGen TV – $299 at TabloTV
In addition to those options, Atlanta DTH (ADTH) has announced an officially certified NEXTGEN TV Box using Tolka ATSC 3.0 software.
Working with Pearl TV’s FastTrack program, Tolka Telecommunications Corporation ensured that the ADTH NEXTGEN TV Box meets the requirements of the Consumer Technology Association NEXTGEN TV logo program and the expectations of ATSC 3.0 TV broadcasters.
From Ann Schelle Anne Schelle, Managing Director of Pearl LLC: “On behalf of the nation’s broadcasters who are spearheading the introduction of NEXTGEN TV channels throughout the country, we are delighted to recognize Tolka for its expertise in developing a software stack that can power the ADTH upgrade accessory receiver comments…The TV industry is eager to promote the advantages of NEXTGEN TV – including enhanced audio and video – and the addition of an affordable set-top device with the official NEXTGEN TV certification opens new avenues for broadcasters and for the millions of viewers looking for an easy upgrade solution….”
Tip: Pearl LLC is a business organization promoting the interests of more than 820 network-affiliated U.S. television stations.
From Alex Day Tolka Telecommunications’ Vice President of Business Development: “We would like to thank Pearl TV, the Consumer Technology Association, the U.S. National Association of Broadcasters, and Resillion for their efforts in promoting NEXTGEN TV as a major step in the advancement of broadcast television standards across the USA.”
The ADTH NEXTGEN TV Box allows ATSC 3.0 NEXTGEN TV and ATSC 1.0 free-to-air television programs to be viewed on any IP-compatible TV display.
Housed in a compact unit designed to fit beneath or alongside the display, the ADTH NEXTGEN TV Box comes with ATSC 3.0 and ATSC 1.0 support, ethernet, Dual-band Wi-Fi, HDMI, S/PDIF digital audio, and RCA connectors.
A wide range of features are supported including an electronic program guide and parental controls. Dolby AC-4 Dialogue Enhancement, Audio Description, and Closed Captions can be activated to support viewers with impaired hearing.
ADTH NEXTGEN TV Box Features
- TV Tuner: ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 NEXTGEN TV
- Maximum Supported Resolution: 2160p (4K)
- Video Compatibility: Includes High Dynamic Range (HDR)
- Audio Compatibility: Includes Dolby AC-4
- Wi-Fi: Dual Band 2.4G/5G 2T2R
- Bluetooth: ver 5.0
- DRM Security Verified: Access encrypted channels for a complete NEXTGEN TV experience.
Connection Options
- ADTH to AC with the included power adapter
- ADTH to an internet router using Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
TV and AVR Connection Options
- Connect to a TV or AV Receiver’s HDMI port
- Connect to a TV or AV Receiver’s RCA composite ports
- S/PDIF Connect to an AV Receiver or external sound system for Dolby Digital Plus surround sound (when supported)
ADTH to an antenna (rooftop is best) to receive ATSC 3.0 NEXTGEN TV or ATSC 1.0 signals
Tip: You can use the USB port to install offline software updates from flash drives.
What Comes In The Box
- ADTH NEXTGEN TV Box
- Power Adapter
- Get Started Guide
- Remote control
- AC power adapter
Availability and Pricing
Update: The ADTH NEXTGEN TV Box is available now on ADTH’s website as well as Walmart.com for $89.99 with free shipping available (the pre-order price has expired).
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Anthony R Hicks
October 1, 2023 at 5:27 pm
Forgot about zapper box