I look forward to Tablo releasing a quad tuner with at least 2 of them capable of receiving ATSC 3 broadcasts.
They were developing a quad ATSC 1.0/3.0 HMDI Tablo (which would work on just a single TV) that was expected to be shipped in spring of 2022, but the encryption issues postponed the project indefinitely.
Interview with the CEO IN January gave some updates
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There is a serious issue with mega broadcasting companies putting DRM over the copyright content so that DVRs like Tablo, HDhomerun will be possibly nixed for 3.0.
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The problem is the DRM specification is defined by the A3SA organization - not ATSC. The standard was so ill defined that it only originally worked with ATSC 3.0 tuners built into the actual TV and used google’s widevine. HDMI now works but not network devices like tablo.
But widevine isn’t the DRM API’s that apple and windows use. Plus while widevine exists on roku bright script prohibits they type of functionality needed.
When will it get sorted out for networked devices - who knows.
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I have not been around in months, any update on if or when a ATSC 3 Tablo will be released?
I am about $1000 
in to the Zapperbox with 3 of them and all the storage I bought already, so not sure I would even switch or not, but still curious about one.
I only need to buy 1 more ZB Mini for about $100 to fully complete my entire house to ATSC 3. Sure no streaming or apps yet, but could come later the ZB guys think.
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@rkkeller - are you benefiting from the ATSC3 tuners? It’s like you’re in ATSC3 outer space and I want to know…“what do you see out there?”.
I got the info below from a google search. I believe the public comment period has ended. Look at the last point - new antenna? That’s not right, is it? I think the search AI is hallucinating.
The latest on ATSC 3.0, also known as NextGen TV, involves broadcasters seeking a clear transition timeline, with the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) proposing a deadline of 2028 for major markets. This includes a transition to ATSC 3.0 tuners in all new television sets by February 2028. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently seeking public comments on the transition, including the potential sunsetting of ATSC 1.0 and the role of digital rights management (DRM). [1, 2, 3, 4]
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Transition Timeline: Broadcasters are urging the FCC to establish a clear timeline for the ATSC 3.0 transition, with the NAB proposing a complete shutdown of ATSC 1.0 signals in the top 55 markets by February 2028, and for the remaining markets by February 2030. [1, 2]
- FCC Engagement: The FCC is actively seeking public input on various aspects of the transition, including the potential impact of ATSC 3.0 on free, over-the-air television and the role of DRM. [3]
- Tuner Mandate: A key point of contention is the request to mandate ATSC 3.0 tuners in all new television sets, a proposal that has faced opposition from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) due to potential cost increases. [5, 6]
- Beyond Traditional TV: The industry is also exploring opportunities to expand ATSC 3.0 beyond traditional consumer applications, seeking to leverage its capabilities for business and other applications. [1, 7]
- International Adoption: There’s growing international interest in ATSC 3.0, with some countries like Trinidad and Tobago already beginning their transition. [8, 9]
- Key Features: ATSC 3.0 offers benefits such as enhanced picture and sound quality (including 4K UHD and HDR), improved emergency alerting, and the ability to deliver content to various devices (including mobile and in-car). [7, 10, 11]
- Consumer Considerations: Consumers will need new antennas to receive ATSC 3.0 broadcasts, and while many new TVs are compatible, devices can be connected to older TVs via HDMI if needed. [11, 12, 13]
AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] Broadcasters Seek ATSC 3.0 Success Beyond the Consumer | TV Tech
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQGH08rams8
[4] Broadcast industry urges clear regulatory path for ATSC 3.0 transition - NCS | NewscastStudio
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQVb62Cn_t8
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fgV-Z1RllQ
[7] Spotlight ATSC 3.0 - ATSC : NextGen TV
[8] https://www.atsc.org/news/
[9] Deployments - ATSC : NextGen TV
[10] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_mnk4aKvcA
[11] https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/heres-the-scoop-on-free-over-the-air-tv-upgrades/
[12] NextGen TV-ATSC 3.0 FAQ - Consumer Reports
[13] https://www.watchnextgentv.com/faqs/
Not all images can be exported from Search.
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Yes, I am benefiting from an ATSC3 tuner. I live in a fringe reception area outside of NYC and have difficulty receiving high-band VHF stations on ATSC 1.0. I have antennas for both VHF-H and UHF and have no problem with the UHF stations. I added an ADTH NextGen set top box and now have good reception on both ATSC 3.0 lighthouse channels, 32 & 11 which give me the major networks. The OFDM system used in 3.0 is more RFI resilient than the 1.0 receivers in my house. No special antennas are required for ATSC 3.0. It works with my current setup and gives me the VHF-H stations that my Tablo won’t pick up.
I would be very interested in a Tablo that integrated NextGen reception and decoding. The DRM issue seems to be a major issue with all of the TVs and boxes on the market, many of which require an internet connection, at least through start up. OTA should never require an internet connection.
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OTA shouldn’t require temporal revocable licensing to just watch (or record).
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Yes, it’s hallucinating! None of the articles it cites to support the statement actually say that!
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Many folks simply connect their ethernet and it opens up all the DRM stuff. Sure you ask why? BUT if that ultimately becomes a requirement my Tablo (or any future OTA device) is 3 ft from a 2.5 GB network switch. Its all new and somewhat speculative but I have never heard anyone suggest the DRM would stay locked if an internet feed is available to unlock the channel. Depending upon your privacy concerns the ethernet could easily be on a VPN — a mitigation maybe for folks that worry?
Those of us using legacy Tablo quads all have our units connected to LAN anyway for whole house network to multiple TV’s. Nothing would change since I am connected already.