Next Gen TV Tradeoffs

 A Next Gen television is needed to receive broadcast using the new standard (ATSC 3.0), also called UHD. The new standard offers higher resolution, enhanced audio, interactivity, and has better reception characteristics. These improvements come with some tradeoffs.

Broadcasters can Content Protect TV channels using the Digital Rights Management (DRM) standard. Programs that can be recorded can only be replayed from the DVR / Tuner that recorded it. Broadcasters can prevent recording, or set an expiration date on a recording. They can also Block using Pause, Rewind, Fast Forward, and Ad-Skip.

Currently the number of ATSC 3.0 broadcast is small, and not growing very fast. Nationwide 81 out of 500 market areas have a few ATSC 3.0 TV channels. None of these channels are in 4k ultra high definition.

One of the first ATSC 3.0 television manufacturers (LG) will stop manufacturing televisions with the new standard in 2024. The decision was due to a licensing cost increase from $3 to $7 per television, and lack of sales.

The ATSC 3.0 standard is not fully developed and will probably require periodic software updates, much like computer and phone software updates. 

otadtv.com 

NextGen vs HD Broadcast November 2023

Currently the number of NextGen (ATSC 3.0)  broadcast is small, and not growing very fast. 

Only two HD stations plan to switch to NextGen broadcast by year end:

WPLG in Miami, Florida,
KBFW-LD in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas.

Check for NextGen broadcast in your area at TV Broadcast Tower Locator. 

 

NextGen TV - Encrypted Channels

Some NextGen TV channels are encrypted. NextGen televisions manufactured after 2022 should have an authorized tuner with a built-in decryption key. An Internet connection is not required. Televisions without a key should, but might not, be able to get a key by downloading (from the Internet) and installing a software update.

There are 2 types of encryption;

• Digital Rights Management (DRM 
  Also referred to as Content Protection.
  • Programs that can be recorded can only be replayed from the DVR / Tuner that recorded it.
  • Broadcasters can prevent recording, or set an expiration date on a recording.
  • Broadcasters can Block using;
    • Pause.
    • Rewind.
    • Fast Forward.
    • Ad-Skip.
  • Prevents rebroadcasting.
• Subscription Service
  Not currently used.
  This is pay TV, by the month or by the program(s). An Internet connection is required to download a decryption key as often as needed. The legality is in question. Spectrum allocated for TV broadcast is mandated by the Federal government to be Free for anyone to receive.
  
  Evoca TV network tried selling a monthly subscription service for $25 per month from January to December of 2022. They had stations in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and Michigan. The service had local channels, some cable channels, and RSN's (Regional Sports Network). They didn't generate enough revenue to sustain operations and shut down after 1 year on December 31st, 2022.

 

The Number of UHD 4k Television Broadcast Drops

The number of UHD 4k broadcast TV stations is still very small. At the end of 2022 there were 113 UHD stations in the US.  In the first month of 2023 five UHD stations either changed to HD broadcasting or went off the air. That leaves 108 UHD broadcast stations. One station is planning to go to UHD in May. Apparently the public is not as interested in UHD TV as experts predicted.