A new generation of ATSC 3.0 receivers is set to expand the capabilities of free, over-the-air television, as device makers and standards bodies push forward with enhanced security, improved picture quality and more flexible in-home distribution.
The ATSC 3.0 Security Authority (A3SA) will highlight several of these advancements at a trade show in Nevada next week, where companies including Airwavz, MyVelo TV and Zapperbox are demonstrating new and upgraded receivers designed to securely deliver broadcast content while enabling new viewing and recording experiences.
The push comes as broadcasters and technology providers look to ensure that over-the-air television remains competitive with streaming platforms, particularly for premium programming like live sports.
“Free, over-the-air television remains one of the most important and accessible platforms for delivering news, sports, and entertainment to American households,” said Joe St. Jean, the Managing Director of A3SA. He added that content security has become a critical factor in retaining high-value programming, noting that piracy continues to drive billions of dollars in losses, especially in sports.
Broadcasters are increasingly required to implement content protection measures as a condition for carrying premium programming, aligning more closely with streaming services that have long relied on encryption and digital rights management. Without those protections, St. Jean warned, high-value content could migrate further toward subscription-based platforms.
At the same time, A3SA said adoption of compatible televisions is already widespread. A recent review commissioned by the organization found that nearly 40 NextGen TV-capable models from Hisense, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony and TCL are capable of decrypting protected broadcasts, even without an active Internet connection.
Among the new technologies being showcased, Airwavz will demonstrate its TvXplorer Suite, a professional-grade tool that supports decryption of A3SA-protected signals while helping broadcasters identify and troubleshoot signal issues in the field. The platform is designed to combine enterprise-level security with portability for broadcast engineers.
MyVelo TV, meanwhile, is introducing its MyVelo TV Premiere platform, which integrates NextGen TV broadcasts with streaming apps into a single interface. The system supports multiple high dynamic range formats, including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG and Advanced HDR by Technicolor, and uses artificial intelligence to optimize picture quality and content discovery.
Zapperbox is focusing on whole-home distribution with its latest gateway devices, including a new quad-tuner model designed to deliver ATSC 3.0 signals across multiple rooms. The company is also rolling out updated software that adds support for Advanced HDR by Technicolor across its dual- and quad-tuner receivers.
