ATSC 3.0 and DRM Transition: A Historical Perspective

Playground Antenna Help
#30

"Sunsetting the [ATSC] 1.0 signals will be a key area of engagement for the task force," [Sinclair CEO Chris] Ripley affirmed. He offered no timetable on when ATSC 1.0 signals would be shut down, but it could be years into the future, as few consumer television sets and aftermarket set-top boxes offer NextGen TV-compatible tuners, which are required to receive the signals.

https://www.fiercevideo.com/video/fcc-nextgen-tv-task-force-will-strategize-shutdown-atsc-10-sinclair-says

He further said they are just putting that task force together now to determine when and how they might go about it. Thus, amazingly, it once again seems like the sky is not falling immediately.

For some context, my market does not even have 3.0 yet (the market next door does, which is why I am able to test). We've been "Coming this summer!" for three years, so call me a skeptic about the timing of that. But let's pretend that it actually does happen this go-round. That means that the earliest I need to worry about the sunset, then, is 2028. That said, even Ripley is talking about things happening in 2030 and beyond.

So basically, still plenty of time to stop the DRM train or overcome it technologically. Please contact the FCC.

1 Like
#31

And now I'm putting my money where my mouth is:

Right now, this workaround is focused on streaming DRM TVE stations, but I believe when HDHR gets their 3.0 certification and I can tune into a DRM 3.0 station on their Windows app, then I'll be able to modify the code to capture that.

4 Likes
#32

Notice on AVS forms thread for my local OTA area, mention of launch of ATSC 3.0 stations later next week.

Gonna be interesting to see they are DRM out of the gate or not. From the posts, only change is the 5 major networks, the ones that are 1080i, are going to be 1080p. And the 2 that are 720p, going to be 1080p...so, not much improvement. No 4K... and things are still kinda, iffy with Channels and ATSC3.0 stations i gather.

#34

Enjoy OTA while you can, I see OTA TV evolving into a ton of schlock like what we see on the sub channels. All expensive worthwhile content will ultimately migrate to paid streaming platforms.

#35

Yup, that's been my prediction for at least a year.

#36

If OTA becomes the junkyard of content, it will die faster than anyone can imagine.

#37

That might be exactly what they're aiming for.

1 Like
#38

It seems to me ota is just a victim of streaming the same way cable is. Most everything worth watching has went to streaming other than some local news casts and sporting events. The only thing it has going for it is that it remains free. I used to have several shows I watched on the broadcast networks. With the series finale of the blacklist...there is nothing for me anymore other than a few weeks of sports in the summer. Although my family watches dancing with the stars...and disney learned their lesson after making it a disney plus exclusive last season...now they are bringing the show back to abc in the fall...a rare victory for new content coming back to a broadcast network after leaving.

#39

While I don't doubt that the drop in viewship was a factor, the bigger one is the current WGA and SGA-AFSTRA strike. All networks lack content and need to fill their airwaves with something!

#40

Enjoy anything while you can! This gramophone ain't gonna last forever! :stuck_out_tongue_closed_eyes:

#41

ATSC 3.0 Lighthouse launched in NYC this week. 6 channels, 3 already encrypted (WCBS, WNBC, Telmundo)

1 Like
#42

Might as well be shopping/informercials channels at that point. What a waste of space :nauseated_face::face_vomiting:

1 Like
#43

That wouldn't affect me much. I use OTA primarily for sports, and the 630pm nightly news. The sports part is very important to me though.

1 Like
#44

Agree! With the demise of the Regional Sports Networks, OTA for local sports may be making a comeback. At least in certain markets. D-Backs games are back on free TV.

#45

Don't count on that lasting.

#46

Interesting article about that.

1 Like
#47

Seems two teams might be considering that, and it's risky, the vast majority are going to go to streaming plans that are going to cost the viewers likely more than they're used to paying.

I can live without my local hockey and baseball team broadcasts. The only team I really care to watch is the football team and they have always been available on OTA channels. Even when on MNF or TNF, they are simulcast locally.

#48

Looks like Zapperbox got the DRM support now. So...that increases the ATSC 3 DRM DVR support to TWO. Yay :yum::rofl:

#49

Exactly. I'm expecting to no longer be a sports fan in 6-7 years.

1 Like
#50

You have a link ? that they now support DRM recording ?