Atlanta DTH (ADTH) Unveils First Certified NEXTGEN TV Set-Top Boxes
It’s hard to believe that 14 years have passed since the US switched from analogue to digital broadcasting (also known as ATSC 1.0) by adopting the standards developed by ATSC (Advanced Television Standards Committee).
As a result of the transition, millions of analog TV owners have needed to add an external A/D converter to their TV in order to continue receiving over-the-air TV.
It also encouraged many consumers to buy new HDTVs that already had the necessary tuners built in that were capable of receiving DTV and HDTV signals.
However, the story does not end there. Another transition to an even newer TV broadcast system called ATSC 3.0 (aka NEXTGEN TV) is slowly under way. This system offers benefits such as support for 4K UHD signal transmission, as well as support for HDR, immersive sound and Internet services.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of TV owners cannot receive NEXTGEN TV signals because most TVs do not have the necessary tuners built in. Only a limited number of high-end TVs from Samsung, Sony, LG and Hisense are equipped with the required tuner. This means that if you want to receive these signals, you must purchase an external NEXTGEN TV box. Of course, this also means that one or more TV stations in the receiving area must transmit NEXTGEN TV signals.
Tip: NEXTGEN TV market map
A limited number of these tuners are currently available, such as:
In addition to these options, Atlanta DTH (ADTH) has announced an officially certified NEXTGEN set-top box using Tolka ATSC 3.0 software.
Working with Pearl TV’s FastTrack program, Tolka Telecommunications Corporation has ensured that the ADTH NEXTGEN set-top box meets the requirements of the Consumer Technology Association’s NEXTGEN TV logo program and the broadcasters’ ATSC 3.0 expectations.
From Ann Schelle Ann Schelle, Managing Director of Pearl LLC: “On behalf of the national broadcasters who are leading the rollout of NEXTGEN channels across the country, we are pleased to acknowledge Tolka for its expertise in developing a software stack that can power an additional ADTH receiver. Comments… The TV industry is committed to promoting the benefits of NEXTGEN TV, including enhanced audio and video, and the addition of a low-cost set-top box with official NEXTGEN TV certification opens up new opportunities for broadcasters and millions of viewers looking for an easy upgrade solution….”
Tip: Pearl LLC is a business entity representing over 820 US television stations associated with the network.
From Alex Day, Vice President of Business Development, Tolka Telecom.: “We would like to thank Pearl TV, the Consumer Technology Association, the US National Broadcasters Association and Resillion for their efforts in promoting NEXTGEN TV as an important step in advancing broadcast TV standards in the US.
The ADTH NEXTGEN set-top box allows you to watch free ATSC 3.0 NEXTGEN TV and ATSC 1.0 TV programs on any IP compatible TV display.
Housed in a compact unit designed to fit under or next to a display, the ADTH NEXTGEN TV Box supports ATSC 3.0 and ATSC 1.0, Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi, HDMI, S/PDIF digital audio, and RCA connectors.
A wide range of features are supported, including EPG and parental controls. Dolby AC-4 Dialogue Enhancement, Audio Description and Closed Captions can be activated to support hearing impaired viewers.
ADTH NEXTGEN TV Box Features
Connection options
- ADTH to AC with included power adapter
- ADTH to internet router via ethernet or wifi.
TV and AVR connection options
- Connect to the HDMI port of your TV or AV receiver
- Connecting to the Composite RCA Ports of a TV or AV Receiver
- S/PDIF Connect to an AV receiver or external sound system for Dolby Digital Plus surround sound (if supported)
ADTH to an antenna (roof top best) to receive ATSC 3.0 NEXTGEN TV or ATSC 1.0 signals
Tip: The USB port can be used for offline installation of software updates from flash drives.
What is included
- TV set-top box ADTH NEXTGEN
- Power adapter
- Getting Started Guide
- Remote control
- AC adapter
Availability and prices
The ADTH NEXTGEN TV Box is scheduled to ship in July 2023 and is now available for pre-order on the ADTH website. Manufacturer (MSRP) is $119.99 and is available for pre-order at a discounted price of $79.99 for a limited time.
