Pearl TV is making progress on an industry initiative to develop affordable NEXTGEN TV converter boxes as broadcasters prepare for the transition to ATSC 3.0.
The effort includes new pricing agreements with patent owners, technology licensors, testing providers, and security organizations to reduce the cost of qualifying devices. Pearl TV is also working with consumer technology manufacturers, with new converter boxes expected to be unveiled in early 2027.
NEXTGEN TV is available in 78 U.S. markets, reaching more than 75% of television households. More than 19 million certified and security-verified NEXTGEN TV sets have shipped to retailers since deployment began, according to Pearl TV. Converter boxes would allow consumers to access ATSC 3.0 broadcasts through existing televisions without purchasing new sets.
“A successful transition to NEXTGEN TV requires more than advanced broadcast technology. It requires affordable products that enable all consumers to continue enjoying free over-the-air television,” said Anne Schelle, managing director of Pearl TV. “Our work with technology licensors, manufacturers, testing organizations and the consumer technology industry is focused on reducing costs for consumers and establishing a clear market path for NEXTGEN TV converter boxes to advance the ATSC 1.0 to ATSC 3.0 transition.”
Industry Partners Address Costs and Emergency Alerts
The Converter Box Program brings together participants across the broadcast and consumer technology industries to help lower device costs. Patent owners participating through the Avanci Broadcast licensing platform, along with Dolby and Advanced HDR by Technicolor, are supporting the initiative through licensing arrangements tailored to qualifying converter boxes.
Testing provider Resillion and the ATSC 3.0 Security Authority have also established special pricing for certification and security services. Pearl TV is continuing discussions with additional intellectual property licensors and component manufacturers.
The program’s specifications now require qualifying converter boxes to support recommended user interface requirements for ATSC 3.0 Advanced Emergency Alerting. The features are designed to provide consistent, accessible and geographically targeted emergency information through over-the-air broadcasts.
“The emergency information experience supported by the Converter Box Program is built on a user interface and user experience framework developed by Sinclair and ONE Media through the NAB NextGen TV News Technology Lab, an NAB initiative supported by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. The framework sets a common standard for how NEXTGEN TV emergency information looks and behaves, so viewers get the same clear, predictable experience on any channel, any device, and any screen. It was shaped by input from about 300 emergency managers and focuses on what people need most under stress — what is happening, where, how urgent it is, and what to do,” said Mark Aitken, President of ONE Media and Senior VP of Advanced Technology for Sinclair Broadcast Group.
Pearl TV is also working with the Consumer Technology Association to help consumers identify qualifying converter boxes at retail.
HDR Available Ahead of 4K Rollout
Alongside its converter box efforts, Pearl TV highlighted the expansion of NEXTGEN TV picture and audio capabilities. HDR-enabled broadcasts are currently available over the air to more than 80 million viewers, with support for HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Advanced HDR by Technicolor.
Native HDR programming for sports and entertainment is expected to begin rolling out later this year, while the first 4K Ultra-HD NEXTGEN TV broadcasts are anticipated in 2027. The ATSC 3.0 standard also supports advanced audio features, including Dolby Atmos.
“Gray is readying many of its NEXTGEN TV stations for native HDR this year and 4K Ultra-HD in 2027,” said Robert Folliard, Senior Vice President, Government Relations and Distribution for Gray Media. “Sports and entertainment at the highest picture quality, for free and over-the-air, gives viewers a powerful reason to make the move to NEXTGEN TV.”
More than 600 NEXTGEN TV channels are currently on the air across the U.S. Broadcasters are sharing transmission facilities to maintain both ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 services during the transition.
“As the industry prepares for an eventual transition involving more than 1,600 commercial television stations, affordable consumer equipment, improved broadcast services and a clear transition timeline will be essential,” Schelle said.
About Pearl
Pearl TV is a business organization of U.S. broadcast companies with a shared interest in exploring forward-looking broadcasting opportunities, including innovative ways of promoting local broadcast TV content and developing digital media and wireless platforms for the broadcast industry. Pearl’s membership comprises more than 820 TV stations.
