Pearl TV announced today that it’s working on a NextGen TV Converter Box Program that will create affordable and user-friendly converter boxes for those who want to continue to watch free, over-the-air TV without purchasing a new TV when broadcasters transition to ATSC 3.0.
“Pearl’s NEXTGEN TV Converter Box Program specification is being developed now and will be informed by consumer research, broadcaster requirements, retail pricing requirements, labeling and certification specifications, and ongoing discussions with device manufacturers. The program establishes a common certification and interoperability framework to support a range of eligible receiving devices across participating manufacturers. The program is open to any qualified converter box manufacturer that aligns with the program’s baseline device profile and affordability goals,” said Pearl TV managing director Anne Schelle.
Pearl TV will be showing examples of the converter box at CES 2026 in Las Vegas next week, including one made in partnership with set-top manufacturer ADTH and another with Skyworth and iWedia.
The new products would address concerns about the mandatory switch to ATSC 3.0 being expensive for consumers who would need to purchase a converter or a new TV to access free local channels. The program is focused on making the products simple and cost effective.
“We anticipate that the first affordable NEXTGEN TV converters could be available later in 2026, Schelle said. “As NEXTGEN TV adoption expands and the FCC considers future policy frameworks, these affordable devices are expected to play an important role to bridge consumers who rely on over-the-air television.”