Have you been wanting to take advantage of all the new features that ATSC 3.0 NextGen TV has to offer? Need DRM support? Finally, we have a timeline for DRM support on a runner. 4K TV, improved sound, better weather alerts, and a ton of other features are coming with the NextGen TV ATSC 3.0 free over-the-air TV. Sadly, though, many are blocked out of the NextGen TV because of Digital Rights Management or DRM is blocked on all external runners. Now, the Zapperbox has announced a date for full support of OTA DRM.
According to the ZapperBox they will start shipping The ZapperBox M1 NEXTGEN TV DVR with content security, also known as digital rights management (DRM), on September 18, 2023. By offering support for NEXTGEN TV content security, including DRM-encrypted channels, ZapperBox will be only the second box to offer DRM support for ATSC 3.0. Previously this date was approximate but now it has been confirmed.
In October, Zapperbox will also add support to DVR-encrypted OTA TV that will allow you to record even encrypted over-the-air TV.
Key Features of the ZapperBox M1 NEXTGEN TV DVR:
- 4K video quality: Experience stunning 4K video with HDR, redefining the delivery of on-screen content.
- Dolby Atmos support: Elevate the audio experience with immersive Dolby Atmos technology that brings every sound to life.
- Software flexibility: Built with futureproofing in mind, the ZapperBox M1 is designed to accommodate forthcoming advancements, ensuring optimal performance for years to come.
Here is what the Zapperbox announced yesterday:
v2.2 Support for Secure Content (aka DRM/Encrypted Channels) (approx. Sep 18)
- Support content security (aka DRM/encrypted channels).
- Recording buffer; start recording early, record for extra time
- Jump by day or page within grid guide
- Show posters for recordings
- Repeat manual recordings
- Series recordings for shows in OTA guide data but not in 14-day extended guide data.
v2.3 DVR with Content Security (October)
- This release will support recording and playback for encrypted channels.
More enhancements coming soon (dates TBD)
- Record only new shows
- Do not record duplicates
- Automatic recording deletion options
- Disable pause buffer for multi-cell Flash drives to extend Flash life.
- Easy channel entry for sight challenged customers.
- Undelete recordings from trash folder.
- Search recordings
- Edit scheduled recordings
- Show channel logos in grid guides
- Multiple ways to categorize recordings like series, genre, etc.
- Add support for multiple storage devices
- Backup entire storage device
- Save and restore channel maps and DVR settings to/from storage device
Roadmap
* NEXTGEN TV logo certification
* Support for A/344 “Broadcast Apps” (the BA key on the remote)
* IP controls and SDK for smart home integration
* MMT
* Support local streaming ZapperBox to ZapperBox
* Support for multiple TVs over Ethernet or Wi-Fi
* Support Away-from-Home streaming