ZapperBox, a leading innovator in over-the-air (OTA) television solutions, has announced its highly anticipated Quad Tuner ATSC 3.0 box, a groundbreaking addition to its lineup of NextGen TV tuners. Priced at $349, the new device promises to elevate the cord-cutting experience with enhanced capabilities, though it comes with a notable limitation that the company is working to address. Pre-orders are slated to begin in early August, with ZapperBox committing to ship the product if at least 300 orders are received.
The new Quad Tuner is built on the same robust motherboard as the ZapperBox M1 dual-tuner model, ensuring reliability and compatibility with existing technology. It introduces a quad-tuner daughter card, enabling the device to support four independent tuners, each compatible with both ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 signals. This allows users to watch or record up to four programs simultaneously, all in high-definition (HD) or 4K resolution (when they become available), delivering crystal-clear visuals and Dolby®-certified audio, including Dolby Atmos and Dolby AC-4. The device supports HDR10/HLG for vibrant imagery and is designed to integrate seamlessly with 4K TVs, upscaling content for an immersive viewing experience.
A mandatory subscription is required to unlock advanced DVR features, with options of $50 per year or a one-time $400 lifetime subscription. Notably, the Quad Tuner subscription covers all ZapperBox devices in a household, including single and dual-tuner models, making it a cost-effective solution for multi-device setups. The box also includes a user-friendly grid guide, auto-software updates, and a built-in YouTube app, with more apps expected in future updates. Connectivity options are robust, featuring USB 3.0, USB 2.0, microSD slot, Bluetooth 4.0, dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5GHz), and Gigabit Ethernet.
However, ZapperBox has disclosed a current limitation: all four tuners cannot be tuned to an ATSC 3.0 RF band simultaneously. Testing in Des Moines revealed that tuning three tuners to ATSC 3.0 bands and one to an ATSC 1.0 band functions effectively, suggesting the issue may be tied to the higher data rates of ATSC 3.0 signals. The company is actively working to resolve this limitation but has stated that the product will still ship if the issue persists, provided the 300-order threshold is met.
The Quad Tuner box supports major broadcast channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, and The CW, making it an ideal choice for viewers seeking free, high-quality TV without costly cable subscriptions. With its advanced DVR capabilities and whole-home gateway functionality, the device positions ZapperBox as a leader in the NextGen TV revolution.
For more details or to join the pre-order list, visit zapperbox.com.
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