NAB Petitions FCC for ATSC 1.0 Sunset Starting in 2028

telcodad · 2025-02-27T17:49:32+00:00

The National Association of Broadcasters has petitioned the FCC to approve a February 2028 sunset for ATSC 1.0 broadcasts in the top 55 markets, with the remaining markets making the transition to ATSC 3.0 by Feb. 2030: NAB Petitions FCC for ATSC 1.0 Sunset in 2028 and 2030 https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/nab-petitions-fcc-for-atsc-1-0-sunset-in-2028-and-2030

telcodad

telcodad Latest update on all this:

NAB Urges Swift Action by FCC on NextGen TV Transition
The Commission “has a timely opportunity to move the transition from its current, limited implementation phase to a full, nationwide deployment that serves the public interest,” the NAB said in its latest filing
By George Winslow, TV Technology - January 20, 2026

The NCTA, the American Television Alliance (ATVA) and other pay TV groups rebuttal to the NAB:

Pay TV Groups Rebut NAB’s ATSC 3.0 Transition Plans
Transition to 3.0 broadcasts should “remain market based” and the FCC “should reject broadcasters’ requests for government intervention” the NCTA argued
By George Winslow, TV Technology - January 23, 2026
https://www.tvtechnology.com/regulatory-legal/pay-tv-groups-rebut-nabs-atsc-3-0-transition-plans

Associations backed by the pay TV industry have voiced significant opposition to the NAB’s proposals for speeding up the transition to NextGen TV/ATSC 3.0.

In filing with the Federal Communications Commission, which has launched an inquiry into rules impacting the rollout of ATSC 3.0 broadcasts [FCC GN Docket No. 16-142 Authorizing Permissive Use of the “Next Generation” Broadcast Television Standard], the NCTA, the American Television Alliance (ATVA) and others have criticized NAB proposals that the FCC should set a firm cutoff date for ATSC 1.0 broadcasts and eliminate requirements to simulcast 1.0 content on the newer 3.0 broadcasts.

In its Jan. 20 filing, the NCTA. which represents major cable providers told the FCC that the transition “to ATSC 3.0 should remain market based, and the Commission should reject broadcasters’ requests for government intervention. Instead, the government should continue to prioritize protecting consumers from any harmful impacts.” ….

ViRGE

Just for some clarity here, what is the NCTA’s stake in this? Why do they oppose a quick transition to ATSC 3.0?

Given that broadcast and cable are rival delivery systems, I am skeptical of the NCTA’s sincerity here. But I know I don’t have the complete picture.

telcodad

ViRGE Just for some clarity here, what is the NCTA’s stake in this? Why do they oppose a quick transition to ATSC 3.0?

From the TV Technology article:

In its Jan. 20 filing, the NCTA. which represents major cable providers told the FCC that the transition “to ATSC 3.0 should remain market based, and the Commission should reject broadcasters’ requests for government intervention. Instead, the government should continue to prioritize protecting consumers from any harmful impacts.”
:
More specifically, the NCTA comments argued that “the simulcasting requirements in the Commission’s rules remain essential at this point in the transition given the broadcast industry’s decision to use a non-backwards compatible technology. The Commission should not foist the substantial costs of a premature conversion to ATSC 3.0 on consumers and MVPDs by abandoning the simulcasting and substantially similar protections at this time.”

…..The filing argued that “MVPD distribution of ATSC 3.0 signals also presents numerous technical challenges, ….

Somewhat-Reticent

Government is (ostensibly) interested in emergency broadcast to all.

MacLeech

Somewhat-Reticent Government is (ostensibly) interested in emergency broadcast to all.

Which is why wireless service has also a major part of emergency broadcasts the last decade.
https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/wireless-emergency-alerts

telcodad

TV Manufacturers May Soon Be Forced To Add ATSC 3.0 Nextgen TV To New TVs
By Luke Bouma, Cord Cutters News - February 18, 2026
https://cordcuttersnews.com/tv-manufacturers-may-soon-be-forced-to-add-atsc-3-0-nextgen-tv-to-new-tvs/

In recent months, momentum has built among broadcasters and regulatory bodies to compel television manufacturers to incorporate ATSC 3.0 tuners into new TV sets, addressing the slow adoption of NextGen TV signals that promise enhanced over-the-air broadcasting capabilities. This push comes as the Federal Communications Commission explores ways to accelerate the transition from the older ATSC 1.0 standard, with no current requirement forcing manufacturers to include the newer technology. As a result, a significant portion of TVs on the market, including all models from popular brands like Roku TVs, continue to ship without ATSC 3.0 compatibility, limiting consumer access to advanced features such as improved picture quality, superior audio, and interactive services.

This National Religious Broadcasters joined the effort to push the FCC to make ATSC 3.0 standard on all TVs. NRB has submitted formal comments to the FCC emphasizing the need for a mandate. The organization argues that without built-in tuners, viewers risk losing access to essential programming as stations shift to the new standard, which is not backward compatible with existing equipment. This stance aligns with broader concerns from the broadcasting industry that the voluntary nature of the transition has created a stalemate, where manufacturers hesitate to add the tuners due to perceived low demand, and broadcasters delay full implementation because of limited consumer readiness.

The FCC’s involvement has intensified the discussion, with the agency issuing a Fifth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in October 2025 to gather input on potential mandates. This document tentatively proposes allowing stations greater flexibility to phase out ATSC 1.0 simulcasts, but it also specifically seeks feedback on requiring ATSC 3.0 tuners in all new broadcast receivers to ensure seamless reception. Comments were due by January 20, 2026, with replies accepted until February 18, 2026 ….

lesmikesell

They really need to sort out the patent ownership and fees before calling something a public standard, much less requiring adoption. LG added tuners and got sued by someone claiming a patent they didn’t know they needed. That should never be allowed to happen.

telcodad

Samsung Again Stops Selling ATSC 3.0 Tuners In Its OLED TVs
By Luke Bouma, Cord Cutters News - February 19, 2026
https://cordcuttersnews.com/samsung-again-stops-selling-atsc-3-0-tuners-in-its-oled-tvs/

In a move that underscores ongoing challenges in the television industry, Samsung has confirmed it will once again omit ATSC 3.0 tuners from its OLED TV models in 2026, as first spotted by PCWorld: https://www.pcworld.com/article/2592581/atsc-3-0-another-year-stuck-in-neutral.html

This decision follows a similar exclusion in the 2025 lineup, marking the second consecutive year without the advanced broadcast technology in the company’s premium OLED sets. The shift highlights broader hesitations among major manufacturers to fully embrace the NextGen TV standard, amid patent disputes and uneven market adoption.
:
Samsung first halted inclusion of ATSC 3.0 tuners in its OLED TVs in 2024, extending the omission through 2025 due to escalating patent licensing issues. For 2026, models like the S95H continue this trend, as the company navigates a patent licensing conflict that has prompted it to prioritize other features over built-in NextGen compatibility. Instead, Samsung reserves ATSC 3.0 support for its Neo QLED line, which caters to consumers seeking the technology in higher-end quantum-dot LED displays. This selective approach allows the company to maintain some presence in the NextGen ecosystem without committing across all product categories.

The decision aligns with patterns seen among other leading TV makers. LG, a key player in OLED technology, ceased incorporating ATSC 3.0 tuners entirely after losing a patent lawsuit in 2023, which involved disputes over intellectual property essential to the standard. The legal battle, centered on claims by Constellation Designs, resulted in a multimillion-dollar verdict and prompted LG to suspend NextGen TV support in its U.S. models starting in 2024. This exit has raised concerns about the viability of ATSC 3.0, as broadcasters worry that reduced tuner availability could hinder widespread adoption.

Similarly, brands like TCL and Sony have adopted a cautious stance, limiting ATSC 3.0 to their flagship or premium tiers rather than making it standard across mid-range offerings. Most TCL sets focus on affordability and streaming integration, reserving advanced broadcast features for top models to control costs. Sony follows suit, incorporating the tuner primarily in high-end series where consumers expect cutting-edge specs. This tiered strategy reflects the added expense of ATSC 3.0 hardware, which can increase production costs by 20-30 percent compared to basic tuners, deterring inclusion in budget-friendly lines. …

lesmikesell

Realistically, every manufacturer should pull all the tuners out of the TVs and build a cheap optional module for the rare user that wants one - or even better, standardize on one or a few apps that work with network tuners. The real issue with ATSC 3.0 is that so far it (intentionally) can’t work with a network tuner and apps running on generic devices.

Donut417

lesmikesell The FCC requires them to have a tuner if they are marketed as TV’s. Now if they were to call them lets say Home Theater Displays that would be OK. Im pretty sure VIZIO has or had a product like this.

Honestly that might be the best way forward. It would likely save manufactures some money, and possibly that savings would be passed to consumers. Then if you need a turner, just buy an external one. I for one would buy a tuner less display if it meant saving some money. ATSC 3.0 is going to be a pile of bull poo anyway, so why bother using it. At the end of the day, The TV’s I need OTA TV on are not TV’s that can get a good antenna signal, so if they dont allow Network TV Tuners then ATSC 3.0 is useless to me.

telcodad

Donut417 Then if you need a turner, just buy an external one.

Well, if the tuner is built in, then one remote can control everything.

I guess if the external tuner makers provide a “universal” remote, that might work.

lesmikesell

telcodad Well, if the tuner is built in, then one remote can control everything.

I guess if the external tuner makers provide a “universal” remote, that might work.

I was picturing just making the tuner a snap-in optional module so the controls would function, but really HDMI CEC lets the TV control whatever device is active in a generic way. My newest Sony TV remote doesn’t have any channel number buttons - and it will control a firestick where the only quirk is that the ‘home’ button goes to the TV home screen instead of the firesticks. You have to go ‘back’ out of whatever you’ve been watching to get back to the firestick home instead of jumping directly like you can with the firesticks own remote.

I’d guess that only a tiny percentage of TVs are ever actually connected to an antenna, and that people who do have antennas would mostly prefer a network tuner/dvr like the HDhomerun with an app on their TVs if they thought about it.

Donut417

telcodad Well, if the tuner is built in, then one remote can control everything.

I guess if the external tuner makers provide a “universal” remote, that might work.

Something like 18% to 20% of the population uses OTA TV. They will just have to adapt. To be clear the broadcasters are doing this to try to force those people to paid TV options, because they make more off retransmission fees then they do on advertising.

lesmikesell nd that people who do have antennas would mostly prefer a network tuner/dvr like the HDhomerun with an app on their TVs if they thought about it.

They do make extneral tuner boxes with DVR’s built in. But as a HD Homerun user, I would like to continue with network TV tuners. Much easier to share the antenna in my bedroom with all the TV’s in the house.

Somewhat-Reticent OTA TV is a near-extinct dinosaur on frequency-squatting life support.
It may be resurrected as supplemental to streaming distribution - someday.

The problem is what are we going to use the spectrum for? Im pretty sure its too low for cellular. Also like I stated nearly 20% of the population uses it. Thats a sizable amount.

Somewhat-Reticent

OTA TV is a near-extinct dinosaur on frequency-squatting life support.
It may be resurrected as supplemental to streaming distribution - someday.

InternetJeff

Donut417 Something like 18% to 20% of the population uses OTA TV. They will just have to adapt.

Hmm. I don’t know how you meant that, but that sounds a little bit like a “Let them eat cake” attitude.

Donut417 To be clear the broadcasters are doing this to try to force those people to paid TV options…

If that’s their plan, broadcasters may lose a significant part of that 20% that still watch OTA.

We’ll see.

lesmikesell

Donut417 But as a HD Homerun user, I would like to continue with network TV tuners. Much easier to share the antenna in my bedroom with all the TV’s in the house.

I think the Zapperbox has a network client box working now but still not as nice as being able to use an app on any device as a receiver. I have an AirTV DVR that works with sling - and continues to work even without a subscription. But since I’m currently paying for YouTube TV for some other channels and that includes the broadcast channels anyway I’m not using it.

Donut417

lesmikesell My problem is we use Plex. So unless Plex is working Im screwed. Im not as screwed as I would have been over a year ago, due to us getting unlimited internet, but we wont have live TV services. I wont pay for cable or cable live services. I barely want to pay for the services I do pay for. The only service I care about is Youtube. My folks on the other hand watch a lot of TV.

lesmikesell

Donut417 My problem is we use Plex

The Zapperbox is the ATSC 3.0 (and 1.0) version of the HD Homerun but so far you have to buy a client box for additional TVs. Their goal is to make an app for other devices but so far that hasn’t been possible because of the DRM used and the patent on Dolby AC-4 audio. Sling also has lot of free ad-supported channels - probably mostly the same as plex although I’m surprised that there is a Qello concert channel in there. You need to sign up for an account to watch but not pay anything. (But if you pay and cancel, every time you come back you have to skip a screen where they want you to renew to get to the free channels).

Donut417

lesmikesell Until DRM is removed I will not invest in ATSC 3.0. With the talks of TV manufacturers not wanting to invest in the tuners themselves, I’ll likely buy a larger display without a tuner. My folks might not like it. But it is what it is.

lesmikesell

Donut417 Until DRM is removed I will not invest in ATSC 3.0.

We’ll see how complete corporate control of the government is. Broadcasters clearly want to make it more difficult and expensive to get free broadcasts so most people will pay to get them through a service that pays them rebroadcast fees. I expect the corporations to get their way even if there is some resistance and delay. So you’ll either have to pay a one-time cost for hardware like the zapperbox with client boxes or a lifetime of service fees.

If there are more opportunities to comment on the FCC process, but sure to point out that public standards should never be set until all the patent issues are settled and that any use of public airwaves should allow networked receivers on all sorts of hardware, which DRM currently prevents.

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