LAS VEGAS, NV – April 16, 2026 – America’s broadcasters are launching a new program designed to provide millions of American viewers with options for a low-cost, easy way to upgrade their TV viewing to NEXTGEN TV. The NEXTGEN TV Converter Box Program is now open to consumer electronics manufacturers interested in tapping into the estimated market of more than 20 million U.S. households that utilize an antenna on at least one household television to watch local channels. Initial prototype examples of the NEXTGEN TV Converter Boxes from ADTH, Skyworth, and Zinwell will be on display at next week’s NAB Show in Las Vegas, in the ATSC booth in Central Hall 1655 beginning Sunday and continuing through next Wednesday.
“This effort brings together broadcasters who are transmitting in ATSC 3.0 with high-volume consumer electronics companies who see the potential to sell low-cost receivers with a simple purpose – easily and affordably making the jump to NEXTGEN TV with a simple converter box that will connect to a display via HDMI, just like other accessory components. At the NAB Show in Las Vegas, we’re officially launching the NEXTGEN TV Converter Box Program and inviting qualified electronics companies to join with broadcasters to offer a new range of receivers,” said Anne Schelle, managing director of Pearl TV.
Low-Cost Options Key to Completing the Transition
More than 75% of U.S. households are now reached by NEXTGEN TV broadcasts from local stations, as TV broadcasters move from HDTV (ATSC 1.0) to NEXTGEN TV (ATSC 3.0.) Today, millions of American households rely on antenna service either exclusively or in addition to streaming, cable, and satellite options to receive local broadcast stations that keep viewers informed with local news, weather, sports, and entertainment. Local stations have become a lifeline to millions of viewers, particularly during severe weather or other disasters.
“Of approximately 23 million over-the-air households in the U.S., we estimate that at least 15 million will be looking for exactly this kind of easy-to-use device. The NEXTGEN TV Converter Box is built to serve that market: a compact, easy-to-use HDMI accessory that delivers the NEXTGEN TV experience on any existing display, at a suggested retail price of $60 or less. We know that not every consumer will want to buy a new TV, which is why the NEXTGEN TV Converter Box Program is so critical for a successful transition from ATSC 1.0 to ATSC 3.0. A device that qualifies under our Converter Box Program will not include an integrated display or a digital video recorder and will have no more than one tuner. This keeps the design lean, the bill of materials manageable, and the $60 price point achievable,” Schelle explained.
This is a new product category — distinct from existing retail ATSC 3.0 set-top receivers and smart TVs — with its own branding under the NEXTGEN TV umbrella. It will include special pricing considerations from participating IP license holders and component manufacturers and broadcaster promotion of the availability of converter boxes to help drive volume from launch.
The NEXTGEN TV Converter Box Program is open to all qualified device manufacturers on a fair and non-discriminatory basis. Pearl TV does not favor any chipset, operating system, software stack, or supply chain approach. Manufacturers are free to propose the technical implementation they believe best meets the program’s specifications and economics.
The NEXTGEN TV Converter Box connects between an antenna and a television via HDMI, delivering the over-the-air viewing experience. The core device requirements include:
- Full ATSC 3.0 and ATSC 1.0 reception, supporting both broadcast standards
- 4K-capable HEVC video decoding with High Dynamic Range (HDR) support;
- Dolby surround audio;
- Features support for emergency alerts, closed captioning, audio descriptions, dialog enhancement, and parental controls;
- Over-the-Air delivered electronic program guide;
- Simple, consumer-first user interface;
- No internet connection required.
Additionally, device manufacturers may wish to offer more fully-featured receivers that include broadband connectivity for access to additional programming options.
Devices in the NEXTGEN TV Converter Box Program must meet NEXTGEN TV Converter Box certification requirements that will include applicable standards from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and the ATSC 3.0 Security Authority (A3SA), as well as new radiofrequency (RF) sensitivity and user interface standards. Pearl TV will work with participating manufacturers to support the certification process to ensure every device delivers a consistent, quality experience that upholds the NEXTGEN TV brand promise.
Detailed draft technical specifications are provided to qualified manufacturers under a non-disclosure agreement. Interested manufacturers should contact: converterboxprogram@pearltv.com
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About Pearl TV: 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, comprising more than 820 TV stations, includes eight of the largest broadcast companies in America: Cox Media Group, Graham Media Group, Gray Television, Hearst Television Inc., Sinclair Broadcast Group, and the E.W. Scripps Company.
Media Contact:
Dave Arland, Arland Communications
dave@arlandcom.com
Phone: (317) 701-0084