Are local ATSC 3.0 TV channels now being encrypted??

Things continue to evolve regarding over the air antenna signal and ATSC 3.0 or Nextgen TV.  Before we go to much further if your confused and wondering what is nextgen TV?, then read our blog describing this new off-air antenna format in detail here.  Then come back to this article for the update.

DRM or Digital Rights Management is an encryption that is starting to pop up on some cities ATSC 3.0 signal.  Broadcasters claim this is to protect their content from copyright issues like piracy, but it currently can't be decoded by the only two ATSC 3.0 tuners that are on the market (as of May 2023).

A few other notes before we dive in deeper.  This only applies to cities operating in ATSC 3.0 and in the early stages of development.  For those watching ATSC 1.0, this does not apply.  As of this writing the only two ATSC 3.0 external tuners are currently out are the Zapperbox and HD homerun.  Most new TV's have ATSC 3.0 tuners and would be able to process this encryption, but older TV's do not have these tuners, and would need an external tuner to view ATSC 3.0. 

It is also worth noting currently no payment or subscription is involved with DRM encryption.  This is being done to protect their content from piracy, or basically people collecting this signal then rebroadcasting it over an IPTV service.  For example Locast TV was a local TV service that broadcast multiple local TV channels throughout the country, but they were shut down, stating this was illegal to broadcast beyond the networks local region.  You can find a link here to TV stations broadcasting in DRM encryption.  If they are broadcasting in DRM encryption you will see a lock icon.

This brings up a few other questions:

1) Why is this encryption already enabled when the current tuners can't decode it?

2) Will an internet connection be required to receive a DRM ATSC 3.0 signal?

3) Will there be any DVR restrictions with DRM?

4) With DRM encryption would TV stations charge to access their stations?



Tyler the antenna man is a great source for over the air antenna information.  He made a great video which answers some of these questions above, and provides great detail on the latest of ATSC 3.0.  I encourage you to watch his YouTube video.  

Keep in mind that ATSC 3.o (NextgenTV) is in its very beginning stages.  As with most electronics, especially new formats and systems, things change and evolve.  Let's hope this evolves for the simplicity of the consumer, and does not cause more loopholes and headaches.  That's the update for now...I'm sure there will be more to come.