Katarzyna Petru
Even though ATSC 3.0 technology promised a new quality of free over-the-air television, its adoption in 2026 still faces huge obstacles. Most television manufacturers are still hesitant to integrate this tuner into their standard models, which raises questions about the future of digital broadcasting in North America.
What exactly is ATSC 3.0 and how does it compare to DVB-T2?
ATSC 3.0, also known as "NextGen TV," is a broadcasting standard for television signals that aims to provide 4K video quality with HDR, Dolby Atmos sound, and advanced interactive features. It is set to debut in North America and Australia. It can be compared to the European standard DVB-T2, which in Poland enabled the transition to HD and 4K quality. The main difference is that ATSC 3.0 is more focused on a hybrid connection with the internet. Unfortunately, while DVB-T2 has become a common standard in Europe, ATSC 3.0 struggles with licensing and patent issues, which has led manufacturers like LG to completely withdraw from implementing this tuner in newer models.
Market vs. Reality
The current situation looks rather pessimistic. Samsung offers support only in selected OLED and QLED models, while Hisense and Sony limit it to higher series. Most cheaper brands completely bypass this standard. The industry is trying to salvage the situation by announcing the introduction of set-top boxes priced below $60 by 2026, but with the prevalence of streaming applications, few users want to invest in additional equipment. According to reports from FlatpanelsHD, if the trend doesn't reverse, the planned shutdown of the old ATSC 1.0 signal in 2027 may be significantly delayed.
Source: FlatpanelsHD
