Zapperbox

Received an email from Zapperbox stating that their unit will be available in December-March time frame.

Pretty expensive for a new unit without dvr capabilities, per their site.... [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]


ATSC 3.0 does not work the same way as ATSC 1.0. While ATSC 1.0 content is broadcast in the clear, ATSC 3.0 includes support for digital rights management. Once broadcasts are up and running TV stations will start signing content digitally so that only certified boxes can receive signal. This is a big change from ATSC 1.0. This is being done because ATSC 3.0 is based on transmitting IP packets (not MPEG-2). ATSC 3.0 also allows the transmission of downloadable applications that can run on your set-top box. Unless boxes are certified they may be open to hacking by rogue applications.

Digitally signed content means that we must protect this content if it is recorded on external hard drives. In order to get certification as quickly as possible we want to first launch a simple box and then build upon that experience to allow recording in future models.

LOL

They have been taking pre-orders with payment required and announcing plans to ship that unit since 2019.