EKT has introduced a Linux-based converter box intended to let existing television sets receive ATSC 3.0 services. The second-generation design moves away from Android in an effort to reduce memory requirements and consumer cost.
The core receiver software was developed with DTVKit and is available royalty-free to DTVKit members. The box also supports legacy ATSC 1.0, allowing one device to operate during the staggered US transition, and its video features include 4K, HDR10 and HDR10+.
The technical value lies less in a new broadcast format than in implementation economics. Reducing memory and reusing a shared standards stack may help manufacturers build lower-cost receivers while stations continue simulcasting old and new services.
No retail price, launch date, tuner-sensitivity result or certification status has been published. Support for ATSC 3.0 interactive applications, security updates, audio formats and broadcaster-specific service features also needs confirmation before the device can be compared with existing converter boxes.
