T2, PBTV, GMLOOP, and ROXi Internet Channels

[danieljlevine]

A while back when there was only the T2 internet channel I inquired about support and it sounded like SD could support these types of ATSC 3.0 stations, but didn’t know users were interested.

Now there seem to be more of these types of stations and I still cannot see them on my HDHR 4K Flex device. I don’t believe these are currently encrypted, so it's not a DRM issue currently. Perhaps SD was busy working on what is now the current UI at the time. So now that perhaps has stabilized, perhaps we can get access to these channels?

[Saxgod609]

Same here. I get them on the **** X23A3U Next Generation ATSC 3.0 Single OTA Tuner, but it is buggy and slow. I much prefer the Flex 4K, as it is more powerful and snappy. I will continue to use the **** box (ugh) until if/when this issue is resolved.

[danieljlevine]

Hey everyone, if I was SD, I’d look at the responses to this thread to gauge the priority for working on this capability. I’m sure it wouldn’t take precedence over getting DRM working, if there was something they could work on for that. So maybe respond with whether you personally would like to see this capability. I remember the last time I asked about this, a number of you expressed interest in it.

[kingcoldcuts]

I think Nick mentioned this feature just missed making it into the last firmware update?

I know there is a lot going on at SD right now, so I will just reiterate that the ability to see these would be cool, but I'm honestly in no hurry to watch T2, or PBTV. In fact, I'd be more interested in FM radio reception, which I believe was also floated?

[danieljlevine]

Right. Not trying to jump this to the top of the ToDo list. But I would like to see what ROXi and Gameloop are and see new offerings when they appear in my area in the future.

FM radio could be interesting as well. I assume that would be HD Radio?

Also, where did Nick say it just missed making it into tge last firmware update? I don’t recall anything like that. Of course my previous thread is now long gone. I vaguely remember something about it not taking much (if anything) in firmware changes and a little work in the app. But it was a while ago now. Which is why I bring it back up again.

[nickk]

T2 and PB are "BEST" (Broadcast-Enabled Streaming Television) channels, ie announced over the broadcast but delivered over the internet. We plan to support these channels.

GMLOOP and ROXi pose are "HELD" apps that pose an interesting question we need feedback on.

HELD is where the broadcaster includes an internet URL in the broadcast. The TV is meant to load that webpage and display it in a transparent web browser over top of the channel that is playing (or in the case of GMLOOP and ROXi it takes over and there is no content behind it).

GMLOOP and ROXi are examples of this being used for good. You get to play browser games on your TV.
Another example of it being used for good it providing access to on demand content.

But the other key use is for user monitoring, custom ad injection (targeting you), and even interactive ad injection using JS where you are expected to interact with it. This ad injection is while watching normal linear TV - these JS ads take over the screen replacing the broadcast content (typically also an advert).

The browser takes over most remote buttons so your usual DVR controls may not be available while watching certain channels (even if there is nothing obvious on the screen indicating a webpage is running... webpage can be 100% transparent with no visible content).

We are waiting to see how it gets used and if it can be done while protecting the viewer. Safest is not to implement.

[danieljlevine]

Thanks for taking the time to educate us in the different technologies and their potential uses/abuses.

Maybe there could be a way to enable it on some channels and not others, depending in user preferences?

[dadpwrd]

Thanks for such a thorough explanation Nick. Wanted to second the option of having the user choose to show/activate HELD apps, maybe a quick explanation about the troubles that could lie ahead, and definitely a way to offer feedback to SD about it if anything goes away.

[kingcoldcuts]

I'll reiterate that, for me, this functionality isn't high on my list of desired features. Now, if DRM was removed from some of the IP channels in my area that would change overnight.

I'll also echo what the previous posters suggested above - if there's a way to allow the user to opt-in I think that's the best solution for consumers. However, I assume that introduces complexities on the dev/UX side that might result in a net loss of perceived value?

Nearly all the web browsers I use have aggressive feature sets when it comes to ad blocking and tracking, but those are not enabled by default. Additionally, I have to take issues into my own hands by using ad blocking and privacy extensions, a pi-hole, behavior modifications, etc. to suit my personal wants and needs.

I actually appreciate the consideration you've put into this issue @Nickk! But, ultimately I'd say just add the functionality and let the market/consumer decide how to deal with the privacy issues. Just my $0.02 at the moment, and I could easily change my mind.

Lastly - I'd still be down for radio reception. These stucco houses are murder on my interior radios.

[howardc1243]

I'll reiterate that, for me, this functionality isn't high on my list of desired features. Now, if DRM was removed from some of the IP channels in my area that would change overnight.

I'll also echo what the previous posters suggested above - if there's a way to allow the user to opt-in I think that's the best solution for consumers. However, I assume that introduces complexities on the dev/UX side that might result in a net loss of perceived value?

Nearly all the web browsers I use have aggressive feature sets when it comes to ad blocking and tracking, but those are not enabled by default. Additionally, I have to take issues into my own hands by using ad blocking and privacy extensions, a pi-hole, behavior modifications, etc. to suit my personal wants and needs.

I actually appreciate the consideration you've put into this issue @Nickk! But, ultimately I'd say just add the functionality and let the market/consumer decide how to deal with the privacy issues. Just my $0.02 at the moment, and I could easily change my mind.

Lastly - I'd still be down for radio reception. These stucco houses are murder on my interior radios.

don't forget the a.m. and w.b., if you are going to radio it go all the way up the antenna.

[danieljlevine]

So, are there SDRs in this box?

[nickk]

So, are there SDRs in this box?

No.

The hardware is specifically for digital television (antenna or cable). No other formats are supported by the hardware. The raw RF cannot be sampled.