I am currently using an HDHomeRun FLEX QUATRO (HDFX-4US) in the Chicago/Glenview area. I am considering upgrading to the HDHomeRun FLEX 4K (HDFX-4K), but I have a few questions regarding the current status of NextGen TV in my market.
1. Chicago DRM Status: I understand that major Chicago stations like CBS (WBBM), NBC (WMAQ), and FOX (WFLD) have implemented DRM encryption on their ATSC 3.0 signals. Does the current firmware/app support decryption for these specific Chicago channels?
2. Roku Playback: My primary viewing device is a Roku connected to an LG TV. If I upgrade to the 4K tuner, will I be able to watch these encrypted 4K channels through the HDHomeRun Roku app, or is decryption still limited to specific platforms like Android/Windows?
Compatibility of FLEX 4K with ATSC 3.0 DRM Channels in Chicago (CBS/NBC/FOX)
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signcarver
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Re: Compatibility of FLEX 4K with ATSC 3.0 DRM Channels in Chicago (CBS/NBC/FOX)
Currently ATSC 3.0 Encryption (DRM) does not work for consumers with any HDHR.
Roku does not support TV standards very well so personally I would never expect one to work, but a modern "real" ultra can work but it must not be a "sucky edition" or "less than" model as they don't support dolby audio, specifically for ATSC 3.0 they would need to support AC-4 which can't be passed through as AC-3 can as "nothing" I've seen can support AC-4 via HDMI... the device (i.e. recent roku ultra) can internally support such codec and then typically sends out ac3/atmos/mat or pcm to the TV or AVR.
On other platforms the HDHomeRun app gets around this codec issue by using cloud based transcoding to get a stereo representation of the multi channel ac-4 audio. Depending on model of the LG, it may support both a HDHomeRun app as well as directly support AC-4 Audio, but the past few years LG has refused to allow the app on their newer televisions and a few years prior to that the models didn't support AC-4 so there was only a couple of years of models that the LG app works well with unencrypted ATSC 3.
The place to see/ask anything about atsc 3.0 and the HRHomeRun is viewforum.php?f=133
Specifically for DRM the place in the forum is viewtopic.php?t=78888
Roku does not support TV standards very well so personally I would never expect one to work, but a modern "real" ultra can work but it must not be a "sucky edition" or "less than" model as they don't support dolby audio, specifically for ATSC 3.0 they would need to support AC-4 which can't be passed through as AC-3 can as "nothing" I've seen can support AC-4 via HDMI... the device (i.e. recent roku ultra) can internally support such codec and then typically sends out ac3/atmos/mat or pcm to the TV or AVR.
On other platforms the HDHomeRun app gets around this codec issue by using cloud based transcoding to get a stereo representation of the multi channel ac-4 audio. Depending on model of the LG, it may support both a HDHomeRun app as well as directly support AC-4 Audio, but the past few years LG has refused to allow the app on their newer televisions and a few years prior to that the models didn't support AC-4 so there was only a couple of years of models that the LG app works well with unencrypted ATSC 3.
The place to see/ask anything about atsc 3.0 and the HRHomeRun is viewforum.php?f=133
Specifically for DRM the place in the forum is viewtopic.php?t=78888
Re: Compatibility of FLEX 4K with ATSC 3.0 DRM Channels in Chicago (CBS/NBC/FOX)
Thanks do you recommend any specific devices for the app or alternative approaches altogether to get the best quality?
Re: Compatibility of FLEX 4K with ATSC 3.0 DRM Channels in Chicago (CBS/NBC/FOX)
Only one device that I know of, but it's not a true gateway device like the HDHomeRun.
********* but it does not allow you to view content on any mobile device or laptop.
You have to connect it HDMI to a TV and that's the only way you can view it is on a TV.
You can get another receiver to add it to more than one TV. But that's it.
I have a feeling If they do update their box to allow gateway function on any mobile device like phone or laptop, the organizations that are blocking silicondust will jump all over the ********* maker.
I am hoping this gets resolved so I can get a atsc 3.0. gateway device that can record DRM content. Or they kill DRM period for OTA and use of the public airways.
********* but it does not allow you to view content on any mobile device or laptop.
You have to connect it HDMI to a TV and that's the only way you can view it is on a TV.
You can get another receiver to add it to more than one TV. But that's it.
I have a feeling If they do update their box to allow gateway function on any mobile device like phone or laptop, the organizations that are blocking silicondust will jump all over the ********* maker.
I am hoping this gets resolved so I can get a atsc 3.0. gateway device that can record DRM content. Or they kill DRM period for OTA and use of the public airways.