Android and Fire TVs now have access to an affordable ATSC 3.0 adapter, though LG OLED owners still face a setback.
Overview of the New ATSC 3.0 Adapter
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) convention begins on April 5, 2025, in Las Vegas. One of the early highlights is the release of the ADTH NextGen TV USB. This digital TV tuner costs just $69.99. It upgrades any Android, Google, or Fire TV system to receive ATSC 3.0 broadcasts. The adapter supports high dynamic range and Dolby Atmos audio.
Key Features and Benefits
- Cost-Effective Upgrade: Most external tuners cost over $200. ADTH offers a budget-friendly alternative.
- Enhanced Visual and Audio: Enjoy high dynamic range, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+, with support for Dolby Atmos.
- Interactive Capabilities: ATSC 3.0 enables personalized program guides and interactive features, which are not available with ATSC 1.0.
- Future-Ready Broadcasting: The format is designed to support 4K content in the future, though HDR remains the current focus.
The Growing Importance of ATSC 3.0
ATSC 3.0, also known as NextGen TV, is expanding its reach. The ATSC organization predicts that 80% of US viewers will soon benefit from this upgrade. Many top brands—Samsung, Sony, Hisense, TCL, and Panasonic—already integrate ATSC 3.0 in their premium models. However, many TVs still rely on the older ATSC 1.0 system.
Limitations for LG OLED TV Owners
LG used to include ATSC 3.0 in its G-series OLED TVs, such as the LG G3. Since 2024, LG has dropped support for ATSC 3.0. This change forces LG OLED users to depend on external solutions like the ADTH NextGen TV USB. Unfortunately, the ADTH adapter works only with Android TV, Google TV, and Fire TV systems. It does not support LG’s webOS interface.
Industry Trends and Future Questions
Samsung and other manufacturers sometimes reserve ATSC 3.0 for their high-end models. For instance, Samsung’s QN990F 8K mini-LED TVs feature the new tuner, while some of their 4K models do not. Hisense now includes ATSC 3.0 in its full 2025 lineup, showing that the trend is gaining momentum.
Conclusion
The ATSC 3.0 upgrade is set to transform digital TV viewing. The ADTH NextGen TV USB adapter makes this advanced feature accessible at an attractive price. However, LG OLED TV users remain at a disadvantage. The future may bring broader compatibility as manufacturers adjust their smart TV interfaces. For now, viewers must decide between upgrading their current systems or waiting for new options from LG and Samsung.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is the next-generation digital TV broadcasting standard offering enhanced picture and sound quality, interactive features, and potential 4K support.
It is compatible with Android TV, Google TV, and Fire TV systems.
LG discontinued ATSC 3.0 support on its TVs starting in 2024, limiting their compatibility with external tuners like the ADTH adapter.
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