In more or less words, ATSC 3.0 describes the whole system that needs to be in place before we can watch over-the-air 4K content. If you attach a digital antenna to your TV right now, you'd be using ATSC 1.0 – the set of standards agreed upon and setup over a decade ago that transitioned terrestrial broadcasters away from an analog signal and into the digital age.ĪTSC 3.0 is the next step in ATSC's evolution and comes from the Advanced Television Systems Committee which has been responsible for the TV broadcasting standards in America for the last 40 years. What is ATSC 3.0 and where did it come from? If you're fine with that, then this might be the answer to your cord-cutting dreams.Ready to take your TV to the next level? Here’s what you need to know. Personally, I need some cable channels, which is why I decided to use Sling to get rid of cable.

You will have to accept a limited channel selection, since they only pick up over-the-air signals. If you calculate the costs over a long period of time, a network TV tuner will save you a lot of money by letting you cut the cord on cable. They also offer a Premium Service subscription with advanced DVR features for $2 per month or $20 per year. It has a 30-day free trial, but after that it costs $5 per month, $50 per year or $180 for lifetime.

Similarly, you can use Tablo for free, but it's a lot easier it you get their TV guide service. However, if you want DVR service, you will pay a $35 annual subscription. HDHomeRun's app is free and lets you watch live channels on multiple devices and view the EPG for the next 24 hours. This is a one-time cost, but if you want a program guide and DVR functionality, you're going to have to pay up some more - and on a monthly or annual basis.īoth HDHomeRun and Tablo's devices are accompanied by an app. They're fairly expensive: both the HDHomeRun Flex Duo and Tablo Dual LITE are over $100. For the flexibility and compatibility network TV tuners deliver, you're going to have to pay up.

Hdhomerun connect duo plex