Encouraging the Federal Communications Commission to Scrap DRM Restrictions for ATSC 3.0 Broadcasting by SiliconDust
In a move that could shake up the broadcasting industry, SiliconDust, a manufacturer of HDHomeRun devices, has asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to address digital rights management (DRM) restrictions imposed by the ATSC 3.0 Security Authority (A3SA).
The current status of ATSC 3.0 DRM encryption is contentious, with SiliconDust actively opposing these restrictions, particularly those imposed by the A3SA specification. The A3SA specification restricts video gateway devices from functioning with many player devices that can watch unencrypted ATSC 3.0 content, including those certified for NextGen TV.
This limitation has frustrated SiliconDust, which argues that the A3SA rules stifle the free market by forcing vendors to await specifications that dictate how their own products must operate. Specifically, SiliconDust and some HDHomeRun device owners have filed comments with the FCC, objecting that DRM limits their ability to view high-value programming, such as 1080p HD HDR and higher, on their devices.
The dispute revolves around the DRM encryption specification issued by the A3SA in February 2024. SiliconDust claims the A3SA specification offers no pathway for a video gateway vendor to write an app for a wide variety of devices and platforms. The company believes the broadcast industry is attempting to use ATSC 3.0 to illegally limit access to public airwaves.
According to SiliconDust, the best solution would be deregulating the A3SA regulations. Deregulation, as proposed by SiliconDust, would restore fair-use rights of consumers and the free-market for TV receivers. The company also asked for consumer protections to protect long-established fair use and for DRM not to exceed that of 'YouTube and other free streaming services.' They also asked for broadcasts to be DRM-free until such time as the DRM approach is approved by the FCC.
Until the issue is resolved, SiliconDust has asked the Federal Communications Commission to postpone an ATSC 1.0 sunset and maintain the simulcast requirement. SiliconDust met with Federal Communications Commission staff on July 31 to discuss the matter.
Pearl TV, a business group representing several major broadcast groups, has laid the blame for the HDHomeRun gateway's inability to make A3SA-encrypted programming viewable at the feet of SiliconDust, citing the company's use of a System on a Chip (SoC) made by a subsidiary of Huawei, which the U.S. government views as a national security risk. However, in its latest filing, SiliconDust did not address the Huawei national security risk issue.
The A3SA specification prevents a video gateway device from working with a large number of player devices used to watch unencrypted 3.0 content. SiliconDust proposed a second solution: requiring the same DRM used by streaming services. The NAB statement, as quoted by SiliconDust, finds the encryption approach used by 'YouTube and other free streaming services' acceptable.
The current situation, as described by SiliconDust, is unprecedented, with the HDHomeRun being effectively denied access to tuning the public airwaves. SiliconDust asked for DRM on public airwaves to be open for public review and comment, with protections to keep the TV receiver market a free market. The FCC is currently reviewing petitions related to sunsetting ATSC 1.0 and transitioning fully to ATSC 3.0, with DRM issues becoming a key point of debate.
As the FCC deliberates, the future of ATSC 3.0 DRM regulations hangs in the balance. The outcome could have significant implications for the broadcasting industry and consumers alike.
- SiliconDust, in reasoning with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is advocating for deregulation of the A3SA regulations to restore fair-use rights of consumers and promote a free market for TV receivers.
- The A3SA specification, as SiliconDust contends, currently prevents a video gateway device from working with a multitude of player devices used to view unencrypted 3.0 content.
- SiliconDust has proposed an alternative DRM approach, requesting that the same DRM used by popular streaming services should be implemented in the broadcast industry.
- The company suggests that DRM on public airwaves should be open for public review and comment, with protections in place to ensure the TV receiver market remains free and competitive.
- SiliconDust, in its complaint against the A3SA, argues that the current DRM encryption specification offers no pathway for a video gateway vendor to develop an app for a wide variety of devices and platforms.
- The dispute between SiliconDust and the A3SA revolves around the DRM encryption specification issued by the A3SA in February 2024 and its impact on the viewing capabilities of HDHomeRun devices and other video gateway products.
- The issue of DRM regulations, a key point of debate in the FCC's review of petitions related to sunsetting ATSC 1.0 and transitioning fully to ATSC 3.0, could have significant implications for both the broadcasting industry and consumers.
- According to SiliconDust, the current status of the ATSC 3.0 DRM encryption is contentious, with some arguing that it illegally limits access to public airwaves.
- In the midst of this debate, SiliconDust has requested that, until the FCC approves the DRM approach, broadcasts should remain DRM-free to ensure consumer access to high-value programming, such as 1080p HD HDR and higher.
