Zapperbox M1 Review - ATSC 3.0 NextGen Tuner Box with 4K HDR

[@AntennaMan]

Thanks to Zapperbox for sponsoring this video. 👇 Affiliate Links to the Zapperbox on Zapperbox Website and Amazon: zapperbox.com/products/zapperbox-m2?bg_ref=nKGJvXddO8 zapperbox.com/products/zapperbox-m1?bg_ref=nKGJvXddO8 amzn.to/4hbeZCs amzn.to/3MqBEhS

[@Danielistheway1]

Jenkins 🥶 that's very pricey to say the least

[@kensmith5694]

$274 is a bit steep. The ATSC-1.0 boxes are about $40. I will pass until I really need one.

[@Danielistheway1]

@@kensmith5694 Thank you, same here too if one day I'll need it for my tv

[@kmath50]

@@kensmith5694 I understand that. I got a Tablo last year for $149, so I am going to have to wait awhile before getting an ATSC 3.0 box for almost twice that.

[@sandykirk1503]

Damn that's a lot of money

[@Markimark151]

This is really good for early adopters of ATSC 3.0, my broadcast area doesn’t have it yet, but I’m glad there’s a tuner box even if your TV doesn’t have ATSC 3.0 built in!

[@hiyo3]

Cool that they have HDR demo loops. Brings me back to the days when they had the cool hd demo loops on pbs here in Boston when atsc 1.0 first came out.

[@JoshRazauskas]

The Zapper Box looks and sounds awesome! I look forward to being able to afford one at some point. Thanks as always for your hard work, Tyler! And thanks to Zapper Box for giving it to you!

[@AntennaMan]

Glad you were able to view this video Josh. In case you're wondering why it hasn't been released to the main channel yet, the Zapperbox sold out on Amazon after I posted this video early for everyone. I'm just waiting for the company to restock some. It should be live by Monday.

[@JoshRazauskas]

@@AntennaMan Oh wow that’s great news for them! Yeah I don’t know if you’ve seen my other comments on the public videos lately but I’ve been sick so I’m just basically playing catch-up and I noticed that this one was on the Patreon feed.

[@Danielistheway1]

Also very pricey 🥶😱💀

[@Danielistheway1]

@@AntennaMan Very pricey 🥶😱💀

[@ClassicGuy57]

Tyler has a quarter of a million subscribers. Congratulations!!! You have come a long way! Keep up the quality work and let’s get you to half a million subscribers!

[@kensmith5694]

Encryption should not be allowed on broadcast signals. It makes a nonsense of "the public airwaves" when they are effectively made private.

[@AntennaMan]

I agree. I'll talk about this in a future video.

[@ghenulo]

Yeah, but Hollyweb already showed the power of media lobbying for proprietary encryption.

[@SuperMrgentleman]

That's a fantastic argument. Some spectrum gets sold for private use but that's definitely not how we think of TV bandwidth

[@CommodoreFan64]

I agree 100%, it just makes everything harder for the end user, and encourages piracy, for example Peacock has WWE content but because of their DRM BS it does not work on any combo of Linux distro/web browser I've tried, so if I'm traveling with my laptop running Solus Linux, instead of my Android tablet, and don't want to watch a WWE PPV on my phone, I have to use a bootleg feed even though I paid for it!!! 🤬

[@kensmith5694]

@@CommodoreFan64 Watching it on Linux is easy. All you have to do is install ^%&&*^%$$$*(^&$$&*$%$$&$$&#****** +++NO CARRIER+++

[@rynsmnsmovies]

I'm going to wait out this standard for as long as possible but I like keeping appraised of its capabilities and functionality. I liked your reporting on how the signal differs from the current standard. Simple and easy to understand.

[@AntennaMan]

Not a bad idea to wait it out as we're still in the very early stages of NextGen TV.

[@ericmulcahey1]

Awesome, thank you sir. This will be on the list of our current set up craps out.

[@MrMikey1273]

Cool that you did most of the testing in my home TV market. We are in York and have an outdoor antenna you helped me with. I do get the 1.0 version of WHTM 27's broadcast very well and also the 3.0 signals are available with the HDhomerun flex4k we have. Unfortunately Plex has not yet fully supported atsc 3.0. I have noticed the 3.0 broadcast of ABC and pbs is a little cleaner with less encryption artifacts too.

[@doughughes257]

Thanks!

[@AntennaMan]

Thanks for the contribution!

[@alchetter4644]

I still use "rabbit ears" and they do the job, 57 channels, didn't cost me a dime!

[@RadioWhiz]

I like the design of the zapper box and Portability of using it

[@igeekone]

Great coverage. Cements that ATSC 3.0 signal is far more robust and can give a stable experience even with a very weak signal. That's huge for those who can't have an external antenna setup.

[@ghenulo]

Yeah, I'm kind of disappointed that I can't pick up PBS. I can see that my TV tries but just gives up after a few seconds.

[@joeturbo7406]

Good review Tyler. I've had one of these for quite a few months. Basically it works better than the HDTV it's plugged into (has a better tuner). There have been a handful of software updates (my ZapperBox is connected via WiFi), but they always upgrade without issue. I have access to both ATSC 1.0 and 3.0 signals in my market. Both OTA signals are good, but I've never tried the "interference" trick that Tyler shows (my antenna is in the attic)...

[@philwebb59]

9:25 The last three fields/cells highlighted in green indicates ATSC 3.0! Cool! So, only one station in my area is broadcasting in 3.0. Good to know. I think I can probably wait for their 3.0 quad tuner with DVR.

[@doorknob2150]

Loved the moving antenna demo in the hotel room. WOW. Very cool. Throw it light a frisbee and it's still stable!? NICE! I guess that means 3.0 will be much more reliable in bad/windy weather?

[@godsblade300S]

👍😜Always comprehensive unbiased reviews, thanks brother😁God Bless us All🇺🇸🙏🎚

[@Tugennov]

Thanks for the video and you're hard work. One the DVR functionality is final, I'd love it if you took another look at this.

[@StevenSeiller]

📶Nice feature to be able to scan for channels without blowing out existing channels - which on my TVs, also blows out all show/hide/favorite settings. This is maybe an undervalued feature! 👍👍

[@GeneSavage]

Cool box; more expensive than my TV, though. Plus nobody in Tulsa has yet gone ATSC 3 yet. Thanks for a great review!

[@MWhistman]

Always great unbiased reviews - keep up the excellent work

[@calzonemaniacsvideocorner0804]

That is awesome. I do not have any ATSC 3.0 channels in my area (Monroe/West Monroe), but Shreveport apparently has all of their major channels in ATSC 3.0 form. Neat.

[@jamesb1221222]

Congrats on the sponsor! ATSC 3.0 is getting interesting

[@AustinFVIXV]

I will definitely consider getting this to be an early adopter of it, i was wary of it since i haven’t heard of this company before but everything about it seems very well done and having a direct wired tv connection and not needing internet to hook it up has definitely steered me towards getting this in the future, appreciate the hard work you put in for these reviews

[@stevejohnson1321]

WUNI 27 is running as ATSC3 "lighthouse" here in the northeast. To answer readers' leading question, ATSC1 tuners see this station as "no signal." Wikipedia just has a single-line mention without elaboration, with sub-channel list following. Maybe we'll learn more as time passes. Those in the WUNI viewing area may benefit. Those far to the east like Truro may need a really tall tower.

[@doogie812]

Looks like the Channel Guide is reason enough to purchase it. Much better than those $30.00 - $50.00 POS ATSC 1.0 boxes.

[@zapperbox]

Thanks! We're rolling out DVR and 14-day channel guide data in the next few months. Currently, we use the OTA channel guide data for 24 hours worth of guide data.

[@jerryspann8713]

By the time you pay those charlatans at Tivo $15 a month for a year of their service you would have more than half the cost of this device.

[@ConsumerDV]

I can live with a POS channel guide, using a $20 ATSC 1.0 box.

[@ghenulo]

Why? I'd rather continue to use online TV listings than shell at $275 to have that functionality on my TV.

[@mikew2928]

That 14-day channel guide will require a paid subscription.

[@douglascalhoun6471]

I most definitely am going to acquire one of the Zapper box to compare to my Hdhomerun flex 4k. I am in a weak signal area and the Hdhomerun does a fair job but the signal meter and direct connection to an older television is a plus in my mind. Good review helped me make up my mind.

[@AntennaMan]

If you could keep everyone posted with the results, that would be great. Feel free to even send me an email after you compare the two.

[@bobh.4580]

I have been using the HDHR5-4K FLEX 3.0 for a couple of months. I bought it mainly for future-proofing and Rabbit Ears live band scan. I did order a separate box two Output so I'll be comparing the two oh, this should be exciting.... or boring 😂

[@mkuhlman77]

Zapper box looks cool, but I feel that it lacks one thing that's important to at least myself. That's the ability to connect to my network so I can watch local TV with 1 antenna 1 cable and be able to watch on any TV in my home through an app like my Tablo allows. Other than that I think they've done a really good job making a newer product.

[@AntennaMan]

Unfortuately DRM encryption may limit this feature. It's one of the reasons why Tablo stopped their ATSC 3.0 tuner and the HDHomerun might end up a brick in a few months.

[@ghenulo]

@@AntennaMan Yeah, with Digital Restrictions Management, even TV is now "defective by design".

[@curtisbme]

@@AntennaMan HDHR has claimed since DRM was always part of the spec, their products have the hardware needed to support it.

[@RiceNorthborough]

I bought the Zapperbox. It just arrived today and I love it. It has a great tuner and the GUI is the really nice. Once all the features are in place, I hope to replace my Tivo Roamio. I love the antenna overlay feature. Boston has several ATSC 3.0 signals (main channels only...not subchannels) and so far I'm not getting any signal degradation from wind/trees, etc. So far so good. Thanks Tyler!

[@AntennaMan]

Great to hear! Thanks for sharing this information!

[@RiceNorthborough]

UPDATE 5/9/23 - Most of the main Boston channels have gone DRM (encrypted). So now my Zapperbox is basically a $280 paperweight. Hopefully later in the summer it will be usable again. Also, they need to do better with the remote. It's not well designed at all. Certainly not for a $280 device. The DVR capability keeps getting pushed out further. I should have listed to Tyler and waited a while longer. But the tuner is far better than any other I've used. Once it's fully functional, I think I'll be happier.

[@AntennaMan]

@@RiceNorthborough As mentioned in the video, the Zapperbox will have a solution soon via a firmware update.

[@elian222]

For it's $275 price range I'd for sure wait till it's updated to support a proven, reliable DVR capability. I think it's overpriced for what it is even if it did right now include full DVR functionality. For this price point it should also include a high-end 2TB SSD integrated into the unit and a nice RF remote with backlit keys.

[@Chickenpatty878]

Early adopter fee as with any other product. If you can wait a year, there will be more on the market

[@mikew2928]

don't count on the dvr working with drm

[@nrnoble]

Yeah, early adopters are paying to be "beta Testers" to help them flush out bugs and feel the pain of being a bleeding edge user. :)

[@summerforever6736]

For sure

[@aaronb483]

I agree with everything you said. HDHomerun may have a better device and cheaper

[@matthewcrowley9204]

Most promising atsc 3.0 tuner box I've seen / looked into yet. I have 6 (no, wait, 7) tvs in my house and while I don't know that I'll shell out and buy an atsc 3.0 tuner box for all of them, I will for at least a few. The future capabilities (swap-out for drm-compatible signal decoding, DVR functionality) are definitely good things to have. Thank you once again for an informative video.

[@AntennaMan]

I'd definitely wait for other options in your case.

[@ConsumerDV]

For this money you can buy a dozen of ATSC 1.0 boxes.

[@davidwolf1301]

Or you can buy the SiliconDust ATSC 4-tuner network box and share it on all of your TVs. A more economical solution.

[@curtisbme]

This product would make little sense for anyone who has more than one display they want to view it on. If you have more than one TV and/or also want to view it on phone/tablet/laptop and want to be able to set and access recordings, you want something like the HDHR products.

[@Dumballa]

Thank you. Great job. Might pick one up for my mom

[@Rvoyles97]

I'm loving the idea of Antenna Man going to CES and walking right passed the 8K video gaming machines to the dark room in the back where OTA TV execs are getting excited about 1080p.

[@markfuller]

I like the features. It's like it was designed by people who intend to actually use it (unlike MediaWorx and the hundred rebrands of the same hardware/firmware). I hope Tyler will review this again with newer firmware. The slow channel changing is important to me. I'd like to see this tracked/compared between tuners. The 1.0 tuners all seem slow to me, geared for DVR not channel surfing. I'd like to see these tuners held more accountable for channel surfing. (The old digital to analog tuners were quite fast compared to modern digital tuners. Something should be better in this department.).

[@stevepowsinger733]

This is big news. Thanks so much. I will be evaluating it. Dark cloud: encryption.

[@Noone9227]

Got this today and installed it tonight. The tuner seems stronger that it does on my Sony TV. The audio output is a bit lower. The true benefit is the robust TV guide and ability to rewind live TV. Even if you only have ATSC 1.0 like I do, I still think this is a worthwhile product.

[@AntennaMan]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Other viewers have said the tuner sensitivity of the Zapperbox is really good.

[@AusNetFan13]

Thanks, I just bought one. Thank you for the review.

[@thisislilraskal]

We need a channel like this for Australians.

[@Insightfill]

Love the great work you do!

[@velvetpilot2008]

That's incredible. I dig it the most

[@Pyrolonn]

Good review. Seems like a good product. I'll not be getting anything like this as long as ATSC 1.0 broadcasts are still available. Being an early adopter will cost you. In addition, why pay for two tuners? Interesting about the encryption, it'll actually be 3.0's downfall. If they're using public airwaves they shouldn't be allowed to encrypt them, end of story.

[@ghenulo]

It might be worth being an early adopter if there are ATSC 3.0 broadcasts available in your area, as you might be able to pick up more channels more reliably than the equivalent ATSC 1.0 broadcasts, but there are no ATSC 3.0 broadcasts in my area, so I'm definitely postponing getting an ATSC 3.0 tuner for the time being.

[@kmath50]

I am interested. Just waiting for the price to hopefully come down, and for the DVR to be added.

[@AntennaMan]

The price tag is to be expected since we're in the very early stages of the launch. You saw the same thing with HDTV back in the 90s. There will likely be many cheaper alternatives years down the road, but for early adopters or people in bad reception areas who really need it, this is the best option right now.

[@ronethridge9875]

keep it coming antenna man /thanks much

[@Anothertominohio]

Great review on the Zapperbox! I learned a lot. Definitely sounds like an option when the time comes for my market. I do use a Tablo so I want to see what might be in the works there as well as see what the dvr capabilities might be in Zapperbox down the road. Looks like a great tuner.....

[@coreybabcock2025]

I hope Rockville MD will have this

[@BenCossette]

First of all I've seen like all your videos and I wasn't even subscribed, so the algorithm seems to like you. I just ordered a Zapperbox and when you order they ask "How did you find out about us?" and "Tyler the Antenna Man" is an option .LOL

[@shaymcquaid]

Thanks, Tyler! You're the man!!! Antenna Man, that is!

[@dennisud]

I'd definitely will bee keeping an eye on this ATC3.0 box as I get closer to retirement and my final move.

[@DiscoveryOwners]

I have the Silicon Dust ATSC 3 tuner. It is a network tuner which I prefer since I can use it to watch TV on my tablets and phones and also other smart TV’s with only one tuner. Plus, it works with Plex for Live TV/DVR.

[@AntennaMan]

The HDHomerun is great for now, but DRM encryption might stop Plex from working.

[@bobh.4580]

​@@AntennaMan I that I thought the Flex had encryption capabilities built-in but, I know very little bit about it. I will eventually get a Zapperbox and compare it with the HDHR Flex but for now all we have is WRME-LD. Also, it sounds like a box is receiving improvements so I may just let them get the firmware updates done before I order one. We'll see. I like to be on The Cutting Edge of technology too.

[@curtisbme]

@@bobh.4580 HDHR will be able to handle the BS encryption but Plex has to support it as well and even if they do, the word is that they won't be able to allow for remote viewing as you do today. ATSC 3.0 may be improving the reception ability (that they could have done with 1.0 back in the day..) but it is shit in that it is all going to be encrypted because Sinclair and the rest are being sold on tech that benefits no one but the company selling it.

[@dennisbisconti4583]

Tyler + this can be used with an antenna you just pay for it a one time fee and that's it I don't want to get into contracts or any internet streaming just over the air waves TV again another great video thanks for all you do

[@Chris21709]

A look to a better future!

[@winterburden]

So long as it's got HD then it's good enough for me!

[@Davesworld7]

Tyler, a while back in one of the Facebook groups we are in, I had mentioned some issues with the Zapperbox, I am happy to report that with recent firmware updates it is now out of beta and the issues are gone. I removed the 10db attenuator and it has never worked better. Thanks for reinforcing the idea that even without UHD content and being on Lighthouse channels, ATSC 3.0 just for the reception alone is worth it and yes, a lot of people are badmouthing it and claiming that it's no better than ATSC 1.0, well it IS better. The sooner 8VSB modulation is in our rear view mirror the better off we are.

[@stanleyone5222]

We're loving Nextgen in this area, a sweet deal being 700' feet above two major cities. My signal strength is backwards; DVT is 100% non-affected by weather and Nextgen is slightly less reliable. That said both cities are 30miles away and using a $30 antenna, with the longest cable run (family room) 70'. TV menu/info says 1080p and sound is a improvement from regular DTV.

[@MrNickb-s500]

Thanks Tyler for the re ieview, rather informative 😊😊👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@mitchgordon8199]

Is Dave Thomas your father ? Just curious like I am about antennas 📡. Thanks for your hard work.

[@2120Andy]

I ordered one you get the credits.

[@wattheheck6010]

Very useful info as per usual!

[@guyboost4094]

Tyler I like the old school Rabbit 🐇 ear on top of the TV near you

[@johnhubert5143]

What about audio? Do these converter boxes also convert the audio? I hear atsc 3.0 has a new dolby audio format that current 1.0 tv's cannot replay. Could you please get some info on this subject and include it in one of your videos. Also wouldn't it be cool if Amazon made a new fire tv recast box that converts 3.0 ?

[@AntennaMan]

The Zapperbox will converter the new Dolby audio format right without the box and output it via HDMI onto any TV so you don't have to worry. The audio issue is one of the reasons why I wasn't recommending the HDHomerun as only certain devices would decode it. This isn't an issue with the Zapperbox.

[@Noone9227]

Uh, already returning for exchange. All my channels went out except one. Box gets hot esp the connector of the antenna cable. I also had trouble picking up any channels during the initial scan, but after a reboot it worked fine. BTW, unlike SiliconDust, customer service was quickly responsive when responding to my questions earlier today.

[@philwebb59]

So, the Zapperbox currently looks like a better buy than the Mediasonic. Can't wait til they add a DVR and quad tuners in the same box. They may give the HDHomerun ATSC 3.0 Quattro and Tablo ATSC 3.0 Quad a run for their money, depending on the media guide. I'd expect performance to be comparable, since you seem to be able to pick up ATSC 3.0 with a paperclip. I hope you do a head-to-head sometime.

[@craigosterberg5045]

Thanks for the information

[@JCWise-sf9ww]

I liked the Channel program guide for all received TV stations on this box. BTW, The RCA XL-100 Directv, OTA analog/ATCS 1.0 receiver, made 20 some years ago, has a channel guide for the OTA TV channels as well. I happen to own one, sad the OTA tuner part has rather poor sensitivity.

[@ghenulo]

Yeah, I remember having DirecTV and one of the best things was the programming guide, which allowed you to automatically switch over to the channel you want to watch when the program you want to watch comes on. These new tuners definitely need something like that.

[@ernesttricarico6402]

I have no internet service whatsoever. I'm 30 mil from NYC am I a good candidate for the zapper box? Thanks for all the information you provided all of us

[@AntennaMan]

ATSC 3.0 is not on the air on NYC. It's been "coming this year" for five years so I'd hold out on buying it until it launches.

[@briana6181]

The big takeaway for me was that ATSC marks the beginning of the end for free over the air TV. I hadn’t heard that ATSC 3 included DRM, but it makes sense now as the standard is such a marginal improvement over ATSC 1. The whole reason for the ATSC 3 rollout is the DRM, imo. Also, the price of the Zapper is insane, until it gets the promised functionality of DVR and DRM compatibility. Who would pay $275 for a tuner that might bring in the one ATSC station in their market, but can’t record it.

[@kensmith5694]

I fear you may be right or at least OTA will see a major reduction in what is available. It seems like someone figured that that we still have a little money left in our pockets.

[@toolman1990]

ATSC 3 is a huge improvement over ATSC 1.0 due to signal reliability. I live in an apartment where I am stuck using an indoor antenna and even with a good antenna the stations are unreliable due to multipath interference. But with the DRM standard which WLWT is using now, I will have to wait for a ATSC 3 tuner box that is capable of DRM and converting audio to AC3 or Stereo since none of my TV's support AC4 audio.

[@whatever833]

Unfortunately with the crumbling instructor infrastructure of our nation and the increase in bad weather, power outages seem to be more and more frequent. For me this is when these would be useful as I have a generator.

[@kuehnel16]

We have Doctors on demand. Now we need antenna guys like you on demand.

[@torontoguys]

I live downtown Toronto Canada and can get a couple stations from Buffalo. I am going to buy the zapper box and see if it can hope my stations stay on longer instead if fading out.

[@gerardhart6774]

This past summer I received WPNT RF 22 ATSC 3.0 Pittsburgh here in WNY via tropo and it decoded. No other Pittsburgh 1.0 stations were seen. Pittsburgh stations were rarely seen here during the analog days due to the hilly terrain there. Shows you how robust 3.0 is.

[@AntennaMan]

In my video below, I picked up the WPNT RF 22 ATSC 3.0 signal nearly 80 miles away when no other Pittsburgh channels were picked up in ATSC 1.0. kzbin.info/www/bejne/opisnmNnidigqpY

[@gregoryjohnson6337]

I was excited until I saw the price tag. Have to wait until the price comes down. Great content about the product though.

[@zapperbox]

Hey Gregory! Keep in mind, there's some really fancy kit inside the box. We're rolling out new features every few weeks and will have fully-featured DVR in just a few months, as well as more streaming apps available (currently we have a KZbin app).

[@AntennaMan]

The price tag is to be expected since we're in the very early stages of the launch. You saw the same thing with HDTV back in the 90s. There will likely be many cheaper alternatives years down the road, but for early adopters or people who really need it, this is the best option right now. As Zapperbox stated, there will be more features down the road including a DVR and streaming apps.

[@RobbieStrike]

ATSC 3.0 will be great if you do have a good antenna. You will probably be able to DX stations from far away in a clear day. There is broadcasts in my area but I am whaiting because it is not enough channels at this time to justify paying the money right now.

[@PsRohrbaugh]

Great video! Looks like a good product for me. Unfortunately I live in Orlando which you say has DRM... So I Wil probably wait. F DRM. That should not be legal on broadcast TV.

[@zapperbox]

We'll be releasing a DRM update and swap program in just a few months, so stay tuned and we'll get you running w/ the DRM stations!

[@AntennaMan]

I'll be making a video soon about DRM. I agree it shouldn't be legal on broadcast TV.

[@PsRohrbaugh]

@@zapperbox AWESOME! Thanks for replying!

[@eeeeyuke]

Can't wait till a DVR version of this tech comes out.

[@zapperbox]

We have started rolling our DVR in stages. Pause/play for ATSC 1.0 shipping now. Pause/play for ATSC 3.0 by March end. First version of DVR by April end (we hope).

[@R0BIMUSPRIME]

I can probably pick up ATSC 3.0 signals to the East from Albany & to the West from Syracuse. Tempted, but that $275 price tag though!

[@AntennaMan]

The price tag is to be expected since we're in the very early stages of the launch. You saw the same thing with HDTV back in the 90s. There will likely be many cheaper alternatives years down the road, but for early adopters or people in bad reception areas who really need it, this is the best option right now.

[@devingeorge6154]

I live just outside Philadelphia in New Jersey will this product help me get ABC channels?

[@timf6916]

Good information

[@franklin.s.werren]

The Zapperbox is a bit rich for being a mostly software dongle box. It needs to come down in price before it is a solid product. But I expect in time the price will come down for us senior citizens. I lost Buffalo Channel 4/23 the last few months when they gave up one of their RF channels (Traitors!!!) Thanks for the honest review. I hope I can save up my pennies to purchase one, I need to replace my ATSC 1 box at some time.

[@jp313]

So do you still need another antenna to go with this device or can you use this device alone

[@williamjones4483]

I'm watching this video and I happened to notice that on the right KZbin's algorithm has suggested to me a video titled "Understanding Electronics: Vacuum Tubes". A lovely WTF moment.

[@davidbarker5957]

Thanks for another good video from you.

[@AntennaMan]

Thanks for watching it!

[@trashyaudiophile7301]

As I see the zapperbox is not available anymore, it brings me back to something you touched on when at the booth with the woman running the whole kit and kabootle. Price on their website is more than I paid for 4 of the 5 TVs in my house. This would create a huge problem for Chord cutters as the reason they are cutting the chord is because of the overpricing of content fed over a cable. While it is cool that this is around, if the cost of these boxes can't meet a Walmart friendly price. I don't see these becoming an accepted part of format change.

[@AntennaMan]

Zapperbox sold out of the unit after my video review blew up but I'm told they just received a new shipment of units. They are taking preorders online and should start shipping them out next week.

[@curtisag24]

My market(Scranton) has yet announced whether we’re getting Nextgen, and Philly might be getting one in the future, but since Harrisburg has theirs, is it possible to pick up that signal from your location using any of the outdoor antennas you own?

[@AntennaMan]

You won't pick up any out of market channels in Scranton. While ATSC 3.0 is a bit more robust, it can't overcome mountains the curvature of the earth.

[@jeffkardosjr.3825]

​@@AntennaMan If he's on East Mountain he might. I picked up Binghamton market stations from the mountain in Jessup.

[@BlaqViper]

Absolutely great info Tyler!! Aside from the internet connectivity and being only a single TV solution, how does it compare to the SiliconDust ATSC 3.9 model? 11:08

[@AntennaMan]

The Zapperbox is better to directly connect to a TV with an HDMI cable while the HDHomerun is better to use as a wireless tuner that's accessed on streaming devices in the house.

[@BlaqViper]

@@AntennaMan Thanks Tyler.

[@mutantryeff]

I got tired of waiting for my Zapperbox M2. I then just purchased myself an LG G2 to get ATSC 3.0, and then hooked up the M2 to my mother's TV when it finally arrived. The biggest issue in our area is that KTXL's 40.1 doesn't lip synch their ATSC 3.0 channel. It is super annoying to watch KTXL's ATSC 3.0 signal with the multi-second lipsynch problem.

[@charlie_nolan]

I will probably get one of these some day for my big old bedroom CRT TV (I’m weird I know)

[@ronstallcup]

What does the "Zap" button do? Brings up the quick access menu while watching TV.

[@ronk9830]

I'd be interested in the "Zapperbox" with DVR capabilities. Please keep us posted.

[@serenitynow007]

Great review. Do you have an opinion on the zapperbox vs HD Homerun irregardless of ATSC 3? I’m interested in the best DVR for 1.0. Price doesn’t matter at this point. Thanks.

[@lgoamity]

Just checked and my Market is "coming soon" and checked the current firmware/OS release notes and looks like it's just a couple months for DVR (v1.3 late June, FAQ still says DVR by May 2023 so maybe just a "minor" delay?)... With basic Play/Pause/Rewind/FF options available now for both ATSC 1 and 3 channels.

[@caseyhartman7094]

The Zapperbox sounds like it will be a really cool device once firmware is rolled to allow DVR functionality and install AndroidOS to have streaming services.

[@zapperbox]

We just released live tv play/pause/ff/rw for ATSC 1.0 channels, with the same feature for ATSC 3.0 channels coming soon. DVR will be after that in a few months. Thank you for your kind words!

[@mikew2928]

The DVR won't work on DRM stations.

[@caseyhartman7094]

@@mikew2928 I know that. Tyler mentioned that some ATSC 3.0 stations use DRM so the tuners won't be able to decode those signals much less record the programming on them.

[@donb7574]

How does the Zapperbox compare with the cheaper priced HDHomeRun Flex 4K device that has 4 tuners (2 for ATSC 3.0) and DVR built-in using an external USB drive?

[@estusflask982]

The HDHomeRun Flex doesn't have video output. No HDMI. No remote. It's to serve a different purpose than the Zapperbox. The HDHomeRun works with all the TVs and phones/tablets/computers in your house. The Zapperbox only works with 1 TV, the TV it's plugged into.

[@dkaustin98]

I received my Zapperbox. I got it all setup. The trick is to take your time. I have the antenna coax cable going into the Zapperbox. The HDMI OUT connected to the HDMI 1 IN on my LG TV. I have the HDMI 2 ARC IN/ OUT on the LG TV connected to the LG Sound bar HDMI 1 IN. The Bluetooth Bass speaker is paired. I picked up an additional 15 channels in my area on the channel scan. On the guide I can see which ones are ATSC 3.0 and if transmitting 720 or 1080. I like the signal strength meter feature too. I had to set the Zapperbox to the Other Box on the LG TV connection. I was able to re-label that to Zapperbox. I do not know if the Zapperbox is using a standard Universal Set Top Box listed on the LG TV that the LG Magic Remote can control. I don't know which manufacturer to choose. Maybe Zapperbox copied another manufacturer's remote tech? I did do a search on the LG TV to see if Zapperbox would come up. It didn't. The LG Magic Remote can be used as a Universal Remote to control other connected devices made by other manufacturers. The only issue at the moment is that I cannot get the Zapperbox Remote to learn from the LG Magic Remote. Either I am doing it wrong or the two are not compatible. If anybody has done the learn feature on the Zapperbox Remote with the LG Magic Remote, let me know.

[@AntennaMan]

I don't think the Zapperbox remote is compatible with the LG magic remote. Just use the separate that came with the Zapperbox to control it.

[@robertashton8942]

Hi Tyler. The fact that it takes 6 seconds for the new next gen channel to show up every time you want to change the channel is simply a big issue and a deal breaker. Even 2 seconds of delay is barely acceptable.

[@bobh.4580]

Yeah I have to agree with that. 6 seconds Seems like a long time when you're doing absolutely nothing but waiting for a channel change.

[@AntennaMan]

Digital isn't instant like analog. With any TV, it takes a few seconds to load everything up. The fact you're complaining about having to wait 2-6 seconds for a TV signal to load up that you don't pay for really is a first world problem.

[@kenp9277]

I read that all the TV stations in Greenville -Spartanburg-Anderson, where I live, switched to 3.0. Curious what website you are using to determine which stations might be encrypted. It's weird here with lots of problems receiving OTA signals since their broadcast towers are scattered all over. And in my case, the ABC station is the farthest away, in Asheville NC.

[@AntennaMan]

Below is a link to all markets that have ATSC 3.0 signals. If there is a lock next to the call letters then it's encrypted and won't be displayed on the current version of the Zapperbox. However, Zapperbox will have a solution in the coming months. rabbitears.info/market.php?request=atsc3

[@johnturner7322]

I will have to wait since a check shows 3.0 is not yet in my area

[@Lewie2s]

I had high hopes, only to find most of the stations in Minneapolis have the NextGen locked out to zapperbox

[@Atis602]

You said the zapper box did not require internet. Is the small antenna that's mounted a small tv stub antenna that comes with it or does it have another function?

[@zapperbox]

The small antenna is the Wi-fi antenna. You would need to purchase a suitable antenna to pair with the ZapperBox. Great question!

[@michaelcottenden3216]

Would be interested to see how it compares to Silicondust's product. Purely from its ability to handle ATSC 1.0 and 3.0 broadcasts. It seems like the Zapperbox has far better capabilities with respect to channel scanning and signal diagnostics.

[@AntennaMan]

I wish I could compare it but since ATSC 3.0 is not in my area (literally been "coming this year" for five years) I'm unable to test out all of the features of the HDHomerun on the road in a hotel without a home internet network.

[@villumschroeder1255]

I am wondering which is right for me... The SiliconDust Flex Quatro requires an internet connection and then you stream it to your TV apparently. Would be nice to see OTA broadcasts on all network devices though...

[@rickmaudlin2160]

Thanks for the review !

[@jeffreyd399]

Living in Lapeer, MI I am happy to say that Flint, Detroit, and Grand Rapids all have live ATSC 3.0. I am looking forward to upgrading my TV's soon. I wish you were able to have this at home so that you can see if you can receive stations further than you can now with ATSC 1.0. I am hoping to get a few more stations from distant markets because the signal goes further and is more robust.

[@AntennaMan]

While the signals don't travel further, ATSC 3.0 can be decoded with a weaker SNR depending on the layer used. See video below. When I'm 80 miles away I can get the 3.0 signal but not the 1.0 signal. kzbin.info/www/bejne/opisnmNnidigqpY

[@charmes6724]

Hey, Waterford here

[@jeffreyd399]

@@AntennaMan Good to know, Lansing is that distance, maybe I can pick a few more of those.

[@Static1701]

I just bought a HDHomerun and I am in the Detroit market 16 miles from the Oakpark transmitters. I have a Winegard 8200u antenna and I have noticed that with ATSC 3.0, I get a 100% signal and lock on Ch2 (Which is on VHF7) I never get that strong of a signal with ATSC 1.0

[@jeffreyd399]

@@Static1701 In Lapeer, Channel 2 never comes in. I wonder if this will fix the problem from here.