ATSC 3.0 Next-Gen Broadcast Technology

ATSC 3.0, also known as NextGen TV, is the latest standard for over-the-air television broadcasting. Built on an Internet Protocol (IP) backbone, it enables the delivery of higher quality video and audio, advanced interactive services, enhanced emergency alerts, and a range of new broadcast experiences.

With trials and commercial deployments underway across large parts of the Americas, ATSC 3.0 represents a significant growth opportunity for television and set-top box manufacturers.

To help manufacturers bring ATSC 3.0 enabled products to market quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively, DTVKit provides a complete ATSC 3.0 protocol stack in source code form. This approach allows manufacturers to focus their engineering resources on product differentiation rather than core standards integration.

ATSC 3.0 Features

  • Universal Support: Implements both ROUTE and MMT delivery protocols.
  • Flexible Architecture: Includes a well-defined porting layer for seamless integration with a wide range of frontends and platforms.
  • Configurable: Suitable for set–top boxes (STBs), televisions, and gateway devices.
  • Platform Agnostic: Compatible with Linux, Android, and RDK–based systems.
  • Reference Integration: Android AOSP Tuner HAL/TIF reference integration is available.

ATSC 3.0 Benefits

  • Robust and Standards-based: Fully compliant with the ATSC 3.0 specification and compatible with DTV+
  • Greater Control: Full access to source code enables rapid bug fixes and straightforward customisation.
  • Accelerated Time to Market: Reduces engineering effort and simplifies integration, helping manufacturers deliver competitive products faster.
  • Royalty–Free Model: DTVKit’s membership model eliminates per unit royalties, keeping investment focused on innovation rather than licensing fees.

Infrastructure

DTVKit’s ATSC 3.0 software stack is a Linux-based solution supporting multi-tuner configurations. It implements ATSC 3.0 standards and both MMT & ROUTE protocols with software demultiplexing. The architecture is modular and extensible, featuring a porting layer for integration with various frontends and platforms. Additionally, it is extendable to integrate with the Android TIF framework.

ATSC 3.0 Architecture

ATSC 1.0

With the introduction of ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV), ATSC 1.0 will gradually become a legacy broadcast standard. However, this transition will take time. ATSC 1.0 services are expected to remain widely deployed for many years, and device manufacturers will need to continue supporting them throughout the transition period.

To meet this requirement, DTVKit provides a full ATSC 1.0 software stack, enabling manufacturers to maintain compatibility in televisions and set‑top box (STB) products alongside next‑generation features.

DTVKit’s ATSC 1.0 stack is built on a modular architecture that supports both single and multi-tuner configurations. It implements the core ATSC A/53 standard, featuring robust MPEG-2 transport stream demultiplexing and essential broadcast services such as channel scanning, SI/PSIP parsing, and electronic programme guide (EPG) support.

A flexible porting layer ensures seamless integration across a wide range of frontends, chipsets, and operating platforms. Lightweight, stable, and optimised for embedded environments, the DTVKit ATSC 1.0 stack is well suited for long-term deployment in broadcast-ready TV and STB products.

Testimonials

Hear from our Valued Members

“As a founding member, we saw the value in creating a sustainable, shared resource for DVB software. DTVKit gave us access to a robust, standards-based stack—one we could help shape and contribute to. It aligned perfectly with our mission to deliver high-quality Smart TV software without being tied to expensive, proprietary frameworks.”
Ocean Blue Software

“We joined DTVKit as we saw a need for a solution that was stable and mature, but where we could also gain a competitive edge. Such solutions are best acquired externally of your organisation, and DTVKit proved to be a great resource.”
EKT

“DTVKit has enabled us to reduce time-to-market, lower development costs, and improve platform scalability. It allows us to input into the future roadmap, based on real-world deployment needs. Our clients benefit from this agility and insight—getting to market faster with more resilient, future-ready solutions.”
Ocean Blue Software

“After spending several days reviewing the DTVKit source code, we were extremely impressed by its overall quality. The code is well organized and clearly structured, with a strong division of functional modules that makes it easy to understand how different areas of the software work together. We also found the implementation of its functions to be excellent, reflecting a high level of care and technical quality throughout.”
Redline

“DTVKit’s DVBCore software played a crucial role in the development of the Saorview Connect box, enabling the addition of PVR functionality to the product. The open-source nature of the platform allowed us to customize and optimize our solution in partnership with the product manufacturer, leading to the successful launch of the PVR feature.”
RTE

“During the design phase of our 5th-generation set-top box, Fetch TV sought a reliable DVB front-end software solution. DTVKit’s DVB Core software was highly recommended to us and played a critical role in the development of our Gen 5 set-top box.”
Fetch

Find answers to the most common questions about DTVKit’s services and offerings right here.

What software components are included?

DTVKit gives you access to a powerful, production‑proven suite of broadcast components — DVB, DVB‑NIP, DSM‑CC, HbbTV 2.0.4, CI Plus 1.4 and 2.0, plus ATSC 1.0 and 3.0.

As a member, you’re not just downloading code; you’re tapping into a shared pool of software components used in millions of devices worldwide. Everything is delivered as full source code, ready for you to integrate, customise, and build on.

How quickly can I get started once I join?

Once your membership is confirmed and onboarding is complete, you’ll receive immediate access to the full DTVKit source code repository and documentation. Members are usually up and running within a few days.

How is the software licensed?

Membership gives you unlimited, royalty‑free access to the entire codebase. Use it, modify it, ship it – without per‑unit fees or runtime charges. This model keeps costs predictable and empowers you to innovate freely, without commercial restrictions holding you back.

Is the software updated regularly?

Yes. The stack is continuously maintained and improved, with updates driven by:

  • evolving DVB, ATSC, and HbbTV standards
  • security and performance enhancements
  • real product feedback from active members

Every improvement strengthens the entire community and you benefit from the collective momentum.

What platforms does DTVKit support?

DTVKit is designed to be flexible. It already supports Android TV, RDK, and hybrid white‑label platforms, and can be ported to Linux or other embedded systems.

Members choose DTVKit because it adapts to their roadmap, not the other way around.

Do I need to be a DVB or ATSC member to use DTVKit?

No. DTVKit is fully independent.

We align with DVB and ATSC standards to ensure compliance and interoperability, but you don’t need to join those organisations to use our software. Membership with DTVKit alone gives you everything you need to build compliant broadcast products.