The shift to next-generation over-the-air TV just got easier on the wallet.

Pearl TV announced major progress on making NEXTGEN TV converter boxes more affordable, a critical step in moving U.S. households from the old ATSC 1.0 standard to the new ATSC 3.0. The initiative brings together patent holders, tech licensors, testing labs, and security providers, all cutting costs to support cheaper devices that’ll plug into existing TVs.

NEXTGEN TV now reaches 78 markets and over 75% of U.S. TV households. More than 19 million compatible sets have shipped since rollout began. But converter boxes mean viewers don’t need a new TV to access the upgraded broadcasts.

“A successful transition requires affordable products that enable all consumers to continue enjoying free over-the-air television,” says Anne Schelle, Pearl TV’s managing director.

The boxes will support advanced emergency alerts with richer, geo-targeted info and a consistent interface across channels. That framework came out of Sinclair and ONE Media’s work with the NAB NextGen TV News Technology Lab.

And the picture’s only getting better. HDR services are live now for 80 million viewers. Native HDR for sports and entertainment rolls out later this year, with 4K Ultra-HD broadcasts expected in 2027.

New converter boxes should hit retail in early 2027. For an industry preparing to transition more than 1,600 commercial stations, affordable gear matters.