New Low-Cost Platform for ATSC 3.0 Converter Boxes on Display at IBC
Converter Box manufacturer EKT is showcasing a new Linux-based ATSC 3.0 set-top box during IBC 2026 that is underway this week. This new Linux-based ATSC 3.0 converter box is a second-generation product and represents a move away from the Android operating system, to reduce memory costs. EKT specializes in Linux, which uses less than half the memory of a similar set-top box running on the Android platform.
The core ATSC 3.0 software stack is a joint development with DTVKit and will also support legacy ATSC 1.0. The platform is based on the collaborative DTVKit ecosystem, with the core software stack available royalty-free to members, helping to accelerate deployment while reducing development costs.
Designed for the U.S. consumer market as broadcasters transition to ATSC 3.0, the box lets viewers keep their existing television sets when their local stations move to the new standard, while supporting 4K content with HDR10 and HDR10+ for a significant improvement in the viewing experience.
“It’s exciting to see EKT, a partner in Pearl TV’s converter box program, showcase this box at IBC,” said Anne Schelle, Managing Director of Pearl TV. “As TV stations transition to ATSC 3.0, viewers want the option to convert the TVs they already own at an low consumer price, and that’s exactly what this box is designed to deliver.”
“This is a great example of the DTVKit model in action,” said Jason Nash, Technical Director of DTVKit. “EKT started with our royalty-free ATSC 3.0 stack and focused their engineering effort on building a better product, not reinventing the basics. The result is a cost-effective, Linux-based receiver that’s fully standards-compliant and ready for deployment.”
“I am very grateful to our partners DTVKit and Pearl TV in helping us to bring a cost-effective Linux ATSC 3.0 set-top box to the US consumer” Richard Smith, CEO of EKT group stated.
Visit EKT in Hall 1:D15 and DTVKit at the Ocean Blue stand in Hall 1:B25 during IBC 2026.
About EKT:
EKT is a global provider of digital media and connected device solutions, specialising in advanced set-top boxes, Smart TVs, broadband devices, and ODM services for operators and technology partners worldwide.
Founded in 2007, EKT combines Asian engineering excellence with Western management expertise to deliver reliable, scalable, and cost-effective solutions for the evolving pay-tv and broadband markets.
EKT offers a comprehensive end-to-end portfolio, ranging from entry-level zappers to advanced hybrid and IP-based platforms, supporting RDK, Android TV, Linux middleware, IPTV, OTT, and multiple DVB standards. With extensive CA, DRM, and security integrations, EKT is a trusted technology partner to Tier 1 operators across global markets.
Operating across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, EKT focuses on flexibility, long-term partnerships, and efficient manufacturing, enabling customers to accelerate time to market while maintaining full control over service differentiation and customer experience.
For more information, visit www.ekt-digital.com
About Pearl:
Pearl TV is a business organization of U.S. broadcast companies with a shared interest in exploring forward-looking broadcasting opportunities, including innovative ways of promoting local broadcast TV content and developing digital media and wireless platforms for the broadcast industry. Pearl’s membership, comprising more than 820 TV stations, includes eight of the largest broadcast companies in America: Cox Media Group, Graham Media Group, Gray Television, Hearst Television Inc., Sinclair Broadcast Group, and the E.W. Scripps Company.
About DTVKit
DTVKit is a global shared-source foundation providing modular, production-ready software for Smart TV and STB platforms. Supporting DVB, ATSC, and hybrid solutions, DTVKit enables manufacturers and integrators to build scalable, cost-effective consumer devices. With a focus on open standards and community collaboration, DTVKit drives innovation and interoperability across the digital TV ecosystem.
Dtvkit.org
