The ADTH NextGen TV USB is a certified device that complies with the A3SA standard and plays encrypted NextGen TV channels in online mode. To play them, please check the following.
1. Your host device must decode NextGen TV video and audio
NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) channels use HEVC video and Dolby AC-4 audio. The tuner does not decode video or audio, your TV or streaming device does, so this depends on that device rather than on the tuner. A device that cannot decode AC-4 typically scans and lists NextGen TV channels and then fails to play them, or plays a picture with no sound.
The free NextGen TV Test app, from the Google Play Store or Amazon Appstore, checks whether your device can decode and play ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 content. If you are not sure whether yours supports Dolby AC-4, check the device's specifications, or contact support with the make and model. For more detail see Before You Start: Check Your Device Compatibility.
2. Make sure your device is connected to the internet
The USB tuner plays encrypted channels in online mode, so an internet connection is needed.
3. Ensure “Automatic date & time” is enabled
- Go to Settings > System Settings
- Go to Device Preferences > Date & Time
- Enable “Automatic date & time”, and select “Use network-provided time”
Once these requirements are met
Encrypted channels play automatically. There is nothing to switch on.
If an encrypted channel still will not play, whether a particular station authorises playback is set by the broadcaster rather than by ADTH, and it can differ from one station to another. Please contact support with your host device's make and model, the channel number and callsign, and your city and state. You are welcome to contact the broadcaster directly, or tell us and we will contact them on your behalf.
Last reviewed: 17 August 2026.
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