How to play encrypted channels? (DRM/A3SA)

Encrypted NextGen TV channels, sometimes called protected content or DRM channels, need a few things in place before they will play. Please work through these checks in order.

1. Are your other channels working?

If regular channels play normally and only encrypted NextGen TV channels fail, continue with the DRM checks below. If regular channels are also failing, see the antenna section near the bottom of this page.

2. What software version is your box using?

Check Settings > About. As of software version 2.0.0, released 1 April 2025, the ADTH NextGen TV Box can play supported encrypted channels without an internet connection. If your box is using older software, please update it first: How to update the system software.

3. Test the encrypted channel with the internet connected

1. Connect the box to the internet using Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
2. Open Settings > System Settings > Device Preferences > Date & Time.
3. Confirm that the displayed date, time, and time zone are correct. Turn on Automatic date & time and choose Use network-provided time.
4. Tune to the affected encrypted channel and leave it selected for at least 30 seconds.
5. Note whether the channel plays. If it does not, record the exact date and time you tried it, including your time zone.

4. Test the encrypted channel without the internet

On software version 2.0.0 and later, the box can use the time carried in an ATSC 3.0 broadcast when it is offline. Correct time is important because DRM authorizations have validity periods.

Completely disconnect the box from the network:

• Turn off Wi-Fi in the box's settings.
• Unplug any Ethernet cable from the box.

Disconnecting your router from the internet is not the same test. If the box remains connected to the router, it may still treat that connection as an active network.

1. Change to another channel and wait at least 10 seconds.
2. Change back to the affected encrypted channel.
3. Leave it selected for at least 30 seconds.
4. If it does not play, change away, wait another 10 seconds, and try it once more.
5. Note the exact date and time of the test, including your time zone, and whether the channel played.

A restart is not normally required for the box to use broadcast time. Please do not manually change the date or time during this test.

5. Reconnect the internet and compare the result

Reconnect Wi-Fi or Ethernet, change to another channel, and then return to the affected encrypted channel. Leave it selected for at least 30 seconds and note whether it plays.

If the channel works online but not offline, the comparison gives ADTH Support and the station a specific time window to investigate the online license request and the offline authorization information carried in the broadcast.

6. If regular channels are also failing, check your antenna

If encrypted NextGen TV channels and regular ATSC 1.0 channels are both affected, reception may also be involved. See Achieving Better Channel Reception with Your Antenna. You can also use antennaweb.org to check nearby stations and antenna direction.

Still not playing?

Please contact ADTH Support and include:

• The box serial number.
• The software version.
• Your city and state.
• The channel number and callsign.
• The exact date and time of each online and offline test, including your time zone.
• Whether the channel played with the internet connected and disconnected.
• Whether other encrypted NextGen TV channels played while disconnected.
• Whether regular ATSC 1.0 channels played.
• A photo of the Date & Time screen before and after the offline test.
• A photo of the channel's Technical Information screen and the exact message shown, if available.

Offline authorization information is carried in the station's broadcast. If only one encrypted channel fails, there may be an issue with the information the box is receiving for that channel.

Last reviewed: 15 September 2026.

Related articles

• How to Fix Internet Connection Problems
• How to update the system software
• How do I set the time zone on my device?
• FAQ