How to play encrypted channels? (DRM/A3SA)

Modified on Fri, 7 Aug at 6:56 AM

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 in order.

1. Are your other channels working?

If your regular channels play normally and only NextGen TV channels show a protected content message, this is not an antenna problem. You can skip the antenna steps at the bottom of this page.

2. What software version is your box on?

Check Settings > About. As of version 2.0.0 (1 April 2025) your box plays encrypted channels without an internet connection, because it receives what it needs over the broadcast signal itself. If you are on older software, please update: How to update the system software.

3. Unplug the box at the wall and plug it back in

If you are on the current version and the channel still will not play, take the power plug out of the outlet, wait a few seconds, and plug it back in. Please do this even if you have already restarted the box: switching it off with the remote is not the same thing, and only removing the power has brought protected channels back for other customers. Let the box finish starting up, then try the channel again.

4. Is the date and time correct?

The date and time must be set automatically from the network. Go to Settings > System Settings, then Device Preferences > Date & Time, and turn on Automatic date & time, choosing "Use network-provided time".

5. Is the box connected to the internet?

This is needed if your box is on software older than 2.0.0, and it is needed either way to download the update itself. On 2.0.0 and later, an internet connection is not required just to play encrypted channels.

6. Only if your regular channels are also failing, check your antenna

If NextGen TV channels and your ordinary channels are both affected, this is a reception problem rather than a content protection one. See Achieving Better Channel Reception with Your Antenna, and antennaweb.org can help you check what your area needs.

Still not playing, and your software is up to date?

If your box is on the current software version, your date and time are set automatically, and your other channels play normally, the problem may be on the broadcast side rather than with your box. Whether a particular NextGen TV channel authorises playback is set by the broadcaster, not by ADTH.

You have two options, and you are welcome to do either:

Contact the broadcaster or station directly.
Tell us instead, and we will contact the broadcaster on your behalf. Please include your device serial number, your software version, the channel or station name, and the exact message shown on screen.

Last reviewed: 7 August 2026.