Observed Signal · Jul 20, 2026 · Technical Release · Source: Cord Cutters News · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
HDHomeRun App Enables TV Access During Internet Outages
Silicondust announced an update to the HDHomeRun app that allows users to watch live broadcast channels and recordings during internet outages, including Emergency Alert System (EAS) notifications. The update supports ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 channels that are not DRM-encrypted. Silicondust said it filed an FCC Ex Parte on July 9, 2026, arguing broadcasters should not use DRM to restrict access to broadcast channels during the ecosystem transition. The app update is rolling out across many streaming platforms and devices, including Roku, Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, Xbox, iOS, Android, Mac and Windows devices.
Improves consumer access to broadcast TV and Emergency Alerts during internet outages and raises regulatory questions about broadcaster DRM, but impacts are limited to device/broadcast interoperability rather than broad AdTech infrastructure changes.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Silicondust announced an HDHomeRun app update that enables viewing of broadcast channels and recordings during internet outages, including Emergency Alert System messages.
- The update supports ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 channels, except for channels that are DRM-encrypted.
- Silicondust filed an FCC Ex Parte (dated July 9, 2026) asking the FCC to stop broadcasters from using DRM encryption to limit access to broadcast channels.
- The HDHomeRun app update is available on Roku, Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, Xbox, iPhones/iPads, Android phones/tablets, and Mac and Windows computers.
Connected Companies & Entities
7 Entities mapped““Recently filings in the FCC’s GN Docket No. 16-142, Authorizing the Permissive Use of the “Next Generation” Broadcast Television Standard, ...”
“The latest HDHomeRun app updates are available on the following platforms: Roku devices and Roku based TVs...”
“The latest HDHomeRun app updates are available on the following platforms: Google TV devices...”
“Disclaimer: To address the growing use of ad blockers we now use affiliate links to sites like http://Amazon.com, streaming services, and ot...”
“The latest HDHomeRun app updates are available on the following platforms: Apple TV devices...”
“The latest HDHomeRun app updates are available on the following platforms: XBox consoles...”
“By Cord Cutters News on July 20, 2026 in All News, News...”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
FCC Under Pressure to Extend Emergency Alerts to Streaming
U.S. regulators are facing growing calls to update the national Emergency Alert System to include major streaming services as viewers shift from linear TV to on-demand platforms. The Federal Communications Commission has opened a review of emergency alerting protocols, and advocates want location-based notifications delivered through services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and YouTube to reach audiences on smart TVs, consoles and mobile devices. Proponents say streaming platforms and connected devices could broaden coverage as cord-cutting reduces the reach of traditional broadcasters and cable. Industry critics warn of technical, privacy, cost and cybersecurity challenges, and the FCC has not yet imposed requirements. Commissioners are soliciting input on whether rules should target end-user devices and how streaming can maintain accessibility for people with disabilities while ensuring reliable, targeted emergency notifications.
Silicondust Becomes ATSC 3.0 Certificate Authority
Silicondust, a TV tuner manufacturer, has become an official ATSC 3.0 Certificate Authority, establishing an independent certification path for broadcasters deploying NextGen TV. The company will issue its own "FullTrust" and "AskTrust" certificates and positions itself as an alternative to the A3SA consortium of major station groups. Silicondust also announced a patent-pending offline validation system intended to keep stations on air during emergencies. The move follows allegations of anti-competitive behavior by A3SA and public concern about an A3SA plan dubbed "High Noon," disclosed in an FCC filing by Weigel Broadcasting. Silicondust President Nick Kelsey and industry sources framed the change as opening a closed certification process and creating more options and flexibility for broadcasters.
Roku TVs Still Require Internet for Some OTA Channels
Some Roku-powered televisions still require an active internet connection to access over-the-air (OTA) broadcasts from major networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC) when using an HDTV antenna. The problem began after updates to Roku's Live TV Guide that more tightly integrated OTA signals with free ad-supported streaming channels, creating an internet-dependent dependency for the guide to load. Roku previously promised a software fix and has rolled updates to many devices but confirms some TVs remain affected; the company is rolling out another fix over the coming days. Affected brands include TVs from manufacturers that use the Roku OS, such as TCL and Hisense. The issue prevents offline channel surfing during internet outages, undermining the traditional reliability of antenna TV for local news and emergency access.
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