FAQs
We get new questions about ZapperBox all the time, and we will post our answers here as we have them. If you have a question about ZapperBox, please write to us here.
When will you start shipping ZapperBox units?
We plan to start shipping by May 15, 2022. We expect to have shipped all pre-orders by June 15. Shipments will be made in chronological order. We plan to make sure that we have at least one test unit working perfectly in each NEXTGEN TV market before we ship orders to that market.
You can see an unboxing video of the final production unit at this link. We will be posting more videos on this YouTube channel and update product photos across our website.
We will soon activate a payment portal to start accepting balance payments and sent out email notifications.
You can see an unboxing video of the final production unit at this link. We will be posting more videos on this YouTube channel and update product photos across our website.
We will soon activate a payment portal to start accepting balance payments and sent out email notifications.
Will the ZapperBox M1 have USB ports for DVR?
Yes. The ZapperBox M1 will have one USB 3.0 port, one USB 2.0 port and one SD-Micro slot. The micro-SD slot can accept a memory card up to 256GB. The current photos do not reflect this. New photos are coming.
Will the ZapperBox M1 support gateway functionality to allow streaming to remote devices like smartphones and tablets?
Yes. This functionality can be enabled via software update once it has been developed.
I have a regular High Definition TV, do I need to buy a 4K TV to use the ZapperBox M1?
You do not need to buy a new TV. However, regular HD TVs typically support a resolution of 1920x1080. A 4K TV supports a resolution that is 4 times higher or 3840x2160. 4K TVs are also referred to as UHD, or Ultra High Definition TVs. A new feature called HDR (High Dynamic Range) for rich colors is supported in most new 4K TVs. Technically, it is possible for regular HD TVs to also support HDR, but that is unlikely.
ATSC 3.0 has three main advantages: 4K, HDR and Dolby® AC-4. If you have an HDR capable TV you can enjoy HDR colors. If your TV does not support HDR, you can still enjoy Dolby® AC-4 features. The ZapperBox M1 will support HDR10 and HLG formats for HDR. It will not support Dolby Vision or SL-HDR.
ATSC 3.0 has three main advantages: 4K, HDR and Dolby® AC-4. If you have an HDR capable TV you can enjoy HDR colors. If your TV does not support HDR, you can still enjoy Dolby® AC-4 features. The ZapperBox M1 will support HDR10 and HLG formats for HDR. It will not support Dolby Vision or SL-HDR.
Why does an ATSC 3.0 receiver need Ethernet and Wi-Fi? Will the box work if it is not connected to the Internet?
The main reason for connecting the ZapperBox M1 to the Internet is to allow for software updates. In the future Internet access may also be used for advanced features like streaming video content.
If the box is not connected to the Internet, it will still work but will not be able to download software updates. ATSC 3.0 specifications will continue to evolve for a couple years and it is highly recommended to keep the box connected to the Internet.
Look out for some really interesting features that will be added via software updates.
If the box is not connected to the Internet, it will still work but will not be able to download software updates. ATSC 3.0 specifications will continue to evolve for a couple years and it is highly recommended to keep the box connected to the Internet.
Look out for some really interesting features that will be added via software updates.
What are the benefits of a dual-tuner receiver over a single tuner receiver?
The dual-tuner version of ZapperBox has the following advantages:
1. While one tuner is being used to watch TV, the other tuner is used in the background to keep updating guide data being received over the air on other frequencies. This way, whenever you press the guide button, you see the most current guide data.
2. Once we update the box with DVR capabilities the second tuner can be used to record a program that is not currently being watched.
1. While one tuner is being used to watch TV, the other tuner is used in the background to keep updating guide data being received over the air on other frequencies. This way, whenever you press the guide button, you see the most current guide data.
2. Once we update the box with DVR capabilities the second tuner can be used to record a program that is not currently being watched.
When will the quad tuner box be available?
We expect to start shipping quad tuner receivers about 2 months after the single and dual tuner receivers. The quad tuner units will be priced at $329 each.
How will DVR and extended guide data be priced?
DVR will be priced at $2/month or $20/year. Extended (14-day) guide data will be priced at $1/mo or $10/year and will require an Internet connection. The two can be used independently of each other. Obviously, extended guide data will make DVR easier to use.
Will the ZapperBox be upgradeable to support copy-protected (DRM) broadcasts?
Most premier 4K content will soon be copy protected. Our goal is to allow all M1 units to be upgradeable to support copy protected broadcasts. Copy-protection support requires NEXTGEN TV logo certification. At this time we believe that we will be able to upgrade all shipped units by offering swap-out replacement units. A round-trip shipping charge will apply. We are still researching this issue. There is some risk that M1 units may not be upgradeable to support DRM.
3-year free DVR subscription offer details
We realize that our customers have been really patient with us despite repeated delays. In order the show our gratitude we are offering 3 years of free DVR subscription, valued at $60, with the following terms:
1. This offer applies to all orders that have already been placed and all orders received before the first production run sells out.
2. The three year period will start when we make DVR software available via auto update, not when you actually start using it.
3. The $60 value of the 3-year subscription may not be used for guide data or any other subscriptions we may offer in the future.
4. The DVR subscription will automatically appear in your account. You do not need to do anything to claim it.
1. This offer applies to all orders that have already been placed and all orders received before the first production run sells out.
2. The three year period will start when we make DVR software available via auto update, not when you actually start using it.
3. The $60 value of the 3-year subscription may not be used for guide data or any other subscriptions we may offer in the future.
4. The DVR subscription will automatically appear in your account. You do not need to do anything to claim it.