Brazil Integrates Linear Broadcast and Streaming via EBC TV 3.0 Platform

This deployment signals a move to hybridize terrestrial broadcasting with internet-native functionality, effectively turning every TV 3.0-compatible set into an over-the-top (OTT) portal without requiring secondary hardware. For the streaming ecosystem, it represents a state-backed push toward unified discovery where legacy linear feeds and VOD apps compete for the same initial screen real estate. The success of this public hub could set a regional technical standard for the ATSC 3.0 evolution across Latin America. Watch for the Ministry of Communications to release hardware manufacturing incentives for compatible television sets by late 2026.

The transition to TV 3.0 in Brazil follows significant regulatory groundwork established by the Ministry of Communications and the SBTVD Forum. Per Agência Brasil in April 2024, the government officially selected the technical stack for the new standard, prioritizing high-efficiency video coding (HEVC) and the MPEG-H Audio system to support 4K and 8K resolutions. This move aligns with global shifts toward ATSC 3.0, popularly known as 'NextGen TV' in the United States, which utilizes IP-based transport layers to enable targeted advertising and emergency alerts. Reuters reported in March 2024 that the Brazilian government estimated the full transition would require significant infrastructure investments, though it would notably offer more efficient spectrum usage than the current 2.0 digital standard.

Technologically, the DTV+ platform utilizes the Ginga middleware, a long-standing Brazilian innovation designed for interactivity. According to BNAmericas in May 2025, the TV 3.0 standard is expected to be fully commercialized across all Brazilian capital cities by 2028, coinciding with the decommissioning of older digital signals. Industry analysts at Frost & Sullivan noted in late 2023 that Brazil's decision to maintain a free-to-air model enriched with internet-connected features is a defensive hedge against the rapid decline of traditional pay-TV subscriptions, which have seen double-digit percentage drops in the region over the last five years. By layering government services onto the entertainment stack, the EBC aims to ensure the platform remains essential for digital inclusion beyond mere media consumption.