Broadcasting Service PBS Reno joins forces with Sinclair to initiate a Virtual Channel using the advanced ATSC 3.0 broadcast standard.
PBS Reno and Sinclair Broadcast Group Launch KNPB-VC, Ushering in a New Era of Television
PBS Reno and Sinclair Broadcast Group have partnered to launch a new virtual ATSC 3.0 channel, KNPB-VC. This development marks a significant step towards modernizing broadcast TV delivery and enhancing public access to high-quality, interactive television content [1].
The new channel, KNPB-VC, broadcasts on virtual channel 5-11 and offers viewers a state-of-the-art experience, including enhanced picture quality with Advanced HDR by Technicolor. One of the key benefits of ATSC 3.0 technology is the higher-quality broadcast it provides, supporting 4K resolution, better audio formats, and improved reception, especially indoors or on mobile devices [1].
In addition to the improved viewing experience, KNPB-VC also offers interactive features such as enhanced program guides, targeted emergency alerts, and potential on-demand content. This enriches viewer engagement and sets a new standard for public broadcasting [1].
By launching a virtual channel, PBS Reno can expand programming options without needing additional physical channels. This partnership with Sinclair also allows public broadcasters like KNPB to leverage Sinclair’s infrastructure without having to build their own next-gen broadcast capabilities, facilitating a wider rollout of this new technology [1].
Sinclair is providing carriage of APTS member stations for free in markets where Sinclair has deployed 3.0 and a public television station has not. This means that viewers in PBS Reno's 75,000 square mile coverage area can now utilize the new ATSC 3.0 technology to enhance their viewing experience [1].
Kurt Mische, president and CEO of PBS Reno, expressed his pleasure about the partnership, stating, "We are excited to bring our programming into the NextGen TV era with this new virtual channel. We believe that this partnership will greatly benefit our viewers, offering them a more interactive and engaging television experience."
The actual programming on KNPB-VC is streamed to NextGen TVs via the internet. Viewers can find KNPB-VC in their Electronic Program Guide (EPG) of their NextGen TVs. More information about this development is available on the PBS Reno website.
This launch is the third in the nation under the arrangement between Sinclair and APTS, signifying a growing trend towards the adoption of ATSC 3.0 technology. With KNPB-VC, PBS Reno is expanding its service to its region, bringing its programming into the NextGen TV era.
[1] Source: Sinclair Broadcast Group press release, 2021.
- PBS Reno and the Sinclair Broadcast Group have inaugurated KNPB-VC, a new virtual ATSC 3.0 channel, signifying a digital advancement in television delivery.
- The KNPB-VC channel broadcasts on virtual channel 5-11 and showcases an advanced viewing experience, featuring enhanced picture quality in Advanced HDR by Technicolor.
- KNPB-VC offers interactive features such as enhanced program guides, targeted emergency alerts, and potential on-demand content, enhancing viewer engagement.
- By launching a virtual channel, PBS Reno can broaden programming options without requiring additional physical channels.
- The partnership with Sinclair enables public broadcasters like KNPB to utilize Sinclair’s infrastructure for next-gen broadcast capabilities, facilitating a wider rollout of ATSC 3.0 technology.
- Viewers can access KNPB-VC programming through their NextGen TVs via the internet, discoverable through the Electronic Program Guide (EPG) on their devices.
- This launch marks the third such arrangement between Sinclair and APTS in the nation, hinting at a growing adoption trend for ATSC 3.0 technology, transforming television into a smart-home companion, aided by gadgets and technology.
