Twin Cities broadcast TV viewers can now receive ten channels in the new NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) format, if they have the equipment to receive them.
TPT/Twin Cities PBS completed its announced plan to launch a NextGen signal on Oct. 25. TPT’s KTCI (RF 23) has switched to the new ATSC 3.0 format, with KTCA (RF 34) remaining in the existing ATSC 1.0 format that can be received by all digital TV’s.
KTCA’s signal is now carrying all five of TPT’s services: 2.1 (PBS), 2.2 (MN Channel), 2.3 (TPT Life), 2.4 (PBS Kids), and 2.5 (TPT Now). Channels 2.2 (MN Channel) and 2.3 (TPT Life) are officially KTCI-licensed channels hosted on the KTCA transmitter, with TPT Life designated as the primary KTCI channel carried on all cable and satellite providers.
Meanwhile, posts on AVS Forum indicate KTCI’s new NextGen signal is carrying all of the KTCA/KTCI channels in 1080 HD format.
The stations completed an antenna replacement project in early September. KTCA transmits with 662kW while KTCI uses 325kW.
Since KTCI’s ATSC 1.0 channels are now on the KTCA transmitter, viewers who previously had trouble receiving KTCI’s slightly weaker signal may see improved reception of channels 2.2 and 2.3.
The switch requires Twin Cities broadcast TV users to perform another channel rescan to receive channels 2.2 and 2.3 on their new frequencies, and remove their former frequencies. A rescan was also needed in August when Sinclair’s WUCW converted its transmitter to ATSC 3.0, with WUCW’s channels in the original ATSC 1.0 format now originating on other stations’ transmitters.
WUCW’s NextGen transmitter carries simulcasts of the existing HD programming of the market’s ABC, CBS, CW, FOX, and NBC affiliates.
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This item was originally posted Oct. 1 and was updated Oct. 25.