Details Released of Aug. 16 NextGen TV Launch in Minneapolis (Updated)

An FCC filing has provided additional details of the August 16 launch of ATSC 3.0, marketed as NextGen TV, in Minneapolis.

According to a NextGen modification of license application, Sinclair CW affiliate WUCW/23.1 (Minneapolis) will use its RF channel 22 transmitter to act as the ATSC 3.0 “lighthouse” in Minneapolis. WUCW’s channels in the current ATSC 1.0 format will be hosted on four other transmitters.

The filing states the ATSC 1.0 signal of WUCW’s primary CW channel will be carried on the transmitter of KSTP-TV (RF 35). 23.2 Comet and 23.6 Antenna TV will be hosted by WFTC (RF 29), 23.3 Charge and 23.4 TBD will be hosted by WCCO-TV (RF 32), and Rewind TV will be hosted by KARE (RF 31).

Meanwhile, WCCO-TV (CBS), KSTP-TV (ABC), KMSP (FOX), and KARE (NBC) submitted filings confirming that their programming will be carried on WUCW’s new NextGen TV signal. (KMSP is co-owned with WFTC).

WUCW first announced the impending launch in a post on its website that originally set the date at Aug. 14 but later moved it back to Aug. 16. Viewers will need to rescan to continue receiving WUCW’s channels.

Earlier, WUCW submitted an application for license to cover on July 10 stating that its new facility using 790kW at 436 meters above average terrain, from the Telefarm towers in Shoreview, has been constructed as authorized.

Sinclair-managed stations are serving as ATSC 3.0 lighthouses in a number of markets, including Des Moines and Omaha. Lighthouse stations simulcast existing major network HD programming from several stations.

ATSC 1.0 is the original digital standard that can be received by all digital TV’s. Since most existing TV’s can’t receive ATSC 3.0 signals, simulcasts will be needed for viewers to receive WUCW programming until they buy new TV’s or external receivers.

This article was originally posted on July 16 and was updated on July 24. It was updated on July 26 to reflect new filings from KSTP-TV, KMSP, and KARE.