Sinclair Broadcast Group and PBS Reno team up to introduce ATSC 3.0 technology on a virtual channel.
PBS Reno and Sinclair Broadcast Group Launch NextGen TV Station in Reno, Nevada
PBS Reno and Sinclair Broadcast Group have joined forces to bring innovative technology to viewers in the Reno region. The partnership has resulted in the launch of KNPB-VC, a new virtual ATSC 3.0 NextGen TV station.
KNPB-VC is broadcasting on virtual channel 5-11 and mirrors the programming of PBS Reno's main channel 5-1. The station is accessible to viewers with NextGen-enabled televisions, providing enhanced accessibility for those looking to experience state-of-the-art television.
The launch of KNPB-VC demonstrates several key benefits and features for viewers. With ATSC 3.0, viewers can enjoy improved video quality, enhanced audio quality, hybrid broadcast and broadband delivery, better mobile reception and portability, encrypted and secure transmission, additional program channels and data services, and more.
The improved video quality offered by ATSC 3.0 supports multiple video formats, including progressive 4K resolution up to 3840x2160 pixels with High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), High Dynamic Range (HDR), high frame rates up to 120 fps, and wide color gamut for enhanced picture quality over current ATSC 1.0 broadcasts.
NextGen TV also allows for immersive, advanced audio formats that improve the viewer’s sound experience compared to legacy broadcasts. Additionally, the standard supports signal encryption and digital rights management, allowing broadcasters to offer subscription services or pay-per-view content delivered securely over broadcast.
The hybrid broadcast and broadband delivery of ATSC 3.0 enables interactive content, on-demand services, and personalization similar to OTT platforms. Viewers can potentially interact with programs or receive targeted advertising. Bits transmitted over the air via 3.0 insert the EPG programming data, making it easy for viewers to find KNPB-VC in their Electronic Program Guide (EPG) of their NextGen TVs.
Moreover, with more efficient bandwidth usage, stations like KNPB-VC can offer multiple subchannels and new data-driven services with potential local customization. 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.
The Reno launch marks the third in the nation under the arrangement between Sinclair and APTS. Viewers throughout PBS Reno's 75,000 square mile coverage area can now utilize ATSC 3.0 to enhance their viewing experience, including enhanced picture quality with Advanced HDR by Technicolor.
This partnership between Sinclair and PBS Reno is another way PBS Reno is expanding its service to its region. More information about this partnership is available on the PBS Reno website.
- PBS Reno, in partnership with Sinclair Broadcast Group, has launched KNPB-VC, a new NextGen TV station broadcasting in Reno, Nevada using ATSC 3.0 technology.
- Viewers can access KNPB-VC on virtual channel 5-11, mirroring the programming of PBS Reno's main channel 5-1.
- NextGen TV offers enhanced accessibility for those with NextGen-enabled televisions, providing improved video and audio quality, hybrid broadcast and broadband delivery, better mobile reception, and more.
- The video quality provided by ATSC 3.0 supports progressive 4K resolution, High Dynamic Range, high frame rates, and a wide color gamut, making it superior to current ATSC 1.0 broadcasts.
- NextGen TV also supports advanced audio formats and signal encryption, enabling broadcasters to offer subscription services or pay-per-view content securely over broadcast.
- Hybrid broadcast and broadband delivery allows for interactive content, on-demand services, and personalization, similar to OTT platforms, and viewers can potentially interact with programs or receive targeted advertising.
- More efficient bandwidth usage also allows for multiple subchannels and new data-driven services with potential local customization, and 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.
