HDTV in Reno, Nevada (Reno DMA)
This is a list of HDTV information for Reno, NV and Sparks, NV. For all of the OTA stations, any regular VHF/UHF antenna will work for HDTV channels; there is no such thing as an "HDTV antenna." There are only a few tower locations in the area; if you can get any of the analog stations, chances are good you can pick up the digital stations listed here, too. If you can't - such as out on the valleys - some of them are are available for free on Charter QAM. This information is based on what I can pick up with a VHF/UHF antenna and off air HD tuner plus other information I can get my hands on. If you have any information that I'm missing or would like to add, let me know.
This information also applies to anyone using a digital tuner on a standard definition TV set - and the digital switchover scheduled for February 17, 2009. After this date, if you do not have a digital tuner, you will no longer be able to watch broadcast TV. I've personally been using a Samsung DTB-H260F set top box with standard rabbit ears since March, 2007. This does not apply to cable or satellite channels, and most HD satellite tuners include built-in OTA HD tuners.
Latest Updates
3/2/2008
12/31/07
12/15/07
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Reno/Sparks ATSC Channel List
Digital Recording
One can't record HD to a regular VCR. You can, but it won't be HD. In order to record HD (or any digital transport) in its digital form, there are currently two options: buy a D-VHS deck, or make one out of a computer. I use the computer method (quick and cheap) outlined on my Recording HDTV page. Many add-on HD tuner cards for computers offer a similar functionality, as well as the new Diamond line from Mitsubishi that includes built-in hard drives and dual HDTV tuners.
Dolby Digital Sound
One of the benefits of an HDTV broadcast is Dolby Digital 5.1 sound. Whether or not you'll get DD5.1 depends on a few factors: the program must be produced with a DD5.1 audio track, the local station must pass the DD5.1 signal to you, and you need a receiver capable of decoding a DD5.1 signal. Otherwise, you will get the Dolby Digital 2.0 audio program. (It's all digital; just a function of how many audio channels you'll get.) Almost all of our local stations carry the Dolby Digital 5.1 audio program. Check out the Digital Television Shows Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 page for a list of programs that are produced in DD5.1 surround.
Broadcasting in DD5.1 isn't as easy as you might think. In addition to all of the upgrades a station must go through to carry 720p or 1080i video, there's additional equipment required for multichannel audio. One of the engineers over at KTVN sent me a link that outlines the methods used by the various networks for their audio.
Simulcasting and Multicasting
Simulcasting, also known as multicasting, is a feature of ATSC broadcasts to carry multiple channels on the same broadcast. Basically, it splits up the MPEG stream into sub-channels that can be tuned individually. Some stations utilize this effectively, and others, less so. The biggest drawback to adding more sub-channels is that it decreases the bandwidth available to the other sub-channels in the same broadcast; consequently, the image quality decreases as the number of subchannels increase. The reduction of quality is typically only detrimental to HD broadcasts.
Some of our stations are utilizing subchannels to broadcast an SD version in addition to the HD version of the same programming. This takes bandwidth away from the HD broadcast. KNPB (PBS, channel 5) utilizes the subchannels to broadcast unique programming and expand their lineup. Broadcasting duplicate programming on subchannels is typically futile, as most (all?) set top boxes and tuners will convert the signal to whatever format is appropriate. However, this practice is widely accepted by most broadcasters at this time.
Antennas
Guide to UHF Television Reception
The digital channels in Reno/Sparks are a mix of VHF and UHF stations, so you'll probably want to get a combination VHF/UHF antenna. However, depending on where you live, you might find yourself in the middle of the broadcast towers. In that case, you can use two antennas and combine then together using a splitter. You can see my antennas here. The VHF/UHF on top is pointing south, and the UHF grid below it is pointing north. Since they're both directional antennas, pointing them in opposite directions will reduce multipath. VHF includes channels 2 through 13 while UHF is channels 14 through 83.
Keep in mind that you don't need an antenna mast and large antennas like I have; it depends on your location and personal preference. I elect to use outdoor antennas on a mast rather than have the antenna inside. But a set of good old-fashioned rabbit ears will work for HDTV, too. Don't let someone fool you into thinking you need special (expensive) antennas to get an HDTV signal.
The UHF grid is a Channel Master 3021. I don't know what the UHF/VHF one is, but it's similar to the Channel Master Advantage series. I recommend either Channel Master or Winegard antenna; the "special" Terk products have had mixed reviews, mostly negative. For indoor antennas, try finding one of those old Radio Shack double bow tie units or a Zenith Silver Sensor. The Silver Sensor has had many good reports and recommendations wherever I've read about it.
Areas like Sun Valley, Panther Valley, Silver Springs, and Wingfield Springs may have trouble getting any of the channels off of Slide Mountain because of line of sight problems due to terrain. If you live there, or any of the other areas like it, you might want to try a good high gain outdoor antenna.
Charter Communications (Reno/Sparks Cable)
Charter Communications now offers a HDTV package here in Reno. The quality of service compared to other options still remains to be seen. I intend to do some comparisons as time and resources permit. You can find more information on Charter's HDTV page or my experiences with Charter HD.
Charter cannot charge for the local HDTV stations. While these are still available with an HD tuner and antenna, there may be a mountain between you and the towers, making OTA reception impossible. However, if you are only interested in the local stations and don't care to purchase the HDTV package, many tuners (like those in Mitsubishi sets) are capable of tuning cable HD channels. This means if you already have cable, and a tuner that can tune QAM channels, you can get HD for free instead of paying a "rental fee" for an HD cable box and HD package fee. This is available on all levels of service, including the basic analog package. Charter also offers CableCard access at a reduced cost, for HD tuners so equipped. VOD and the guide are not supported on CableCard.
One anonymous reader had the following to say about Charter's HD service: "... I got the Charter HD package last month and haven't decided whether it's worth it to keep it. KTVN looks great, but KOLO doesn't really look any better than it's regular broadcast. Their HBO-HD and Showtime-HD are very clear with 5.1 Dolby Digital, but the picture gets pretty pixilated when there is a lot of motion. I have a Sony Wega, and I connected to the TV with component cables, so I'm guessing the problem with the picture is from their signal. Just doesn't seem worth the extra money."
The city of Reno recently signed a 15 year agreement with Charter Communications, so they'll be the only game in town until 2019. The RGJ ran a story about it, plus some letters to the editor.
Other HDTV Options
There are two other providers we can get HDTV from if you don't want to get service from Charter or want channels Charter doesn't carry: Dish Network and DirecTV.
Our service area does not qualify for any of the local network (i.e. CBS) HD channels from Dish or DirecTV. In order to get CBS HD over satellite, for example, you would need to get a waiver from the local affiliate, KTVN. If you can't pick up our local stations witn an antenna, and you already have Charter cable, the QAM channels are available for free on all service levels. Your HD tuner must be cable-ready (QAM) to tune these channels.
More Information
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Brant for providing numerous updates and information on the various channels in the Reno/Sparks broadcast area, and everyone else who has sent in tips. Special thanks also goes out to the engineering departments at KNPB, KTVN, and KRNV for providing information about their respective stations.
Footnotes
