Public broadcasting affiliate KNPB will terminate analog broadcast on Channel 5 at 1 p.m., today. Viewers who subscribe to cable or satellite services will not be affected by this change.
Most broadcast stations available in the Carson Valley are making the switch to digital today.
In addition to 5, channels 11, 21 and 26 are turning off their analog signals today. Channels 2 and 4 will reportedly continue analog programming until June 12. Channel 8 made the switch on Jan. 12.
According to KNPB, they have been implementing a long-range plan for the transition from analog to full digital broadcast as mandated by the U.S. Congress for the past nine years, leading up to today.
Over the past two years the station has been educating viewers about how to prepare for the change to digital reception.
At this point, station leaders have decided to finish the process as planned. Keeping the analog service until the extended turn-off date of June 12 would cost KNPB upwards of $15,000. Since both station and community are prepared for the change, KNPB leaders have decided to turn off the analog signal as planned on February 17.
