For those who had trouble receiving the KIAH ATSC 3.0 multiplex when they launched yesterday…

I just heard from KIAH chief engineer Alberto Herrera saying they launched at low power yesterday, but are now at full power, so a rescan should bring in the five stations on the multiplex (KIAH, KPRC, KHOU, KUHT, KTMD).

Let the rescans begin! ATSC 3.0 comes to Houston in December!

It’s been a long time coming, but finally the next generation of digital television is set for its debut in Houston!

Thanks to reader Roger G. for tipping me off to KIAH 39’s announcement that it will be turning on its Nextgen TV signal at 8 am on Thursday, December 2. KTXH is scheduled to be the other ATSC 3.0 station host during the initial rollout.

When a station converts to ATSC 3.0, its current signal moves to be a guest on another signal, maintaining reception for the 99.999% of antenna viewers who do not have an ATSC 3.0 tuner. For that reason, viewers across Houston will need to rescan on December 2 to pick up the new frequencies for the ATSC 1.0 signal. Viewers with an ATSC 3.0 tuner will need to rescan to pick up the new ATSC 3.0 signal.

Here’s a breakdown of where channels are moving. Note that virtual channel numbers (what you enter on your TV) are not going to change:

The current KIAH frequency will host ATSC 3.0 signals for KIAH, KPRC, KHOU, KUHT and KTMD.

KIAH 39.1 will guest on KPRC’s signal as physical 35.2
Antenna TV 39.2 will guest on KHOU’s signal as physical 11.6
Comet TV 39.3 will guest on KUHT’s signal as physical 8.6
TBD 39.4 will guest on KHOU’s signal as physical 11.5
Court TV 39.5 will guest on KTMD’s signal as physical 22.6

The current KTXH frequency will host ATSC 3.0 signals for KTXH, KRIV, KXLN, KFTH and KTRK.

KTXH 20.1 will guest on KRIV
Movies! 20.2 will guest on KXLN
The Grio 20.3will guest on KRIV
Buzzr 20.4 will guest on KTRK
Fox Weather 20.5 will guest on KFTH when it launches next year.

Confused yet? Once you rescan on December 2, all the channels you currently receive will be on the same dial positions. The primary channels will be simulcasting in NextGen TV format.

Lots of new subchannels being launched soon

Nexstar is launching a new subchannel on September 1. Rewind TV will carry classic sitcoms from the 1980s and 1990s.

Expect Rewind TV to air on Nexstar-owned KIAH.

Also coming later this year from Scripps: Defy and TrueReal (reality shows) in July, and Newsy in September.

More in this article from Broadcasting and Cable.

CourtTV is in session May 8, change of venue coming in November

CourtTV started out life as a basic cable channel showing trial coverage most of the day. After parent Turner rebranded the channel as TruTV, courtroom coverage has shrunk on that channel, and a lot of the legal-related programs have surfaced on Justice TV.

Now, Katz Broadcasting, a division of E.W. Scripps, is bringing the original name and format to over-the-air television with the May 8 launch of CourtTV on digital channels nationwide.

In Houston, programming is scheduled to debut on KEHO 32.2 at launch. However, it is planned to move to KIAH 39.5 in November according to the channel’s website.

Two RESCAN DAYS in one week!

The NAB’s TVAnswers.org website advises that KZJL moved frequencies on Monday and KUVM and KIAH moved today. So in case you didn’t rescan your TV earlier for KVQT, go ahead and do so now to keep those three stations.

But don’t relax. The BIG rescan day is coming up Friday as KTMD and KYAZ are scheduled to shift to their new broadcast frequencies.

(Edited to reflect KTMD moving. KUBE will be postponed to another date.)

TBD finds local home on KIAH

Sinclair’s multicast network TBD has landed on Tribune’s (soon to be Sinclair’s) KIAH 39.4.

Here’s how TBD describes itself: “You love TV. And you love the internet. So you’re definitely gonna love TBD: a new free broadcast network that combines the best of both worlds. We handpick the most entertaining stuff from the most creative creators and put it on your TV for a new adventure every day. Everything from culinary capers, jaw-dropping action, hilarious pranks and comedy, music, fitness, gaming, or just random awesomeness that you never knew you needed in your life. If it’s what’s new or what’s next, it’s on TBD.”

The channel also broadcasts online at TBD.com. Beaumont area viewers can see TBD on Sinclair’s KBTV 4.2.

 

Comet touches down on KIAH

Good news for science fiction fans! Comet, a new digital subchannel promising “popular favorites, cult classics, and undiscovered gems”, has premiered on KIAH 39.3.

The 39.3 position has been missing since Universal Sports signed off a few years ago.

Stargate and The Outer Limits feature prominently on the channel’s launch schedule. Check out the web site for a full schedule.

KIAH back on DirecTV

Tribune Broadcasting and DirecTV have come to an agreement that restores Tribune’s signals to DirecTV customers.

No deal for DirecTV, Tribune

Tribune Broadcasting has issued the following statement: “Tribune Broadcasting has not reached an agreement or come to terms with DirecTV on any aspect of its contract, which expires at midnight tonight. Any statement by DirecTV to the contrary is inaccurate and misleading.”

Tick, tock…

DirecTV, Tribune come to terms, or do they?

Earlier this morning DireTV announced that KIAH, WGN America, and other Tribune stations will stay put for DirecTV customers.

But apparently that’s not the end of the story. DirecTV is now accusing Tribune of negotiating in bad faith. Stay tuned, if you can…