DTV Conversion

Save

Posted: 11:20 AM Dec 8, 2008
Last Updated: 9:54 AM Jan 12, 2009

38 comments

A | A | A

Fill out this form if you would like one of our engineers to contact you with assistance

(Reno, Nevada) – KOLO-TV, known to viewers as KOLO 8 News Now, is taking an early step toward the conversion from traditional analog to digital television (DTV). While most stations will make the switch to strictly digital signals on the federally mandated February 17th deadline, KOLO will turn off its analog signal at 11:00 a.m. on January 12th.

“This is strictly an engineering issue,” said KOLO Chief Engineer Michael McShane. “Like other stations, we currently transmit our digital signal on an additional channel—in our case, Channel 9. Unlike other stations, though, we’re keeping our primary frequency, Channel 8, to become our future digital channel. That requires physical modification of our transmitter on top of Slide Mountain. So we’ll have to shut down the analog signal while making those changes in January.”

“The bottom line is, our signal on Channel 8 will be better than on Channel 9, so once the transition is complete, more viewers will be able to see KOLO,” said General Manager Nick Matesi. “We don’t want to leave anybody out. We’ll still be transmitting our digital signal throughout the transition.”

All analog television sets that receive signals from individual antennas will lose their signals early next year unless converter boxes are used to translate the new digital signals back to analog. Cable and satellite dish subscribers should not be visibly affected. To learn how you can keep receiving free TV, visit the Web site RenoDTV.com.

Once the final switch is made on February 17th, viewers receiving KOLO digitally over the air will need to rescan their converter boxes and/or digital televisions.

KOLO-TV is the ABC television network affiliate for northern Nevada and northeastern California. A traditional leader in news coverage and ratings, it serves television viewers from Susanville to Ely. KOLO-TV is owned by Gray Television, Incorporated, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, which owns 36 television stations in 30 cities across the country. With one change in call letters and one change in network affiliation, KOLO-TV has been serving northern Nevadans and Californians for 55 years.

For more information about KOLO-TV’s digital conversion, please contact General Manager Nick Matesi at 775-858-8888.

More Stories
Michael Jackson: His Legacy

Michael Jackson: His Music

Michael Jackson: An Interactive Timeline

Michael Jackson: His Life

Share Your Story

Aces Contest

Aces Contest Rules

Snowy Spring Storm Update

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Chuck & Stephanie Newness Location: Silver Springs on May 12, 2009 at 11:37 AM
Need to know who can we get an atenna from and mount it. We are 4209 feet,

Posted by: Jeanne Stone Location: Fallon, Nv. on Apr 17, 2009 at 05:36 PM
Enjoy your station very much. The news of Obama putting his best foot forward floods the news. Could you report what he's doing behind our backs? i.e. The Palestine thing. Thanks,

Posted by: Jen Location: Forest &Taylor St, south of downtown on Mar 8, 2009 at 10:41 PM
Well, I have my box - But while the picture is clear, the reception is lousy, and I spend 5 min. of every 20 trying to manuever the antenna around - for no real betterment. Kolo is irritating - the volume goes in and out, and it is like watching a badly dubbed foreign movie -(the news, which I loved) The audio is always one step behind the vid - yet Nightline, and ABC news matches mouth to vid fine up fine - that and the picasso/cubism that occurs about every few seconds at times - I am sorry, but DTV is sucky - Great Idea, but BIG whuup letdown. I have a powered gain antenna (indoor) but unfortunately, that doesn't stay put - if I change the channel, I spend 8-10 minutes trying to adjust the direction - how about a map si that anyone in reno has a direction to start from> (in pointing) NOT 10 degrees magnetic - but something laymen old folks can understand? And what's with the irritating audio lag? (constant on Kolo News)I have a small space-no option or money for outside antenna.

Posted by: K on Feb 17, 2009 at 08:45 AM
So much for free TV in Mason and Smith Valley. The county commissioners decided it was too expensive to upgrade the relay station on Singatse Peak and are just shutting it down.

Posted by: Belle Location: Reno on Feb 12, 2009 at 10:15 PM
Why can't so many people still not be able to view your station despite getting a converter box or getting a digital TV? I am thinking of getting one but there doesn't seem to be any point. And why don't you update and address this issue here or on your main website?

Posted by: Joe Location: Gerlach on Feb 12, 2009 at 03:41 PM
With my old rabbit ears, KOLO was the only station I could get. Now, I have gone back to only radio. It is entertaining, informational and free. It's about all I can afford. The reports of unsuccessful converter boxes only adds to my happiness about my decision to completely give up on TV. Why waste money so I can waste time sitting there in front of the tube? Reading is good. So is walking around in the desert. I am better off since you guys switched to digital; I switched back to life its own self.

Posted by: debbie Location: arnaud on Feb 10, 2009 at 04:57 PM
The two older TVs on converter boxes can catch your 8-1 signal, but our new Vizio HDTV still does not. We've adjusted our rooftop antenna to be south-facing and have it in the best location to catch 2, 4, and 11. FYI -- 5 doesn't come in through the converter box but still does analog on the Vizio. Any ideas???? Thank you!

Posted by: Dave Location: Sun Valey on Feb 10, 2009 at 07:32 AM
I have dish network, Hi-Def box, and LCD TV. Your signal was OK before, But sence you went all Digtal the morning news and local programs are very bad with lines and square features where it should be round. All other stations and DVDs are great, clear and bright, so, it is not the equipment. Maybe someone at your station should look at the new picture and see what can be done to improve your signal. Remmember being first is not always the best.

Posted by: Elsie Location: Reno on Feb 6, 2009 at 11:42 AM
Now that the date is changed to June, will you return it to analog until then?

Posted by: Tessa Location: Reno on Feb 4, 2009 at 08:34 PM
I have the converter box and an indoor antenna. I do receive KOLO 8 but the problem is when watching it, it is like watching a skipping dvd. It gets so irritating that I just give up and watch the other stations that are still getting an analog signal. I have tried several different indoor antenna's and get the same thing. I do not have the option of a roof top antenna. Will this problem get better after the transition?

Posted by: Roger Location: Yerington on Feb 2, 2009 at 02:48 PM
We got the converter box and was able to pick up KOLO fine - now today we have nothing! Is this you guys or Lyon County? Please help I miss my news!

Posted by: Dorothy Location: Carson City on Feb 1, 2009 at 05:18 PM
With one brief exception, I have not been able to watch KOLO since I changed to the converter box. Now, it seems, that I can't receive ANY station most of the time, and only CBS poorly. I scan repeatedly to no avail.

Posted by: jean Location: LV on Jan 30, 2009 at 02:06 PM
When you hook up the box, it will NOT work until after the switch over to digital. I set my dad's up, he lives in Hawthorne, and the channels coming as analog do fine, using just his antenna for now. I will be up there on the 17th to turn on the box, scan for channels and shorten his new steps(not related to tv issue). So just leave the box off until 2/17, then turn it on and use the remote that comes with the box to scan for channels and you should be fine.

Posted by: sean Location: reno on Jan 28, 2009 at 04:45 AM
hi I got a conveter box and I did whatever thay told me to do but i am still can not view this station

Posted by: Brian Location: Reno on Jan 27, 2009 at 06:55 PM
If they pass the delay, what are you going to do? The coupon program is out of money and they're talking about delaying it for several months.

Posted by: Ness Location: Sparks , NV on Jan 25, 2009 at 03:30 PM
Hi, I have an older Toshiba TV 1986. I got a coverter Box but at the back of the TV there was none that I could connect the box. There's only 2 choices in there. a VHF split wire and and UHL split wire. I believed those are only for antenna connection. I did not see one that says TV port.I managed to hook up one converter box in a newer version TV but this I'm confused. Pls help. My email add is cs41062@netzero.com Thanks.

Posted by: Sandi Location: Silver Springs on Jan 20, 2009 at 03:49 PM
I, too, bought a couple of those boxes for an elderly (84!) lady whose only entertainment is the TV. After spending more than a week trying to get one connect, then a couple hours with a technician, still nothing! With one of the boxes, we only get 8.1 & 8.2, the other 4.1 & 4.2, none of the four clear enough to get anything out of! I called one company and was informed that we needed to purchase some expensive antenna to go along with them. So, now . . . the total income of our household is less than $950 a month, how do we afford all this fancy stuff! The elderly lady finally conceded that she will purchase a small TV, IF WE CAN FIND ONE LESS THAN $500, so she can have some form of outside news, and maybe the few shows she likes to watch. Because of the winds where we are, satellite is almost out of the question, too many find their way to the lake! Dalled cable, $50 plus a month! I agree with a couple other posters ~ I'm going back to knitting!

Posted by: Noel Location: Reno on Jan 20, 2009 at 03:36 PM
We have several analog TV's. We applied for two $40.00 coupons. We have not yet received them. It will be such a waste to junk all our analog TV's. So, we intend to keep the best two and install the converter box to make it work. Our concerns are: 1) Will the coupons be sent to us on or before February 17, 2009 and 2) Will it work? We've not found a way to follow up our application for coupons although we have a reference number issued by FCC. We've heard and read stories about people not receiving the coupons and for some who finally received them, the converter box doesn't work. We'll appreciate it if KOLO-TV can answer these questions Online or by E-mail. Thank you.

Posted by: yonni Location: reno on Jan 18, 2009 at 04:24 PM
I'm not a gung ho televison watacher. I do like to watch the news in the morning and get the weather information. I cannot get KoloTV even though I got a box. Charlie Gibson is my favorite anchor man. I'm waiting for coupons so I can redeem the at Best Buy. Need help. Senior Citizen with no family in this area to help me.

Posted by: wfsmith Location: carson city,nv on Jan 17, 2009 at 10:54 AM
on the t.v this A.M. there was an add for for free converter boxes the address on the screen cme and went i coulldn't copy can you give the address if you have it wayne thank you

Posted by: Becki Location: Stead on Jan 16, 2009 at 10:28 AM
-K-, I've done everything that I was supposed to. New Converter box, scanned the TV like instructed and still no 8. So what are we supposed to do? Can someone help PLEASE!!!!!

Posted by: Rich Location: Long Valley on Jan 14, 2009 at 12:11 PM
Have not been able to view channel 8 since digital change over commenced Jan 12th. Have digital converter box operating and viewing other stations successully.. NO KOLO, NO ABC BROADCASTING.... Most dissapointed.... Please UP broadcasting or Range distance signal.

Posted by: D.A. Peepbles Location: Yerington on Jan 13, 2009 at 04:30 PM
For us old folk this is frustrating, but I moved on and bought a satellite system from the local guys.They garanteed KOLO 8 would be on it along with the other local channels.

Posted by: Dick Barnes Location: Carson City on Jan 13, 2009 at 04:29 PM
People People People! Listen up! Get DIRECTV! It's 100% all digital. I would recommend you go through a local provider, not 1-800 number. You'll get better service and prices. Otherwise you'll have to get a converter box. P.S. I love KOLO!!!

Posted by: Corky Location: Yerington on Jan 13, 2009 at 03:58 PM
Just called John at J&S Digital Satellite, and he set me up with an unbelievable price. No Charge except for my monthly bill. Local channels are in the package. Extremely friendly service. Highly recommend this company.

Posted by: cara Location: fallon, nevada on Jan 13, 2009 at 03:04 PM
We purchased a converter box a few months ago. I was under the impression that we could hook it up at any time and start receiving digital transmissions from stations that had already switched over. We bought a new antenna, but still cannot get any channels when we do a scan with the convertor box attached. Should we be able to receive Kolo 8 now with the convertor box here in Fallon? We were able to receive the channel with our analog TV and the old antenna. Thanks

Posted by: Stephen Koposvky Location: Yerington on Jan 13, 2009 at 01:42 PM
UNBELIEVABLE? First of all Kolo8 is doing the right thing. This has been in the works for 20 years now, and everyone is surprised? That's what is unbelievable. Go to your local satellite TV dealer and just go digital, simple as that.

Posted by: Margie Location: Sparks on Jan 13, 2009 at 01:34 PM
Get over it! Whether now or later IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN!!! So quit your bitchin' and get on with life.

Posted by: Biff Location: Gardnerville on Jan 13, 2009 at 12:54 PM
Call J&S Digital Satellite they have all the answers. They set me up with DIRECTV and a new TV. No problems and they are local.

Posted by: Scott Location: Carson City on Jan 13, 2009 at 09:20 AM
So before the conversion I was able to receive Ch. 8, albeit a lousy signal, and now with an antenna ( 25 ft. up ) and the converter box I get NOTHING! Will you be adding transponders for areas outside of Reno? Or is this it? With the box I'm able to pick up stations that I couldn't before so it seems I should be able to get yours but apparently not.

Posted by: Ralph Haynes Location: Herlong Ca. 96113 on Jan 13, 2009 at 05:56 AM
You have run your test snd it shows my TV has a green pass screen so do I not need a box from the goverment in order to still get resciption of your signal, I am watching it now?

Posted by: Seth Location: Reno on Jan 13, 2009 at 12:01 AM
Most stations will never change back to their old frequency - for example, KTVN (channel 2) actually broadcasts in digital on channel 13. When you press "2" on your digital tuner, you're really watching channel 13 remapped to look like 2 since that's what everyone is used to seeing. When the shutoff date comes, they will simply turn off their analog transmitter and continue broadcasting on channel 13. In order for KOLO to go back to channel 8 from their temporary spot on channel 9, they need to shut it down. You can find a list of the local stations and their ATSC digital assignments on www.renohdtv.com and you'll see that everyone really has a different channel than what you think it is. The old analog identifiers are kept because it's what we're used to. The reality is those frequencies are going to be used for something besides TV after everyone is off of them.

Posted by: Sheila Location: Yerington on Jan 12, 2009 at 06:25 PM
Lyon county is tearing down the transmitters that we need to receive your channel 8. You said once where you could get a dish to but never said much more about it. Where can I get a dish to replace my rooftop antena?

Posted by: Mark Location: yerington on Jan 12, 2009 at 06:03 PM
Good time to stop watching TV since lyon county isnt going to upgrade its translators for DTV. So I have to either pay $200 dollars for a over air antenna to get this station or pay $200 dollars for satellite.

Posted by: George-Carl Wendell Location: Yerington zip 89447 on Jan 12, 2009 at 06:02 PM
I have a DIGITAL television and have purchased a converter box for over the air reception When will I be able to receive channel 8 (Reno) Mason Valley (06)thru the translator????

Posted by: annette Location: sun valley on Jan 12, 2009 at 11:11 AM
we live in sun valley and can't get channel 8 or 4. we bought a box and have rabbit hears and still cam n't get it. HELP

Posted by: Ray Location: Reno on Jan 11, 2009 at 09:50 AM
Now is a good time to stop watching T.V.

Posted by: kevin Location: reno on Jan 8, 2009 at 08:25 PM
You guys need more than a month to adjust to the change? Got to be joking! Everyone else switches Feb 17th, but kolo8 pulls all broadcasting on jan 12th? Unbelievable!

Posted by: dtv questioner Location: reno on Dec 12, 2008 at 05:37 PM
Today, 12/12 the winds picked up. The digital converter picture and audio keeps coming in and out. Old antenna and signal worked well sun, snow and wind. Will your new signal on 2/17 be as good as your old signal? What besides a converter box do I need if the new signal is not as good? Moving the antenna around the room doesn't help much. In other words, where do I go if I can't get a good signal after 2/17? Everyone says all you need is your old rabbit ears and a converter box and all will be well. Well it is not. There are no places to go to ask questions or answers that isn't in the standard press release - get a converter box or new TV before 2/17. If that doesn't work, who do I turn to for help? Places that sells the boxes or new TVs just sells, no service. Is it my old TV that's not working right? A different manufacturer's box? Different antenna? What do I need and who do I ask? Is that asking too much? Is it time to stop watching TV?

	Northern Nevada Jobs Find great local jobs here!
	Coupons, Click Here! Find great deals here!
	Win a luxurious mattress set! Enter to win today!
	Stay-Cations Find a Stay-Cation close to home!
	HDTV Information Everything you need to know about the Digital TV Transition.

Do you think the word ‘HOE’ is too offensive for license plates?

	Yes
	No


Share Your Thoughts With Us! Read the full story here