TV channels & antenna towers in De Smet, South Dakota
De Smet has 10 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying Fox and CW. About 5 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is KESD-TV, 16 miles to the ESE.
Network channels in De Smet
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CWKDLO-TVCW | 3.4 | 40 mi | 357° N | Fair | Florence, SD |
| FOXKDLV-TVFox | 5.2 | 61 mi | 225° SW | Fair | Mitchell, SD |
Over-the-air TV in De Smet
De Smet is a small community of about 1,070 people in South Dakota. There are 10 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 4 full-power, 4 low-power and 2 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 5 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better.
2 of them are within 25 miles of De Smet, 6 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 2 are more than 45 miles out.
For the networks, the best local options are Fox on channel 5.2 (KDLV-TV) and CW on channel 3.4 (KDLO-TV). No ABC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KSFY-TV in Sioux Falls, SD, 78 miles to the southeast. No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WCCO-TV in Minneapolis, MN, 221 miles to the east. 2 full-power stations in range have no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.
Which way to point your antenna in De Smet
Point your antenna SW, at about 225°. The main network towers for De Smet sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
KDLV-TV (Fox) lies beyond the radio horizon of its transmitter as seen from De Smet. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for De Smet
The farthest main network tower for De Smet is KDLV-TV (Fox), 61 miles away with a fair estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. Skip that station and you may get away with a smaller antenna.
At this distance a low-noise preamplifier mounted on the mast, right below the antenna, helps more than an amplifier near the TV. It boosts the signal before cable loss eats into it. See the amplifier guide.
Other stations near De Smet
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KESD-TVFull power | 16 mi | 102° ESE | Fair | Brookings, SD |
| K35GR-DTranslator | 17 mi | 66° ENE | Fair | Badger, SD |
| K17NF-DLow power | 39 mi | 95° E | Poor | Brookings, SD |
| K25OU-DLow power | 39 mi | 99° E | Poor | Brookings, SD |
| K32DK-DLow power | 40 mi | 33° NNE | Poor | Watertown, SD |
| K28OE-DTranslator | 40 mi | 33° NNE | Poor | Watertown, SD |
| KTTMFull power | 40 mi | 251° WSW | Fair | Huron, SD |
| KSXF-LDLow power | 55 mi | 138° SE | Poor | Sioux Falls, SD |
How De Smet compares with the rest of South Dakota
With 5 stations at fair strength or better, De Smet ranks 43rd of 101 places in South Dakota: more than the typical South Dakota town (4). Its nearest major network tower is 40 miles away, against a state median of 31 miles.
47% of South Dakota's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna. The nearest larger city is Brookings, 38 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in De Smet: step by step
- Mount an outdoor antenna on the roof or a mast, as high as you can safely get it, with a clear view toward the towers.
- Point it toward 225° SW, the direction of KDLV-TV (Fox), 61 miles away. Closer stations usually come in even off-axis.
- Run a full channel scan on your TV (usually Settings → Channels → Auto program; the name varies by brand).
- Expect around 5 stations, each with a few subchannels. If one you want is missing, turn the antenna 5–10° toward it and scan again.
- Rescan every few months, or whenever a channel disappears; stations occasionally change frequency.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is Fox in De Smet, SD?
Fox is on channel 5.2 from KDLV-TV, broadcasting from 61 miles SW of De Smet. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is CW in De Smet, SD?
CW is on channel 3.4 from KDLO-TV, broadcasting from 40 miles N of De Smet. Estimated signal: fair.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in De Smet?
10 transmitters within 70 miles of De Smet; around 5 of them are likely to be receivable with outdoor directional antenna. Each station usually carries several subchannels, so the total channel count after a scan is higher.
Which direction should I point my TV antenna in De Smet?
Point your antenna SW, at about 225°. The main network towers for De Smet sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in De Smet?
Outdoor directional antenna (45–70 miles). Some major towers are a long way off. Mount a directional antenna on the roof or a mast and aim it with the bearings below.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in De Smet?
At this distance a low-noise preamplifier mounted on the mast, right below the antenna, helps more than an amplifier near the TV. It boosts the signal before cable loss eats into it. See the amplifier guide.
Is there an app to find TV towers in De Smet?
Yes. The free RCA Signal Finder app for iPhone and Android uses your phone's GPS and compass to show which way each tower is from where you stand.
TV channels in nearby South Dakota cities
- Hayti25 mi
- Howard26 mi
- Volga31 mi
- Huron33 mi
- Madison34 mi
- Clark35 mi
- Brookings38 mi
- Watertown41 mi
- Woonsocket43 mi
- Salem47 mi
- Clear Lake49 mi
More: all TV stations in South Dakota · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of De Smet; signal estimates ignore terrain.