The minimum requirement for getting some benefit from digital broadcast is a digital receiver with a good antenna attached to receive KQED DT9 over the air. Or viewers can subscribe to one of Comcast Cable's digital packages. A digital television is not an initial requirement.

To receive KQED DT9 over the air, a digital receiver will output a video signal (S-video, composite video, or even RF) to a conventional TV set. Many viewers would still benefit from a clearer signal (no ghosting), better colors and sound, and no other annoying interference. The next step would then be to add a better monitor. Many people may already have a computer monitor they could use at first, to see the quality difference. The final step would then be to add a digital television set (monitor), in order to take full advantage of all services offered, such as high-definition or interactive programming, data, or other digital programming services.

Viewers can also receive the KQED DT-9 signal on a personal computer by installing a PC-DTV card and attaching an antenna to the PC. The PC-DTV card turns your computer into a television that can receive over the air signals or be connected to cable.

Information about programs and material scheduled to be broadcast on KQED's HD/Widescreen Channel is available by visiting KQED's DT-9.1 Schedule

KQED has put together a glossary of terms you're likely to see and hear over the upcoming months, and a list of resources for more information about DTV.

DTV, Cable and Satellite Info
Other Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about KQED's Digital Conversion