Digital TV Transition

Welcome to Northern California Public Broadcasting's information center concerning the 2009 digital transition. All of our stations — KQED, KQED Plus (formerly KTEH), and KQET — have created this resource guide to help answer your questions. Although call letters may differ, the information for all three stations is basically the same.

Sutro Tower Antenna Work update for KQED

The work on KQED's antenna is now complete, and we are transmitting at 98-100% power from the new antenna on top of Sutro Tower (100% power = 710kW). If you are still having problems receiving KQED Over the Air, please read the tips below.

DTV Troubleshooting Tips

Many Bay Area residents are experiencing similar problems with reception related to the recent DTV conversion. Here are some tips:

Programs to Help You With the DTV Transition

Viewers who experience difficulty in viewing the channel after the June 12 conversion date can call the FCC hotline (1-888-225-5322), 24 hours a day/7 days a week, or call KQED Audience Services during weekday hours at 415.553.2135.

For detailed information in Spanish, French, Cantonese, Tagalog and others, visit www.dtv.gov)

FAQ

• What is digital television?

• The analog picture you received in the past was based on a 60-year-old analog transmission system. The last major change came with the advent of color television in 1954. In December 1996, Congress and the FCC approved plans for a new era of digital television. In a digital system, images and sounds are captured and transmitted using the same digital technology found in computers. This digital revolution not only dramatically improves the quality of the television picture, but it also makes possible the over-the-air delivery of several simultaneous channels to viewers. Digital television makes it possible for us to offer high definition television and multicasting in standard definition television.

• Why more channels?

• New multicasting technology allows KQED to broadcast several channels simultaneously. While analog viewers received only one channel, KQED 9, for instance, as their primary public broadcasting channel, with the conversion to digital, viewers can now receive multiple offerings of the best of public broadcasting with our digital tier of channels:
  KQED Life - cooking, travel, primetime encores;
  KQED World - news and public affairs
  V-me - Spanish language public broadcasting
  KQED Kids - the very best of programming for school-age children
  and of course, KQED 9HD, our high definition digital service.

• Do I have to buy a new television set? Will I be able to watch DTV on my old set?

• You can continue to use your older television set. But you need to purchase a separate digital tuner or subscribe to an alternate program provider (such as cable or satellite) if you want to experience digital television. Bear in mind, however, that your older analog television set will not display digital programming with the clarity and quality of a digital set.

• What is a set top digital converter box?

• A set top digital tuner is a separate accessory that receives digital signals and provides an output compatible with older analog television sets. This allows viewers to keep using older television sets with the benefit of seeing all the new over the air digital channels. The digital set top tuner is a small box with a remote control similar to the set top tuners made available by cable and satellite providers.
  
  Most models of DTV converter boxes cost between $50 and $70. There is a one-time cost for the box; it does not require a monthly service fee. Coupons are no longer available from the program established by the federal government. You also need an over-the-air antenna to receive a picture. Please see information on antennas below.

  The FCC has released a consumer DTV Troubleshooting Guide for Digital to Analog Converter boxes and Digital Television. This guide provides a connections checklist and tips on reception of digital signals. It answers questions and provides tips to consumers who may be having difficulty receiving digital broadcast stations in specific areas.
  Download the guide: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/troubleshootguide.pdf (PDF)

• Are all converter boxes alike? What do I look for?

• Although all converter boxes perform a similar function, each has different levels of sophistication in terms of signal, output, and other technical capabilities. We've found a good site that gives an overview of various boxes.

• Where can I purchase a digital converter box?

• Converter boxes may still be found at stores which sell consumer electronics items, including Best Buy, Kmart, Sam's Club, Wal-Mart, Sears, RadioShack; and Target. Other local retailers may still have stock on hand. Call your local retailer in advance to confirm if they still have boxes available.

• How do I install my converter box?

• The FCC has made available several illustrated documents that should cover most converter box set-ups. Choose the diagram which best fits your needs:
  
  Basic Guide to Setting Up Your Digital to Analog Converter Box (PDF)
  
  Setting up your Digital-to-Analog Converter Box with a VCR (PDF)
  
  Video Descriptions & the DTV transition (PDF)
  
  Setting up your Digital-to-Analog Converter Box (basic with twin-lead antenna wire) (PDF)

• Will my current antenna work with a converter box or will I have to make an adjustment to receive a signal?

• Because of the hilly geography of the Bay Area, there is no 'one size fits all' solution when it comes to the proper type of antenna and what type you'll need in order to continue to receive a signal. Antennas come in two basic varieties: UHF and VHF. For the Bay Area, you will need a UHF/VHF combo antenna. Antennas that are older than 10 years old are, most likely, VHF only. Which antenna works best depends on your location, and distance from the transmission tower. We have been working on this issue with a vendor who is set up to talk to you about your specific needs and to find an equitable solution for your television viewing needs. Visit Antennas Direct for more information.
  
  Remember: for the best signal, point your antenna configuration towards Sutro Tower in San Francisco.

• I already have cable/satellite. What do I need to do to convert to DTV?

• If you are a subscriber to a cable or satellite service, you will not be affected and do not need to take any action. All cable systems differ. Call your local cable/satellite provider, if you have additional questions.

• How much do digital televisions cost? What should I look for?

• Prices for digital televisions continue to drop. Cost varies widely depending on the size, the level of capability and the options provided. Some sets include analog and/or DTV tuners. Be sure that your set includes a digital tuner or expect to make alternate arrangements with a television provider such as cable or satellite.
  
  To enjoy the highest quality HD picture, look for a set capable of displaying 1080 lines on the screen and a high resolution of at least 1366 x 768. Sets with higher contrast ratios will make the picture more crisp and realistic. Note that the labeling on some sets claim to be "HD compatible" while only having a limited display of 480 or 720 lines. Shop carefully and speak with a well-informed sales person. We recommend CNET for comparison reviews about the latest in television sets.

• I now have digital capability. How do I know what's on the digital channels?

• Many television listings do not yet carry complete digital channel schedules. The most up-to-date schedule listings for KQED are available at our schedule pages. You can also use the on-screen program guides provided by your cable and satellite service or on your digital channels.

• What is high definition (HD) television?

• Digital technology allows KQED to broadcast programs in much higher quality and clarity than with analog television. Programs broadcast at the highest level of quality are referred to as High Definition or HD. With up-to-date television sets, viewers will be able to receive high-quality, crystal clear pictures on their televisions, which will be displayed in a wide screen format with CD-quality surround sound.

• What is standard definition (SD) television?

• Standard Definition (SD) television is the basic digital television format closest to analog TV.

• Will I be able to continue to use my existing VCR with a DTV converter box for timed recordings?

• Yes, but after the digital transition, you won't be be able to pick up over-the-air programs for recording from the tuner in the VCR, so the input to the VCR must be connected to the output of the DTV converter box. The tuner in the DTV converter box will need to be set to the desired channel to be recorded prior to the start of each recording period programmed into the VCR.

• I have radios that can receive TV signals and I am able to listen to TV programs over the radio. Will I still be able to continue to do this after the DTV transition?

• Some portable radios actually have a "TV BAND" that allows listening to a TV station but no picture display is included. Since analog television uses an audio transmission system which is similar to broadcast FM radio it was easy to build in this feature. The basic answer is that the radio will not receive television audio after the analog cutoff date. One could use a NTIA Coupon approved DTV converter box to continue receiving audio on the radio. The radio would be tuned to channel 3 or 4 to match the output of the DTV converter box. We think this situation would be very frustrating to use. The DTV converter box has menus that were designed to be viewed on a TV. Without viewing those menus tuning and setup will be difficult. The DTV converter box is not a portable device, it has a power cord. All the radios we have seen with a TV band are portable battery operated devices.

• I plan on purchasing a new TV set. What is the most Eco-friendly way of disposing of my old set?

• KQED and its parent company, Northern California Public Broadcasting, are proud to be the only carbon-neutralized public broadcaster in the nation. We work to create a green home in the Bay Area.
  
  Since 2005, Goodwill has operated an environmentally and socially responsible computer recycling and electronics recycling program. Their service is free and convenient for you to donate your computers and televisions, working or not. Goodwill accepts computers, computer accessories and televisions from residents and businesses at all donation sites.

CONSUMER ALERT:

We have heard of incidents across the country where consumers were receiving incorrect information concerning this transition from retailers and cable providers. Know your facts:

1. If you already have cable or satellite service, you are covered and do not need to take any action.

2. If you are looking to purchase a digital converter box, you can continue to use your old television set. Some stores are utilizing an 'upsell' approach, hoping that you will purchase a new television. This is not necessary.

3. If you are purchasing a new television, make sure that the television is a digital television.

I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS.

If you have questions related to the digital transition, contact:

DTV Hotline (recorded information)
415.553.2860

KQED Audience Services
audserv@kqed.org
415.553.2135

KQET Audience Services
audserv@kqed.org
(toll free) 866.870.2528

If you have additional questions concerning the digital conversion, visit DTV Answers

DEAF, BLIND, HARD OF HEARING AND SPEECH DISABLED CONSUMER DTV HELP:
CSD is working with the FCC to increase awareness about the digital television (DTV) transition taking place on June 12, 2009. One of our goals is to get this message to deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind and speech disabled consumers across the country who may need assistance. CSD's DTV Help Center will be available 7 days a week, from 7am to 1am. The DTV Help Center is like no other across the United States -- a fully-accessible Help Center whereby staff will communicate with individuals one-on-one or with their families. Deaf and hard of hearing consumers will be offered a choice of communication modes that fits their needs, whether it is by voice, videophone, TTY, Instant Messaging, IP Relay, Voice Carry-Over Relay, Captioned Telephone, Video Relay or Spanish Video Relay. You can contact us with the following methods:
Voice - 1-877-388-4968
TTY - 1-877-889- 4273
Direct VP Number: 1-866-351-1950 and 1-866-401-3519
DNS VP Number: dtv03.csd.tv, dtv04csd.tv, dtv05.csd.tv, and dtv06.csd.tv
AIM Screen Names - dtvcsr07 or dtvcsr008

VIEW OUR REPORTS:

Please note: you will need to have the free Adobe Acrobat software installed on your computer in order to view the report.

Also on KQED.org this week ...