Search

Home › Content › Digital TV Frequently Asked Questions

Digital TV Frequently Asked Questions

What is the digital transition?
After June 12, 2009, all full-power TV stations in the U.S. will broadcast exclusively in a digital format, also known as DTV. Digital television will revolutionize your TV viewing experience. With DTV, you can watch additional channels that were not available on the traditional analog format. In addition, DTV technology improves television’s picture and sound quality. Digital television is available now and will replace analog broadcasting entirely after June 12, 2009.

What is the new date of the digital transition? / When will KCTS 9 stop analog broadcasting?

On February 4, 2009, Congress agreed to move the deadline for shutting off analog broadcasting from February 17 to June 12, 2009. Broadcasters will be able to choose their date of transition based on applications with the FCC. KCTS 9 will continue analog operations through June 12, 2009, in order to help viewers prepare for the switch.

KCTS 9 is broadcasting in digital today, so why wait? Get ready today.

What is digital television?
Digital television or DTV is the transmission of a television signal using the same digital code found in computers, ones and zeros. DTV technology improves television’s picture and sound quality and makes possible the over-the-air delivery of several simultaneous services to viewers. Digital television is available now and will replace full-power analog broadcasting entirely after June 12, 2009.

Is KCTS 9 currently operating in digital?
Yes. All Seattle television stations, including KCTS 9, are currently operating in both analog and digital formats. KCTS 9 operates digitally on UHF channel 41 (remapped to appear on your receiver as channel 9). KCTS 9 will return to our VHF channel for digital operations after the transition after June 12, 2009.

Do I need a new TV to watch digital television over the air?
If you subscribe to a paid service such as satellite or cable, your current TV will continue to work. If you use an antenna with an analog TV set, you have three choices. You can purchase a converter box that allows you to enjoy digital TV using your current analog TV and antenna. A second option is to purchase a new TV with a digital tuner built in. The last option is to subscribe to a paid service such as cable or satellite television. The first option is the most cost effective.

Where can I recycle an old TV?
Good news for Washington state residents—as of January 2009, electronics manufacturers are taking responsibility for recycling TVs, computers and monitors. Consumers may drop off items at select collection sites at no charge. Visit ecyclewashington.org for more information.

How do I know if my TV is analog or digital?
To determine whether you have a digital or analog TV set, check your owner’s manual or go to the manufacturer’s web site (look for "service" or "support"). If you have a digital TV, the owner’s manual will mention an ATSC or digital tuner. If the owner’s manual says your TV is "DTV-ready," or makes no mention of a digital tuner, you have an analog TV. If your TV is more than a couple of years old, it is likely does NOT have a digital tuner.

Here are links to a few popular television manufacturers' online documentation pages:

Sony

Mitsubishi

Panasonic

Sharp JVC

How much will a converter box cost? UPDATED - March 11, 2009

The TV Converter Box Coupon Program is again issuing coupons, starting with requests placed on the waiting list after the program ran out of funds in early 2009. Individuals whose coupons expired before they could be redeemed will be able to reapply soon and should check the DTV coupon program web site (www.DTV2009.gov) for updates. Coupons will be mailed on a first-come, first-served basis via first-class mail. This should help coupons arrive more quickly. Read more.

If you have not yet applied for a converter box coupon, we recommend converting at least one television in your house today, without waiting for a coupon. Then, you may request up to two additional coupons and upgrade other TV sets in your house when the coupons are mailed.

Most set-top boxes cost $60-$70. In an effort to help consumers cover the cost of the converter box, the federal government is offering converter box coupons (limited to two per household, not limited by income), valued at $40 each. Each coupon may be used toward the purchase of a single DTV converter box. Applications will be accepted until July 31, 2009, if funds are available to fill those requests. The coupons will be sent by mail and will expire three months after they are issued. Households will be able to request coupons while supplies last in one of four ways:

  • Apply online at www.DTV2009.gov.
  • Call the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline 1.888.DTV.2009 (1.888.388.2009), TTY 1.877.530.2634
  • Mail a coupon application to: P.O. BOX 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000
  • Fax a coupon application to 1.877.DTV.4ME2 (1.877.388.4632)

Once you receive the coupons, use them as quickly as possible to avoid expiration.


Where can I get a converter box?
Converter box coupons may be used at over 100 retailers that have been certified to sell converter boxes, including small stores and large outlets such as Best Buy, Circuit City, Kmart, Sam's Club, Wal-Mart, Sears, RadioShack and Target.

Do I need a new antenna as well?
If you can currently receive KCTS 9 with your antenna, you should be able to receive the new digital signal. Make sure that you have a multi-band antenna that allows you to receive UHF and VHF channels. To determine the best antenna for your location, visit antennaweb.org.

Why are we changing to digital television?
Congress mandated the conversion to digital television. Digital television will provide higher-quality picture and sound and more programming options. It will also free up a wide range of frequencies so they can be used for public safety services.

Will the service KCTS 9 provides change with DTV?
KCTS 9 has been broadcasting digitally since 1998 and was the first PBS station to do so. Over the years, we have developed several digital channels available to those with digital televisions and digital cable. The digital transition will allow all of our viewers to enjoy these additional channels at no extra charge. KCTS 9 digital channels include:

  • KCTS 9 HD, our original primary channel, now in high definition format.*
  • KCTS 9 Create, the best in lifestyle and how-to programming.
  • KCTS 9 V-Me: The quality and integrity of public television, en español.

*Standard definition (SD) television sets equipped with a digital tuner or converter box will show the channel in a down-converted format automatically. You do not need an HD set to view this channel.

Visit our channel locator page to discover where to tune in to these channels today.

What about KCTS 9 Plus and the Classic Arts Showcase on channel 75?
KCTS 9 Plus is broadcast on a Comcast Public Educational Government (PEG) channel by agreement with King County and City of Seattle. KCTS 9 will continue to provide KCTS 9 Plus on Channel 75 as long as local government is not using the channel.

I subscribe to cable television. How does digital television affect me?
Most cable providers currently offer digital cable subscriptions and all will provide digital services after the switch. Your cable provider should ensure you continue to receive service throughout the transition and switching period.

I subscribe to satellite television. How does digital television affect me?
You should not experience a change in service from your provider. However, satellite providers currently carry only analog channels for local stations such as KCTS 9. The FCC is likely to require satellite providers to carry the primary DTV channel for local networks, but may not require the carriage of high definition or multicast channels.

Help! I need more information.
KCTS 9 is here to help! Contact us at 1.800.937.5287 or membership@KCTS9.org. For more information on digital television, high-definition television (HDTV) and other aspects of the digital transition, please visit one of the following resources online: