Help

If you need to reach us for help, please see our Contact page. Or peruse our Frequently Asked Questions below.

I'm having trouble receiving Cascade PBS (KCTS) over the air. Can you help?

We’re broadcasting at full-strength from our transmitter on Capitol Hill in Seattle. Cascade PBS switched from UHF to VHF in 2009, whereas KING, KIRO, and KOMO broadcast on a UHF channel. Like Cascade PBS, KSTW 11 (the CW) and KCPQ 13 transmit by way of VHF. Most viewers who can receive channel 11 can receive 9.1, 9.2 PBS Kids, 9.3 Create TV, World Channel 9.4.

Being near large bodies of water, low elevation, tall trees, tall buildings, construction and weather all can have an effect on reception, or there could be highly-localized interference from electronic devices nearby; something that may have been newly or temporarily introduced to your environment. We recommend the website, www.antennaweb.org, as an excellent resource for choosing the best antenna for your area, to receive the most signals.

You may also want to consider our live stream, which is available free online, and with the Cascade PBS ROKU, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV apps, as well as with the PBS app. Anyone in our broadcast area of Greater Seattle can livestream Cascade PBS, PBS KIDS, Create, and World channels on this website. Cascade PBS Passport members can also livestream from anywhere within the United States. Unfortunately, due to rights restrictions beyond our control, the livestream is not available in Canada.

If you're continuing to experience problems receiving Cascade PBS over-the-air, please let us know via our Television Broadcast contact form and we will investigate.

Why does on air programing not match the Viewer Guide?

Our Viewer Guide is accurate at press time. Occasionally changes to the schedule are made after the guide has been printed. Up to date schedule information for Cascade PBS, PBS Kids, WORLD and Create channels can be found on our schedule page.

To receive weekly updates on all Cascade PBS programming schedule changes, subscribe to our 'Cascade PBS This Week' newsletter.

Why did my DVR not record the program it was scheduled to record?

Comcast Xfinity will not allow for DVR of a program if that program is currently available in their On Demand platform. If you are having a different issue or are having trouble recording from an over-the-air antenna, or another cable or satellite provider, please let us know.

A narrator is describing everything that happens on the shows I am watching. How do I make it stop?

You may be hearing the Descriptive Video Service (DVS) option made available to audiences who are blind or visually impaired. You can turn this feature off and on fairly easily.

Most newer-model TVs with stereophonic sound systems are able to receive a Second Audio Program (SAP) which provides enriched verbal descriptions of what is heard and seen on a TV's primary audio and video channels. Most TVs and VCRs require you to select the SAP channel in order to receive and record DVS. The selector is usually labeled SAP, MTS, Audio 2, or Audio B on your TV panel, remote-control device, or on-screen menu. Un-selecting the SAP channel should eliminate the DVS option.

If you're not able to un-select the SAP channel, review your TV manual or contact a TV vendor who can guide you through the process. Like closed captioning, DVS was also pioneered by PBS to ensure the widest possible audience is served.

I am experiencing issues with signal break-ups or digital pixilation. Can you help?

Signal break-ups or digital pixilation can be the result of a low signal from your cable company or low signal from within your cable wiring. Often this issue effects just a few channels- however it's a cable system issue.

Our recommendation would be to contact your cable company so that they may accurately assess, diagnose, and resolve this issue for you.

How do I turn off English or Spanish Audio Description?

English and Spanish (ENG/SPA) audio tracks are sometimes available as a secondary audio feature for description and Spanish audio narration. If you are unintentionally hearing Spanish or English narration over the main narration track, it's most likely that you have enabled the secondary audio feature. In this case, follow the steps on using your television remote settings to turn the off the audio language narration, typically indicated as LANG. Most settings include an Audio Language Settings screen with a list of available languages. If only English is available, you won't see any other options. If Spanish or audio description are available the list will show an audio track labeled SPA. Turn the Audio Language setting OFF to disable this feature. Please contact us here for further assistance.

How do I enable Audio Description on PBS videos?

Audio Description (AD) or Descriptive Video Service (DVS) is a secondary audio track that describes what's appearing on screen during a video. This option is made available to audiences who are blind or visually impaired.

Not every video on the PBS and PBS KIDS sites and apps offers AD. To find all videos with AD, please click this link. You can use the filter options on the left side of the page to filter by show and video type.

For videos that do offer AD, you can enable AD by following the steps below on your respective device. The English (AD) track option will not appear for videos that do not offer the secondary audio track.

For PBS Videos

PBS.org Website

At the bottom of the video player, select the headphones icon and select the English AD track option.

iPhones and iPads

On the video player, select the three dots icon (. . .) and select Languages. Select the English AD track option.

Android Mobile

At this time, AD is not supported on Android mobile for the PBS app.

Roku

While the video is playing, press the star / asterisk button on your remote. Scroll down and select Audio track to change it to English AD. Select Close to return to the video.

Apple TV 4

Pause the video and select the Audio Levels icon above the video track on the right-hand side. The Audio Levels icon appears as a series of vertical bars - you may have to "scroll up" or press the up button on your remote to see this icon. After selecting the Audio Levels icon, select English AD from the options underneath Audio Track.

Amazon Fire and Android TV

At this time, AD is not supported on Amazon Fire and Android TV devices for the PBS app.

Samsung TV

At this time, AD is not supported on Samsung TV devices for the PBS app.

VIZIO SmartCast TV

At this time, AD is not supported on VIZIO SmartCast TV devices for the PBS app.

For PBS KIDS Videos

PBSKIDS.org Website

At the bottom of the video player, select the gear icon. Under Audio Selection, select the Audio Description (English) track option.

iPhones and iPads

On the video player, select the gear icon and select the English AD track option.