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Digital TV Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the digital transition? After February 17, 2009 most 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 on February 17, 2009.
 
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 on February 17, 2009.
 
Is KCTS 9 currently operating in digital? 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 on February 17, 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.
 
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? Set-top boxes are estimated to cost $60-$70. In an effort to help consumers cover the cost of the converter box, the federal government will offer 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 to receive the coupons will be available through March 31, 2009. 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)

 
Where can I get a converter box? In an effort to help consumers cover the cost of the converter box, the federal government is offering converter box coupons at $40 each. You may then use these coupons 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. Each household is eligible for two coupons. Supplies are limited, so KCTS 9 encourages you to make your request today.

  • Apply online at dtv2009.gov
  • Call the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline: 1.888.DTV.2009 (1.888.388.2009), TTY 1.877.530.2634

 
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 DT, our original primary channel, now in clear, digital format. KCTS 9 Create, the best in lifestyle and how-to programming. KCTS 9 HD, high-definition and other wide-screen public television programming. KCTS 9 V-Me: The quality and integrity of public television, en español. 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 1.800.937.5286 or dtvhelp@KCTS9.org, or sign up for our digital TV helpline email list to receive updates. 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:

  • FCC: Digital Television is Coming
  • DTV Answers
  • FCC: Digital Television
  • NTIA: Digital TV Transition and Public Safety
  • HDTV Primer