FAQs

ANALOG SHUT OFF TEST

What happened?

As you may already know, at midnight on February 17, 2009, every television station in the United States is switching from an over-the-air signal to a digital signal, which is called the DTV conversion.

We conducted a test to see if your television is ready for the conversion. In order to conduct the test, the current way of broadcasting (analog) had to be "shut off." If you had a picture during the test, your television is ready for the DTV transition in February.

If you saw snow during the test and are viewing KCET using rabbit ears or an antenna, it is possible you need to follow our suggestions to get ready for the digital transition.

Why does the picture look smaller now?

If you are viewing KCET via a provider such as Time Warner Cable, DirecTV or Dish Network, there are some technical reasons why the picture is smaller &emdash; but basically it has to do with two facts:

Delivery of programs from KCET is not via a fiber&endash;optic cable for these providers.

There are two types of processes for making programs ready for broadcast: Letterbox and Center Crop. Programs using the Letterbox format, such as those broadcast on PBS, appear reduced in size.

If you are a customer of Time Warner Cable, DirecTV or Dish Network, your picture needs to be adjusted by your provider in order for you to view KCET programs in the new digital format. However, please note that this change would have taken effect on February 17, 2009, had we not made the switch now.

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How do I make the picture go back to full screen?

Unfortunately, in order to conduct the test, your provider has permanently "switched on" the digital transmission and permanently "shut off" the analog transmission. This is an inconvenience that is beyond KCET's control.

However, KCET felt it was necessary to conduct the test because so many of our viewers are unprepared for the Digital TV transition. We thank you for being prepared and we apologize for the inconvenience.

What is letterbox format?

Letterbox format is a technique used to display widescreen content on a traditional 4x3 screen such as those used by old-style television sets. The technique is very simple &emdash; the picture frame is reduced in size until it fits the screen, leaving black bars above and below the picture. The effect is like looking through the slot of a letterbox, hence the name.

How long will the picture stay this way?

Currently, KCET is working hard to secure a fiber-optic connection to Time Warner Cable, DirecTV and Dish Network. This process has been in progress for more than one year, and it will eventually be completed. By having a fiber-optic connection, the reduced picture size will not be a problem.

Will every show on KCET look like this?

KCET is committed to providing the best possible programming. With the new digital transition, we are currently reviewing our options. We do not expect every show to look like this &emdash; only those produced in Letterbox.

Will all shows on all channels look like this?

The commercial networks use a different technique in the editing of their programs for broadcast. It is called "Center Crop." The Center Crop technique eliminates the "Letterbox" style, which is used by PBS.

If I watch KCET via a translator, what do I have to do to get ready?

Low Power transmitters and translators are not required to convert to digital transmission on Feb. 17th. KCET hopes to convert all of its low power transmitters and translators by the end of the 2009 calendar year. This being the case, if you are receiving KCET on an analog TV set, you do not need to do anything immediately. You will continue to receive KCET in the same manner you do now. The aspect ratio of the programming, however will be letterboxed, which means you will see black at the top and bottom of your screen.

THE FACTS

What is the digital transition?

The switch from analog (over-the-air) to digital TV (DTV) is referred to as the Digital Transition. DTV is a higher quality, more efficient way to transmit TV signals than the traditional analog method, which can have interference and reception problems that can distort a picture.

Why the switch?

The government mandated the switch because digital is a more flexible, more efficient technology that allows better picture quality and sound, more programming options and also frees up the airwaves for public safety.

How will this switch affect me?

If you watch a conventional analog TV set and use an antenna or "rabbit ears" to receive over-the-air signals, you will need to change to digital to continue watching television after February 17, 2009. If your TVs have digital tuners, or if you have cable or satellite service, your reception will continue uninterrupted.

What are the benefits of digital television?

Digital television (DTV) is a better technology that sends clearer signals through the air, so you’ll enjoy dramatically enhanced pictures, better sound quality and more channels, schedule choices and variety through multiple channels of programming known as multicasting. Switching to digital also frees up broadcast space, which can be used for public safety communications such as police, fire and emergency rescue.

Is there anything that I need to do on February 17, 2009, the day of the DTV transition?

It is crucial and necessary you have your DTV converter box perform a new channel scan. If you don't do this, you will lose many of the channels that you have been watching, as broadcasters, including KCET, move to their permanent DTV channels.

What is multicasting?

Multicasting allows several channels of digital programming to be broadcast at the same time, using the same space required for one analog program. So, if KCET broadcasts in analog on Channel 28, we can only offer one program, but if we broadcast in digital, Channel 28 becomes four channels: Channel 28.1, Channel 28.2, Channel 28.3 and Channel 28.4.

What should I do first?

First, take an inventory of the TVs in your home. Even if you’re a cable or satellite customer, you may have one or more TVs that aren’t hooked up to your pay service. These secondary TVs, likely to be analog, won’t be able to receive a picture after February 17, 2009.

What are my choices?

1. Buy a new digital-to-analog converter box that will plug into your existing analog TV.

2. Buy a new TV equipped with a built-in digital tuner.

3. Subscribe to cable, satellite or another pay service.

A converter box may be your best option.

There are a number of reasons why buying a converter box may be the most cost effective for you:

• It’s a one-time purchase.
• You get a $40 government coupon to help with the cost.
• There are no ongoing monthly cable or satellite charges.
• You’ll enjoy more KCET channels and more programs.
• Your viewing experience will continue to be absolutely free.

YOUR TELEVISION

Do I need to buy a new TV?

No, there’s no reason to buy a new TV unless you choose to. A DTV converter box will allow you to continue using your existing analog TV to watch over-the-air digital broadcasts.

What if I decide to buy a digital TV?

If you wish to upgrade to a new TV set, you’ll need to choose between standard definition digital TV and high-definition digital TV. High-definition offers the very best picture. As long as you buy a digital TV with an ATSC digital tuner, you’ll be set up correctly.

How can I be sure I am buying a digital TV?

By law, beginning March 1, 2007, all television reception devices (including TVs, VCRs, DVRs, etc.) imported into the U.S. or shipped in interstate commerce must contain a digital tuner.

Once I convert, will my analog TV be fully digital?

You won’t see full digital quality on an analog TV, but you’ll still enjoy enhanced picture and sound, along with multiple channels of programming.

Do I have to wait until after February 17, 2009, to watch digital TV?

No, KCET is already airing digital television programming and will continue to provide analog programming through February 17, 2009. On that date, KCET and other full-power TV stations will stop broadcasting on their current analog channels.

How do I tell if my TV set is analog or digital?

If your TV is a few years old, most likely it is not digital. A TV must have an ATSC tuner (Advanced Television Systems Committee) to be fully digital. To see what you have, check your owner’s manual, the TV itself, the store where you bought it, or the manufacturer’s website for full details about your particular model.

If I want a new TV, will I have to buy a high-definition TV (HDTV) to watch digital broadcast television after the transition?

No. It is important to understand that the DTV transition is a switch over from analog broadcasting to digital broadcasting. It is not a transition from analog broadcasting to high- definition broadcasting, and you do not need to buy a HDTV to watch digital TV.

If I buy a digital TV will my VCR, DVD player, video games or other equipment still work?

Yes, they will continue to work, even if they are only analog capable.

Will a converter box also convert digital closed captioning?

Yes. Federal Communications Commission rules require that digital-to-analog converter boxes be able to convert over-the-air digital closed captioning for display on analog TV sets.

Can I use parental controls like the V-Chip with digital TV the same way I can with analog?

Yes. V-chip technology enables parents to block television programming based on a program’s rating. FCC rules require that V-Chips be built into digital televisions and other DTV reception devices just as they are in analog sets.

What HD mode is KCET broadcasting in?

720p.

Why doesn't KCET broadcast in 1080i?

Due to the number of multi-cast channels that we run, 720p is required for more reliable picture quality.

What’s the difference between high-definition and digital TV?

A standard digital picture consists of 480 horizontal lines on the screen, while high-definition television (HDTV) displays the highest-quality digital TV pictures; 1,080 or 720 horizontal lines. High definition provides a much higher resolution and a clearer, more detailed picture. To view all HDTV features, you need an HDTV set.

How much will digital improve my TV viewing?

Over-the-air digital programming provides a better viewing experience than over-the-air analog programming, as long as you have good quality reception through your antenna.

Will I be able to watch my portable, battery-powered TV after February 17, 2009?

Yes, but only if it has the necessary plug to allow it to be connected to a DTV converter box. Because it is not anticipated that battery-powered DTV converter boxes will be produced, an external power source would also be required.

YOUR ANTENNA

Will I need to buy a new antenna?

The same antenna generally will work when you hook up your converter box or purchase a new digital TV. However, there is a real possibility that you may need an antenna upgrade in addition to a DTV converter box. For a helpful resource, go to:
www.anntennaweb.org or www.tvfool.com.

My old antenna attaches to my TV with two wires. Will I be able to use a converter box with this antenna?

Yes, but you may need to buy an interchangeable matching transformer (also called a "balun") to which you will connect your antenna on one end, and then connect the balun to your converter box. You will then need a second adapter to connect to the converter box with a length of antenna wire to connect to your TV.

What is a Smart Antenna?

It's a new type of DTV antenna that automatically adjusts and locks on to the strongest signal. While these antennas are a great technological innovation, they are not necessary for DTV reception.

CABLE/SATELLITE

What if I have cable or satellite?

If you have cable or satellite service, or if your TVs have digital tuners, your reception will continue uninterrupted. If you have cable or satellite on your main TV but use an antenna to get a signal on additional TVs, those TV sets will only show "snow" unless you take action and hook them up to a pay service or get a converter box.

If I have basic cable, will I lose access to all of the local channels once the conversion goes into effect in February?

It depends on your cable company's plans on continuing analog service. The best thing to do is to contact your cable provider and ask them how long analog will be available and when they plan to drop their analog service, in favor of digital. FCC rules state that a cable provider can continue to provide analog service to it's customers for up to three years after the conversion date. However, it is up to their discretion, as to how long they will offer analog.

Do I need to subscribe to cable or satellite to get the best picture quality?

No, cable and satellite compress your signal. The best picture quality will still come over-the-air with an antenna used in conjunction with a receiver in your digital TV set or a digital set-top converter box. And best of all, it’s still free.

My cable operator offers a DTV package. Is this the same as HDTV?

No. "Digital cable" and high-definition programming on cable are not the same. If you want to watch HDTV programming on cable, you will need to subscribe to your cable provider’s HDTV package and view the programming on an HDTV set. Check with your cable provider to find out what kinds of programming you can receive, and what equipment you need to receive it.

Do cable TV networks have to switch to digital Broadcasting as well?

Cable companies are not required by the government to transition their systems to digital, and can continue to deliver channels to their customers in analog. This requirement will continue for at least three years until they decide in 2011 whether it should be continued beyond February 17, 2012.

Why do I need a converter box when I have cable?

You don't need a converter box if you have cable, EXCEPT, if you have additional TVs in your home that are NOT connected to cable.

Will cable customers with analog TVs have to buy or rent a set-top box from their cable company?

If the cable company provides the customer with a set-top box, any costs related to it will be determined by the cable company. Therefore, it is recommended that analog cable customers contact their cable company to ask if a set-top box will be needed, when it will be needed, and if there will be a cost.

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