(For detailed information in Spanish, French, Cantonese, Tagalog and others, visit www.dtv2009.gov)

Welcome to Northern California Public Broadcasting's information center concerning the 2009 digital transition. All of our stations–KQED, KTEH, and KQET–are preparing for this historic transition and have created this resource guide to help you be prepared. Although call letters may differ, the information for all three stations is basically the same.

What is digital television?

The picture you currently receive is 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, the FCC approved plans for a new era of television - digital television. In a digital system, images and sounds are captured and transmitted using the same digital technology found in computers. This digital revolution will not only dramatically improve the quality of the television picture, but also will make 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, KTEH, and KQET to broadcast several channels simultaneously. While current analog customers only receive one channel, KQED 9, for instance, as their primary public broadcasting channel, with the conversion to digital, viewers will receive capacity to multiply their offerings of the best of public broadcasting with our digital tier of channels.

KQED, KTEH and KQET viewers choices may include Life-Encore (cooking, travel, primetime encores); World (news and public affairs); V-me (Spanish language public broadcasting); Kids (the very best of programming for school-age children); and HD (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 will 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 an up-to-date, digital set. To experience the full benefits of digital television, viewers will need new digital television sets.

In addition to our digital broadcasts, we will continue broadcasting an analog signal until February 2009. Congress and the FCC have mandated that all US television stations discontinue analog transmission at that time. Until that time, you can watch your favorite public television programs without having to purchase a new upgraded set or a separate digital tuner. If you make no actions to either subscribe to cable/satellite or purchase a digital converter box, you will lose your TV signal in February 2009.

To keep using your older analog television set after that date will require the purchase of a set top digital tuner or you may purchase programming from a cable or satellite provider.  Alternately, you may choose to purchase a new digital television set with a tuner included.

What is the analog cutoff date?

By February 17, 2009, all US television broadcasters must complete the transition to digital broadcasting and discontinue analog signal transmission.

What is a set top digital converter box?

A set top digital tuner is a separate accessory that will receive digital signals and provide 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.

The new DTV converter boxes are available for purchase now and are expected to cost between $50 and $70. There is a one-time cost for the box; it does not require a monthly service fee. To help consumers cover the cost of the converter box, the federal government will offer up to two converter box coupons valued at $40 each to households beginning in early 2008. Each coupon may be used toward the purchase of a single DTV converter box and the coupon program will be administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Coupons must be redeemed within 90 days of receipt.

You will still need an over-the-air antenna in addition to the converter box to receive a digital signal on your analog television set. Your current antenna should work the same as before.

How can I request my coupons?

Coupons to assist in the digital transition are available by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009) or https://www.dtv2009.gov/

Coupons are available on a first-come, first-served basis and expire 90 days following receipt. Each household is eligible for up to two coupons. When you receive your coupons, you will also receive a list of local retailers, web retailers, and catalogs who accept the coupons.

Where can I purchase a digital converter box?

When you receive your coupons, you will also receive a list of local retailers, web retailers, and catalogs who accept the coupons. More than 14,000 brick-and-mortar stores have been certified to sell the boxes, including Best Buy; Circuit City; Kmart; Sam's Club; Wal-Mart; Sears, Roebuck; RadioShack; and Target. In addition, these retail outlets have all confirmed that they will accept the government-issued coupons. Other retailers will also be participating. Call your local retailer in advance of purchasing any items to confirm their availability and acceptance of the coupons.

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 most converter boxes, you will need a UHF antenna. Antennas that are older than 10 years old are, most likely, VHF. While in some areas, you may be able to receive a signal with a VHF antenna, in some cases you will need to purchase a new antenna. While there are many types of antenna available, we are currently testing a small antenna that is reasonably priced to see if it will receive a signal from several test spots around the Bay Area where we are conducting our experiment. 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 antennasdirect.com for more information. We will be continually updating this site as we learn more. Please check back for updated information or utilize our DTV hotline 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. Digital set top tuners for your older analog televisions are available now. Shop carefully and speak with a well-informed sales person. We recommend www.cnet.com 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 and KQET are available at http://www.kqed.org/tv/digitaltv. KTEH viewers can have up-to-date listings at www.kteh.org/tv. You can also use the on-screen program guides provided by your cable and satellite service or on your digital channels. Use the TV's users' manual to scan new available channels.

What is high definition (HD) television?

Digital technology allows KQED, KTEH and KQET 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 Feb 17, 2009?

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 Feb. 17, 2009. 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.

Almost anything considered 'electronic' is banned from landfills. These items include computers, monitors, peripherals, phones, TVs, VCRs, DVD players, stereos, microwave ovens, PDAs, iPods, etc. Customers at SF Recycling & Disposal can dispose of up to 30 electronic items per month for free if they are delivered without any other type of garbage. Other municipalities offer similar programs. A complete list of approved electronics recycling centers in California can be found at the website for the California Integrated Waste Management Board

The San Francisco Chronicle recently published an article that gives an overview concerning the recycling of electronic equipment. Most localities offer free services for earth-friendly electronics disposal. In addition, private firms are also on the forefront of this burgeoning market. Read the entire article at the SF Chronicle.

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 Member Services
member@kqed.org
415.553.2150

KQED Audience Services
audserv@kqed.org
415.553.2135

KTEH Member Services
member@kteh.org
408.795.5411

KTEH Audience Services
programming@kteh.org
408.795.5411

KQET Audience Services
(toll free) 866.870.2528

If you have additional questions concerning the digital conversion, visit www.dtvanswers.com

View our reports:

KQED's DTV Consumer Education Quarterly Activity Report (June 30, 2008)

KQED-DT's DTV Consumer Education Quarterly Activity Report (June 30, 2008)

KQED's DTV Consumer Education Quarterly Activity Report (March 31, 2008)

KQED-DT's DTV Consumer Education Quarterly Activity Report (March 31, 2008)

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