Digital TV

Digital TV Questions & Answers

1. Why is KUED doing this?
   This has been mandated by the federal government and affects all broadcasters in the nation.
2. Why the switch?
   In 1996, the FCC laid out plans for a new era of broadcasting - digital television.  And under legislation passed by Congress – the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 – over the air broadcast stations are required to abandon their analog transmitters on June 12, 2009 and from then on broadcast only in a digital format.
   How to make the switch
3. Who is affected by the switch?
   You will need to take action if you currently watch TV on an analog TV set that is not connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service or if you do not have a new television set with a built-in digital tuner.  Second or third television sets in a household that are not connected to cable or satellite or do not have built-in digital tuners will be affected.  Nationally, some 19 million households with 70 million television sets receive only over-the-air television signals through antennas and rabbit ears and will be at risk of losing their signals unless they make the easy transition to DTV.
4. How do I switch to DTV?
   You can make the switch to DTV by following one of these three easy steps before June 12, 2009.
   • The cheapest option is to purchase a certified DTV converter box that plugs into your existing TV set.  A converter box lets you continue to receive free television reception.
   • Purchase a new television set with a built-in digital tuner.
   • Subscribe to cable, satellite or other paid service.  Not all local stations are carried by all services.  Check with your provider.
5. What are the ways to watch KUED Digital Broadcasts?
   

   OPTION 1: Use a new digital converter box with your old TV and antenna Better picture All the digital channels View HD programs but at lower than HD quality No monthly subscription fee

   OPTION 2: Use a new Digital TV (with built-in digital tuner) and your old antenna Much better picture and sound All digital channels HD programs at full HD quality New widescreen format No monthly subscription fee

   OPTION 3: Use a new or old TV with a digital subscription to cable or satellite Requires subscription fee to cable or satellite service provider Complete access to KUED digital channels may depend on your provider and subscription choices. KUED's primary channel is available in standard definition on Comcast Cable's channel 7 in the basic tier and in high definition on channel 658. KUED’s World channel is available over the air. Comcast Cable now carries this on channel 115. KUED V-me is available on Comcast digital 108. Details from Comcast

   CONVERTER BOXES
6. What is a set top converter box?
   A converter box is an easy-to-install electronic device that hooks up to your older television set and over-the-air antenna or rabbit ears and converts the digital television signal into analog so that it can be viewed on your analog TV.  This allows you to keep using older television sets and lets you see all the new digital channels free of charge. The converter box is a small box with a remote control similar to the set top tuners made available by cable and satellite providers. Converter boxes (ranging from $50-$70) can be purchased from major electronics and television.
7. If I have cable do I need a converter box?
   NO. You need a converter box only for older analog TV sets not hooked to cable or satellite.
8. Can I buy a box without a coupon?
   You can buy a converter box without a coupon if you are willing to pay full purchase price (anywhere from $40-$60). You cannot use coupons retroactively.
   
9. How do I hook up my box?
   You can go on line to see easy to follow step-by-step instructions here. You can watch a quick video on installing the box here. BE SURE TO SCAN FOR CHANNELS. The box won’t pick up every channel until you perform the Scan for Channel operation. You’ll need to rescan occasionally as new channels become available.
   
   Since you will use the remote control provided with the converter box, MAKE SURE YOU PLACE THE BOX in an accessible location near your TV. You can’t plug it in then drop it behind the bookcase. You might have an armoire or entertainment furniture that fits your television perfectly. This could be a problem, because the converter box needs to be in plain sight so your remote control can work. The box is about the size of 4 DVD boxes piled on each other.
10. How do I change the channel? / My remote isn’t working, what do I do?
    If you are using a digital converter box to access your television channels, remember to use the remote control for your converter box rather than the remote control for your television set.
    
    Many converter box remotes can be programmed to work with your current television. Please read the converter box manual to search for program codes and how to make it work with your television volume, etc.
    
11. Where can I buy a converter box?
    Best Buy, Radioshack, Wal-Mart, Rite Aid, Circuit City, Walgreens and other retailers. Some grocery stores have begun selling boxes. Call ahead to make sure the box you want is in stock.
    
    
    
    RECORDING WITH YOUR VCR, DVD PLAYERS
    
12. How do I record with my VCR?
    You can still use your VCR, but you will need a digital converter box. The input to the VCR must be connected to the output of the converter box. You must set the tuner in the converter box to the channel you want to record before the start of each recording period programmed in the VCR. You can watch and record the same program simultaneously. This also works if you have a TV with a built-in VCR.
13. Can I watch one program and record a different channel at the same time?
    Yes, but you will need two converter boxes. One for the TV and one for the VCR. Each TV set or TV recording device, such as a VCR, that does not have a digital tuner must be connected to a converter box to continue receiving broadcast signals. You can see specifics on how to hook up converter boxes with your VCR, DVR or DVD recorder here.
    
14. What if I have a digital set?
    If you have an old VCR or DVD player, you will need the converter box in order to record. If you have cable or satellite, you will be able to record the way you currently do. 
    
    ANTENNAS
    
15. Will I still need my antenna?
    Yes. If you are installing a new digital television set or a converter box, you still need to use an indoor or outdoor antenna. In general, reception of DTV will require the same type of antenna that you currently use to get good quality reception. This would be a good time to check the quality of your indoor antenna.
16. I hooked up my converter box and my picture isn’t coming in.
    Try moving the antenna. If you live along the Wasatch Front, point it toward Farnsworth Peak in Salt Lake City. If you still don’t get a picture, you may need to upgrade to a new UHF capable antenna. If you have reception problems with your rooftop, one option would be to purchase an indoor UHF capable antenna for $20 or $30.
    
    **FREE, over the air TV with an indoor or outdoor antenna provides the very best possible picture you can get. Cable and satellite compress the signal, which loses quality.
    
    DIGITAL TV SETS
    
17. How do I know if I have a digital TV set?
    Check your owner’s manual or look for these words – “digital tuner,” “DTV tuner” or look for the logo “ATSC” on your television. If your television is labeled “Digital ready” or “HDTV ready,” you still may need a converter box. Check your TV’s manual or visit the Web site of the manufacturer for more information.
    
18. I’m buying a new TV, how do I know if it is digital?
    Double check with your retailer that the set has a built-in digital tuner.
19. 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.  Currently most digital sets include analog and or DTV tuners. Be sure that your set includes a built-in digital tuner or expect to make alternate arrangements such as purchasing a digital converter box or make 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.  A medium quality set will display 768 lines on the screen.  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 lines.  Shop carefully and speak with a well-informed sales person.
    
20. I have a digital TV but I don’t get a high definition picture.
    Know the difference between a digital and an HD set. All HD TVs are digital. But not all digital TVs are HD. If you want to see high definition channels in true high definition, you’ll want to buy an HD set.
    
21. How do I know what’s on your digital channels?
    Many television listings do not yet carry complete KUED digital channel schedules. The most up-to-date schedule listings are available at http://www.kued.org/whatson. Your new digital converter box or your digital set will display program titles and descriptive information on screen at the touch of a menu button.  You can also use the on-screen program guides provided by your cable and satellite service. If you are a member of KUED, you will receive our monthly program guide that includes program grids for all of our channels.
22. Why do I get a delay between my new digital set and my older analog set?
    It takes the digital processor in your set two or three seconds to process all of the audio and video signals and prepare it for display on your set. A short delay between your digital and analog set is completely normal.
23. Where can I recycle my old set?
    You can responsibly recycle your old set by contacting Guaranteed Recycling Xperts at (801) 386-2533 or eric@grxrecycles.com.
    CABLE AND SATELLITE
    
24. I already subscribe to cable. Will I be okay with the transition?
    Yes, you are set. You will get the channels you currently receive when the transition occurs. If you don’t pay extra for the digital package and for the HD package, you will not receive the digital or HD channels. You must pay a higher premium to receive those. Call your provider for details.
25. I don’t get KUED’s digital channels. Why not?
    If you are a satellite subscriber, you may not get all the local digital channels because satellite does not carry every one. Satellite does not carry KUED’s World or V-me channels. Call your provider.
    
    If you are a cable subscriber and you are not receiving local digital channels, that means you do not subscribe to the more expensive digital package. If you want the digital or HD channels, you need to subscribe to that package. Bottom line with cable and satellite: You will get only the channels you currently get.
    TRANSLATORS
    
26. I live in a rural area. Will I be able to get digital TV?
    Many rural locations in Utah receive KUED’s signal via translators. Translators are subject to a different timeline for the transition from analog to digital. KUED is working on upgrading all of our translators to digital. Some are completed, others may not be completed for a year or more. Refer to the list of digital translators in your packet. Encourage viewers in those locations to look for digital converter boxes that feature “analog pass through.”