PBS and its member stations are very excited about the transition to digital television, which will allow us to bring viewers even more outstanding programming, as well as offer better sound and picture quality.
In fact, almost all public television stations across the country currently offer digital channels including the PBS HD Channel.
Some of the most acclaimed PBS series and specials are available in high definition, including, Nature, NOVA, American Experience, Great Performances, Ken Burns' landmark film The War and much more.
PBS and the Digital Transition Together with its member stations, PBS is actively working to assist members and viewers with information about the digital transition. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the upcoming switch from analog to digital signals, with links that will guide you to more information:
What is the digital transition? After February 17, 2009, all TV stations must cease analog broadcasting and transition to exclusively broadcasting in a digital format, also known at DTV.
What is analog television? Analog television service is the traditional method of transmitting television signals. Analog transmission has been the standard broadcast technology since the inception of television. Analog is not as efficient as digital television: it uses up much more of the valuable spectrum than digital, and TV stations can only transmit one channel of programming with an analog signal versus up to four or more programs with a digital signal in the same amount of spectrum. Analog is also susceptible to interference and "snow" that make a picture less clear.
Why is this transition happening? Congress mandated the conversion to DTV for two important reasons. First, DTV will provide higher quality picture and sound and more programming options for consumers through multiple broadcast streams. Second, ceasing analog broadcasting will free up a wide range of frequencies so they can be used for public safety such as police, fire, and emergency rescue communications, as well as commercial uses.
Will I be able to continue to use my current television? If you subscribe to cable or satellite, your access to broadcast channels should not change. However, if you currently rely on over-the-air signals via an analog television and an antenna ("rabbit ears"), you will need to act to continue to receive television. You must either:
Purchase a low-cost converter box to use with your existing analog television
Purchase a digital television that can receive DTV signals
Subscribe to cable or satellite
For more information on ensuring you have the equipment needed for the digital transition, please visit the following sites:
In order to help consumers with the digital transition, the federal government has created a coupon program that will significantly reduce the cost of a set-top box. The coupons will be redeemable at select retailers.
To learn more about the coupon program, including how and when to request your coupons, coupon value, and redemption instructions, please visit Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program. You can also download the brochure and/or fact sheet from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration:
Consumers may also call a toll-free number, 1-888-388-2009 (1-888-DTV-2009), for an update in English or Spanish.
What if I do nothing? If you do not receive your signal via cable or satellite and do not have a television with a built-in digital tuner (or have a set-top converter box), your television will not work after February 17, 2009.
Did you know HoustonPBS broadcasts three digital channels?
8.1 (Chanel 308 on Comcast cable) also known as KUHT HD, is a High Definition (HD) version of our analog channel. Most of the time, like our commercial colleagues, we upconvert our analog signal, but when we have a high definition or digital wide screen program, it is broadcast and received as true HD or digital wide screen.
8.2 (Channel 323 on Comcast cable) also known as KUHT2, is an alternative public television channel featuring kids programs all day long, as well as on Saturday and Sunday mornings, additional programs that we don't have room for in the schedule on Channel 8, and a prime time schedule that has the key programs from the previous evening. In addition, 8.2 carries some of our key daily programs like The NewsHour, Nightly Business Report, Charlie Rose and Tavis Smiley at alternate times.
8.3 (Channel 324 on Comcast cable) is a 24/7 Spanish language, non-commercial public television service made up of a combination of re-formatted PBS programs and acquisitions from other services, all designed to reflect public television’s mission with everything from quality children’s programs to lifestyle programs, documentaries, public affairs, culture and a nightly feature film.
Do you have questions about DTV? Find the answers by emailing your questions to dtv@houstonpbs.org
PBS and its member stations are very excited about the transition to digital television, which will allow us to bring viewers even more outstanding programming, as well as offer better sound and picture quality.
In order to help consumers with the digital transition, the federal government has created a coupon program that will significantly reduce the cost of a set-top box. The coupons will be redeemable at select retailers.