Users Guide to Digital Television
The television world is moving into a new and exciting phase. Just like color revolutionized TV, digital TV will do the same.
Right now, KEYE broadcasts signals in analog (Channel 42) and digital (Channel 42-1). Soon we'll broadcast the RTN (Retro Television Network) on digital Channel 42-2.
But on Feb. 17, 2009, the Federal Communication Commission has ordered all TV stations to stop broadcasting in analog. (In fact, the government has already auctioned off those analog frequencies. Telecommunications firms paid $19.5 billion to the government.)
On that day, because of the government order, your old TV will no longer receive any television stations unless you do one of these things:
- Purchase a DTV converter box. They cost about $60 and are now available at most electronic stores and on the Internet. But you may apply for two $40 coupons to use toward the purchase of these boxes, one coupon per box.
- Apply by phone: 888-388-2009
- Apply online: dtv2009.gov
- Apply by mail: Send completed application or request to: TV Converter Box Program, P.O. Box 2000. Portland, OR 97208
- Subscribe to a cable, satellite or a telephone company provider
Or you can buy a television with a built in digital tuner. All new TV sets are required to have a digital tuner. If you buy a used television, you must check to make sure it can receive digital channels.
All About HD
Another exciting part of the digital age is high definition television (HDTV). It has a much clearer, better quality picture compared to standard definition. Also the aspect ratio is 16:9, wide screen like a movie, instead of 4:3 for a standard TV set.
We're proud that we were the first Austin television station to broadcast its news in HD. We began November 1.
To get the full effect of our high definition signal, you need a HD television with digital tuner. Then you need to tune us in one of the following ways.
- With an antenna on Channel 42-1 CBS Network and CBS42News. On 42-2 Retro Television Network. (Over-the-air antenna will provide the best picture and sound.)
- Time Warner Cable: Channel 1531 CBS and CBS42News and in May 1532 RTN
- Grande Cable: Channel 305
- DirectTV: Channel 910
- SuddenLink: Channel 710
- Northland Cable: 404
- Dish Network: Channel 5181
Want more information? Check our blog by Dr. HD (KEYE’s Chief Engineer Arthur Smith) and Fred Cantú's Gadget Guy reports below. Click here to send Dr. HD a question or comment.
