Dusty Granberry

Director of Broadcast Operations & Engineering

As I look toward the future of digital broadcast television I am left somewhat in awe, especially when you think of where we have come from. Our system of free, over the air, advertiser-supported television is somewhat unique in the world. Only in America do we have truly free over-the-air television that is charged with serving the viewer in the public interest. 

True broadcasters take that charge seriously. Local broadcast stations are the one source people turn to for local news and information. We report the big local story of the day, and when bad weather strikes we are there to warn and inform our viewers. You simply don't get that from cable channels or satellite systems - and you can get it all for free with an over-the-air antenna.

Everyone has heard of the truly fantastic pictures that digital television provides, as well as the wide screen, movie-like images that closely match the big screen movie experience, but the real revolution with digital signals is in the ease of reception, and the expanded multiple channels that broadcasters are now able to provide to viewers.

Television antennas have nearly disappeared in today's world. Viewers have turned to cable and satellites not only for additional viewing options but in frustration with the difficulty of picking up over the air signals. The fading in and out of the image and the snowy pictures were really not worth the effort.

The digital revolution has put that in the past. Over-the-air signals are now very easy to pick up, and they are crystal clear. In the digital world the picture is either perfect or not there at all – you either get it or you don’t. With the price of gas now going for $4.00 a gallon no one should have to pay for free local television. To me, this (perfect TV reception) is the really big excitement provided by the digital changes we are seeing.

Right now, KEYE not only broadcasts our CBS signal, we also offer viewers a good look at the old-time television of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s with our new channel, Austin's RTN. This is our second digital channel, and we are providing it right along with the CBS Network programs on KEYE. After all, who can resist watching Leave it to Beaver, Happy Days, or Perry Mason?

Most television engineers feel that the opportunities for multi-channel operations will only improve. In the very near future KEYE will be able to offer up to three or four free local channels. With four to five stations in a market, and each of them with the ability to offer multiple channels, the real winners will be the viewers. Just as it should be.

The future is unlimited, and we are proud to be on the leading edge of this new technology. For people who can remember when color television first came on the scene; it was really pretty bad by today's standards. The digital world of tomorrow will only get better and offer more options for the viewer. I expect tremendous improvements in the quality and number of channels each local broadcast station will soon be able to provide. 

The digital revolution has arrived and the future is unlimited.