Download Our FREE Brochure About The Transition To Digital Television
KPTS has created an easy to understand brochure explaining the "THE SWITCH TO DIGITAL TELEVISION."  Click on the image to the left to view this brochure.  KPTS encourages you to print and distribute this informative brochure to family, friends and collegues.

KPTS Speakers Bureau
Do you have a civic group, church group or employee club interesteed in learning more about the digital television transition?  KPTS can provide your organization with a brief explaination of how the transition will impact most TV viewers.

TO SCHEDULE A SPEAKER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FEB. 17, 2009 TRANSITION TO DIGITAL TELEVISION CONTACT: Jesse Huxman, KPTS Director of Content - (316) 838-3090 ext. 220

What is the switch to digital television?
Analog has been used to transmit TV signals since the medium was invented. Legislation passed by Congress in 2005 requires that all TV stations in the U.S. convert their broadcast signals from analog to digital by February 17, 2009. More than 90 percent of all U.S. stations, including KPTS, already broadcast a digital signal.

How will this affect me?
--If you watch an older analog-only TV and use an antenna or rabbit ears to receive over-the-air signals, you will need to make a change to continue watching television after February 17, 2009.
--If you already have a TV with a digital tuner, or have cable or satellite service, your television reception will continue uninterrupted.

How do I tell if my TV set is analog or digital?
If your TV is several years old, most likely it is not digital. If you’re in doubt, check your owner’s manual to see if it mentions a digital tuner, or look on the set for an indication of an ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) or QAM tuner. If it has one, your set can process a digital signal, and you’ve already made the digital switch. You can also check the manufacturer’s website for full details about your particular model. If there’s no mention of digital or QAM or ATSC, then you have an analog set, and you have a switch to make.

What should I do to continue to get my favorite KPTS programs?
For many KPTS viewers, there is a simple and inexpensive solution to make the switch. A one-time purchase of a set-top DTV converter box will allow your analog TV to properly display an incoming digital broadcast.

What is a DTV converter box?
A DTV converter box is an easy-to-install electronic device that hooks up to your analog television set and over-the-air antenna. The box converts the digital television signal into analog making it viewable on your analog TV. After a simple initial setup, your viewing will continue just as before, except you’ll have three KPTS channels instead of one. Converter boxes are expected to cost between $50 and $70. The government is currently offering $40 rebate coupons to all households bringing the actual cost to $30 or less.

When can I get a coupon for a DTV converter box?
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will issue coupons for DTV converter boxes.

Households will be able to apply for up to two coupons, valued at $40 each, which must be redeemed within three months of receipt. For more information about the coupon program, visit www.dtv2009.gov.  These coupons can only be used towards the purchase of converter boxes. The number of rebates will be limited, so apply now.

Do I have to buy a new TV?
No. If you buy a set-top converter box to work with your analog TV, there’s no need to buy a new TV unless you choose to.

What if I decide to buy a new TV?
If you want to upgrade to a new TV set, you’ll need to choose between simple digital TV (standard-definition) and high-definition TV (with a superior picture). Although prices are coming down, high-definition TV’s will always be more expensive than simple digital sets. As long as you buy a digital TV with an ATSC or QAM digital tuner, you will be making the switch properly.

Is KPTS changing its broadcasts?
KPTS has been broadcasting digital channels for several years, including KPTS HD (8.1) KPTS DT2 (8.2), and KPTS Create (8.3). These three digital channels offer our audience expanded program options and viewing times. You’ll have three KPTS choices every time you turn on your TV!

Why is this switch necessary?  Is digital really better?
There are many advantages to an all-digital broadcast system. Digital television (DTV) allows multiple programs to be broadcast simultaneously within the same bandwidth previously used for a single analog program. (Imagine a congested two-lane road that overnight could carry four times the traffic, without congestion!) This means KPTS will be able to offer more channels, programs, schedule choices and variety to all our viewers. Digital picture quality, sound and reception are usually superior; signals are less prone to interference and reception problems; and the picture is free of snow and “ghost” images. DTV will enable stations to transmit additional data services, including significantly improved closed captioning. Bandwidth will also be freed up for use by public agencies and emergency first responders.

What’s the difference between high-definition TV and digital TV?
High-definition television (HDTV) displays the highest quality digital TV picture. While a standard digital picture consists of 480 horizontal lines on the screen, full HD uses 1,080 lines to compose a much more precisely tuned and beautifully detailed TV picture. (Think of the difference between newspaper photos and those in a glossy magazine.) An HD signal also includes Dolby digital surround sound, which offers a superior sound experience as well. The 2009 switch is merely from analog to digital, however. Going all the way to HD is entirely optional.

Will my current cable or digital service continue to work?
You should be able to continue watching your existing TV with your current cable or satellite service, though some services may require the addition of, or a change in, your set-top box. Cable and satellite systems may not provide all KPTS channels; check with your service provider to find out their plans and the details.

Will my antenna work with digital signals?
If your antenna provides a good incoming signal now, it should continue to work with a digital signal. You’ll still need to add a converter box or invest in a digital TV.

Will my existing VCR, DVD player and/or camcorder continue to work?
They should continue to function properly in analog with your converter, and in standard-definition digital, but if you’re recording from high-definition digital, the resulting copy will only be in standard definition. Very few VCRs have digital tuners, so if you now use a VCR to receive your signal, you will probably still need to use a set top converter box. To be sure, check the manual for your device, or contact the manufacturer or the place of purchase.

Consumer Reports has prepared a wealth of information regarding the upcoming digital convergance.  Click on the link below to visit their site.

Click on the link below to view a short video clip prepared by ConsumerReports.org explaining your viewing options.

Your choices in digital TV

KPTS broadcasts three program services on four channels:

KPTS Analog is the same Channel 8 you have watched for more than 35 years.

KPTS-HD1 is the main KPTS signal with many program savailable in high defination.

KPTS-DT2 offers PBS national programs scheduled several hours later than KPTS HD1.
Newshour with Jim Lehrer airs at 9:00pm.
The PBS primetime schedule airs from 10:00pm to 1:00am.
The PBS Kids' schedule is entirely different from the KPTS regular schedule.

KPTS-DT3 offers "Create" which delivers your favorite how-to shows on cooking, home repair, gardening and travel. Create features many programs that don’t appear in the regular KPTS schedule, such as Rick Steves’ Europe, Chefs of Napa Valley, Wine, Food and Friends, and P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home.

You must have a digital receiver to watch the KPTS-DT signals unless you subscribe also to a cable or satellite service that carries the KPTS digital channels. For more information regarding these, check the TV Listings page.

For information about tuning in to our digital channels please email us or call KPTS at 316-838-3090, Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm.