Digital Television in St. Louis
By Terri Gates, KETC
In February 2009, television broadcasting will undergo the most significant change in its history—shutting off the analog signals used since television began and switching only to digital signals. As the analog shutdown approaches, many people have questions about what this change will mean for them. KETC/Channel 9 has compiled a number of
resources to help understand digital television (DTV). You can download the KETC
DTV, What You Need to Know brochure. You can also call the KETC DTV telephone help line at (314) 512-9617.
Beginning in September, OASIS will offer DTV information sessions for community members who would like to learn more about TV’s upcoming transition from analog to digital. Learn the basics of DTV, see a hands-on demonstration of how to install a converter box, and ask specific questions about how the transition will affect you.
The sessions will be led by a Channel 9 staff member, Angela Smith, whom has assisted the KETC viewing community with the digital transition since February 2008. Call OASIS at (314) 539-4555 to register or for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions About the DTV Transition:
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. Rabbit ears or a conventional VHF antenna will not work well or at all with digital television. You need a UHF antenna. Be aware, though, that the type of UHF antenna you need depends on where you live. Television signals come from transmitter towers, and the towers for
St. Louis stations are scattered over a broad area. The type of antenna you need depends on where you live in relation to the towers. The biggest and most sophisticated directional antenna on the market may not work if what you need is a small, multidirectional antenna.
For more information on ensuring you have the equipment needed for the digital transition, please visit the following sites:
How can I get a low cost converter box?
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
Analog-to-Digital Converter Box Coupon Program. You can also download the
brochure and/or
fact sheet from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
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.