Digital television is a broadcasting technology that delivers high-quality images and sound as well as high definition television (HDTV) to those with HD television sets. KIRO began transmitting its digital signal on October 15, 1999 and currently continues to transmit its analog signal.

On June 12, 2009, KIRO, and all television stations nationwide, are required to stop the old method of transmitting TV signals (analog) and transmit only digital signals.

To continue to receive KIRO and other stations after June 12, 2009, consumers with older analog television sets who don’t subscribe to a cable or satellite television service provider must take a few steps to ensure they are able to receive a digital signal or they will risk losing television reception.

Consumers who own televisions with built-in digital tuners or those who already subscribe to cable or satellite television service provider will be able to receive digital television (DTV) signals on their existing television sets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Television

What is digital television?
What is high definition television?
Will consumers be able to watch DTV on their existing sets?
How do I get a converter box?
How do I switch to DTV?
When will the DTV transition happen?
What are the benefits of DTV?
What about my VCR, DVD player and camcorder? Will I be able to use them with an DTV set?

What is digital television?

In December 1996, the FCC approved the U.S. standard for a new era of television - digital television. In a digital system, images and sounds are captured using the same digital code found in computers. Digital television makes possible high definition television (HDTV). KIRO began transmitting its digital signal on October 15, 1999 allowing the station to provide dramatically clearer pictures and better sound quality to consumers with HD sets.

DTV is more efficient and more flexible than the traditional broadcast technology known as analog. For example, DTV makes it possible for stations to broadcast multiple channels of free programming simultaneously (called multicasting), instead of broadcasting only one channel at a time. DTV technology can also be used to provide future interactive video and data services that are not possible with analog technology.

What is high definition television?

Digital television allows stations to broadcast programs in twice the resolution and clarity of standard television. This is called high definition television or HDTV. Viewers with HD television sets are able to receive high-quality, crystal clear pictures on their televisions displayed in a wide screen format with CD-quality sound.

Will consumers be able to watch DTV on their existing sets?

Consumers will be able to watch DTV on their existing sets if they do one of the following:

a) Already have a television with a built-in digital tuner.

Most sets sold in the last few years that are larger than 27 inches will likely have a digital tuner. To check whether your TV set can receive over-the-air digital broadcast signals, take a look at your owner's manual or look on the set for an indication that it has a built-in Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) tuner. You can also go to the manufacturer's Web site and check the capabilities of the set by manufacturer model number.

b) Purchase a DTV converter box that will convert the digital signal into analog.

The DTV converter box, sometimes referred to as a set-top box, is an electronic device that makes the new digital signal viewable on an older “analog” television set. DTV converter boxes are currently available for about $250, but are expected to be priced between $50 and $70 by early 2008. To help consumers cover the cost of the converter box, the federal government will offer up to two converter box coupons valued at $40 each to households beginning in early 2008. Each coupon may be used toward the purchase of a single DTV converter box and the coupon program will be administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) www.ntia.doc.gov.

You will still need an over-the-air antenna in addition to the converter box to receive a digital signal on your analog television set. Your current antenna should work the same as before.

c) Subscribe to cable or satellite television service provider

All of these services will allow you to receive digital television signals on your analog television set. No additional equipment is required if you decide to go this route. However, be sure to check that the pay service you choose carries all of the program services provided by the local broadcast stations.

How do I get a converter box?

When will the DTV transition happen?

On June 12, 2009, KIRO, and all television stations nationwide, are required to stop the old method of transmitting TV signals (analog) and transmit only digital signals. How do I switch to DTV?

What are the benefits of DTV?
Wider Format:
HDTV screens are about one-third wider than existing TV screens. They have similar dimensions to movie screens. HDTV screens closely match the peripheral vision range of the human eye, making it more natural to watch.
Higher Quality Picture and Sound:
HDTV uses the same amount of bandwidth (six megahertz) as used in the current analog system, but HDTV can transmit more than six times the information as the analog system. This translates to higher quality in picture and sound.
Higher Resolution:
Currently, television pictures are made up of 525 lines that are scanned horizontally. HDTV pictures are created by scanning 1,080 lines. Adding twice the amount of lines multiplies the amount of pixels (the small dots that create the picture). Current sets have about 300,000 pixels, while the HDTV screen is composed of more than 2 million pixels. Having more pixels on your screen will also improve the sharpness of your pictures, allowing you to read on your television screen small text commonly found on computers.
True Surround Sound:
Complimenting the lifelike pictures are 5.1 channels of CD-quality digital audio. Current stereo TV sets offer only two channels of audio. HDTV delivers true surround sound: front speakers on the right, center and left, along with two back speakers and a sub-woofer.
Strong Signals Always:
The days of static and ghosts on your TV set are over. The digital signal will also strengthen signal quality, meaning the signal will be just as brilliantly clear and sharp 65 miles away as it is at the tower. If you can receive our digital signal at all, you will always get studio-quality video and audio.
Interactive Possibilities:
Thanks to digital broadcasting, we can also broadcast data (datacasting), which will revolutionize the way you communicate, entertain yourself and live your life. We will be able to marry the convenience of television with the power and freedom of the Internet. Datacasting will make truly interactive TV possible, empowering the viewer to make television-viewing an incredible experience.
More Than One Channel (Multicasting):
We can also squeeze in more than one "channel" of television or data into our digital TV channel. In special circumstances, we can choose to send multiple channels of high-definition TV and a channel of data at the same time. In severe weather, we can send regular programming over one channel and weather information over the other channels. During sporting events, such as the NCAA Basketball Tournament, we can broadcast more than one game at the same time, giving you the choice of which game to watch.

What about my VCR, DVD player and camcorder? Will I be able to use them with an DTV set?

Yes, your existing VCR, DVD player and camcorder will still work with a digital television set, but not in high definition. Their video will be displayed in the maximum resolution that is available with each product.