Digital Television

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I receive KNME's HD programs?

KNME's HD programs are broadcast on KNME-HD-35. You must have a digital television set with a digital tuner (set-topbox), a digital tuner for an older model (analog) set, or a tuner card for your home computer. With any of these, you'll also need an HD antenna.

See KNME's website at www.knmetv.org for program listings. KNME's viewer guide,Ventana, includes high definition highlights.

You mean I can't get the high definition schedule on the TV I've had for ten years or more?

The television industry is calling the technology that we've used for the last 60 years " analog." You can get KNME's digital or high definition signal on your old "analog " TV, if you purchase a digital receiver. Be aware that the picture will not be in high definition or even standard definition -- that will require a digital set.

Is Channel Five -- the channel we've watched for nearly 50 years -- going away?

The analog channel five is going away -- maybe as early as February 17, 2009, but KNME-HD 35 and KNMD 9 will continue to bring you the kinds of quality television programs you've come to expect for decades to come.

In December 1996, the Federal Communications Commission approved the U.S. standard for a new era of television -- digital television. In a digital system, images and sound are captured using the same digital code found in computers.

The digital revolution will not only dramatically improve the quality of the television picture, but also make possible the over-the-air delivery of several simultaneous services to viewers.

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What's the difference between high definition television (HDTV) and digital television (DTV)?

In America, all High Definition Televisions are digital, but not all Digital Televisions are high definition. Digital sets can also be Standard Definition (SDTV). The term high definition is reserved for digital sets with a highest resolution.

I see the term "HD Ready" in advertisements. What does that mean?

A set, monitor, or receiver labeled HD Ready does not have a tuner. You'll need to purchase one, or rent the equipment from your cable or satellite provider.

Receivers labeled "Integrated Digital Televisions" have the tuner built in.

What does HD compatible mean?

See above.

What's the difference between a digital decoder, tuner or set-top box?

They are all terms for the same device.

What is an IRD?

An Integrated Receiver Decoder. A digital decoder, tuner or set-top box that is built into the set.

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Where should I shop for a digital or high definition television?

Your favorite appliance, department and discount stores all carry digital receivers now. When you go shopping for a digital television, you might want to consider the amount of service after the sale you'll require.

When shopping for a high definition or digital television, what questions should I ask the salesperson?

Find out if they have free set up and delivery. Take advantage of expert installation if it's available.

When talking about a specific model, ask if you'll need a tuner to receive a digital broadcast signal.

Many digital television systems are sold as separate components -- much like stereo record players when they were first introduced. Make sure you know what you are purchasing.

Where can I get a digital receiver -- also known as a decoder or set-top box?

Many appliance and electronics stores will carry them by late February/early March 2008. Prices continue to come down with costs now ranging from approximately $40 – $150 for a converter box.

PLEASE NOTE: For a limited time, the Federal Government is providing $40.00 discount coupons to purchase converter boxes from retailers. This plan is on a first-come, first served basis, and began Jan. 1, 2008. These coupons will be good for only 90 days. Please click on the following link for additional information and to request your coupon/s. Go to: www.DTV2009.gov

How come KNME-HD is 35 on some sets and 5 on others?

Some manufacturers chose to set their tuners to channel numbers that consumers are familiar with rather than the digital channel numbers assigned by the FCC.

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What's the difference between KNME-HD 35-1 and 35-2 (or 5-1 and 5-2)?

At the present time, the KNME-HD 35-1 (or 5-1) signal is digital and high definition programming; KNME-HD 35-2 or (5-2) is KNME's analog signal upconverted to digital. The upconverted signal is not high definition.

What's Channel 9?

Channel 9 is a frequency with primary service to Santa Fe. Currently, channel 9 carries two distinct program streams:

How come I don't get KNME High Definition on DISH Network or DIRECTV?

Only KNME analog is available on DISH Network or DIRECTV. That's because the "must carry" law for all stations only covers the analog signal. Some Customer Service representatives with DISH Network or DIRECTV may say that there is no KNME High Definition signal because KNME is not making it available to them. They are misinformed. DISH Network and DIRECTV may.

DISH Network and DIRECTV may carry whichever High Definition channels they want to. (KNME has inquired many times about being carried and the answer has always been "indeterminate".) The two satellite providers don't carry many of the local stations' High Definition signals. If a "must carry" every happens for High Definition, then they will have to carry KNME-HD.

What is PSIP?

It stands for Program System and Information Protocol. PSIP is used to manage the information stream. PSIP allows a television station like KNME to split its digital signal into two or more sub-channels, KNME-HD 35 1 & 2 for example. PSIP also makes it possible to include a viewer guide in its digital signal.

I've got a widescreen high definition television. How come I still have the black bars at the top and bottom of the picture?

Check your user's manual.

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I've got a widescreen high definition television. How come I get bars on either side of the picture when I watch some television shows?

These are 4 X 3 standard definition or upconverted analog programs. They are supposed to look that way on a widescreen set. Check your user's manual.

I've got a friend that watches KNME's digital television programs on her home computer. How does she do that?

A home computer becomes a digital television receiver with the installation of a tuner card and an antenna.

When calling KNME with questions about your high definition or digital television service be prepared to answer:

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© 2008 KNME Public Media

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