HDTV

Digital Television (DTV) is a relatively new technology that continues to develop a variety of new or enhanced services for the public.  In 2009, our current analog broadcasting system will be replaced entirely by DTV.  For the immediate future, broadcasters like KPBS are operating dual digital/analog systems, and most viewers are still watching the analog signals, using antennas or cable TV.  DTV may be used to broadcast multiple programs simultaneously; to transmit data; and to provide High Definition programming (HDTV).

KPBS has elected to concentrate our DTV efforts on HDTV.  While we believe that multiple program streams and data transmission may be valued services in the future, almost all consumers who are currently acquiring DTV capable televisions are primarily interested in the greatly enhanced picture and sound quality offered by HDTV.  KPBS broadcasts HDTV 24 hours a day on our DTV channel.  Our HDTV schedule includes many PBS programs as well as programs we acquire from other sources. The complete program schedule is on this web page.

In order to receive any HDTV programming you need a television or monitor capable of displaying the enhanced picture, and either a DTV tuner (built in to the TV or in a separate box) or a cable TV or satellite set top box with the correct HDTV compatible output.  Local HDTV programming can be received using an antenna, located either outdoors or indoors, depending on your location; or (for an extra fee) through Cox or Time Warner cable systems in the San Diego area.  Local HDTV programming, such as that from KPBS, is not available on small dish satellite systems such as DirecTV and Echostar, although those services do offer some other HDTV programming options.

In addition to HDTV, we also offer an additional digital channel titled Create.  This channel offers many public television programs designed for lifelong learning, including cooking, crafts and “how-to” programs.  Programs are offered on Create in a six-hour block that repeats four times each 24 hours.  Over time we’ll add other public television programs to the digital channel to replace some of the repeated Create programming. 

For more information about DTV, HDTV and our programming options, please take a few minutes to explore this web site, and also the information at the various links we have provided.  If you have HDTV in your home, please click here to be added to our HDTV email list.  I hope you'll allow us to be in touch through email for several reasons.  First, we’ll send updates and announcements about special programs; second, we want to be able to give personal service in answering your questions or hearing your comments; and third, because the technology is new, we want to be able to ask all our viewers about reception issues.

Thanks for your interest in our HDTV programming.

- Doug Myrland, General Manager, KPBS-FM/TV

View the KPBS HDTV schedule»