KCRG’s primary digital television signal can currently be found on digital over-the-air channel 52-1 (most ATSC tuners automatically remap the channel to appear as virtual channel 9-1).  Local 9.2 KCRG can be found on digital over-the-air channel 52-2 (again most ATSC tuners automatically remap the channel to appear as virtual channel 9-2). 

After February 17, 2009, KCRG’s digital signal will be taking the place of our analog signal on VHF channel 9. 

Key points to consider:
Is the Antenna pointed correctly? – Our digital signals originate from our primary transmission tower near Walker Iowa (not downtown Cedar Rapids).

Online resources such as www.antennaweb.org or www.tvfool.com are helpful in determining what signals you may be able to receive and what direction your antenna should be pointing to receive them.

Is the antenna capable of receiving digital television signals? – Currently available local digital television signals are UHF signals.  (after the digital transition KCRG will switch our digital signal to VHF channel 9).  In general a roof mounted antenna is the best option for maximizing signal reception.  Depending on your location, you may be able to get away with mounting the antenna in an attic.  Keep in mind that the signal strength you receive with an attic mounted antenna may be up to 50% lower than an outdoor mounted antenna because the signal has to go through shingles, sheathing and other building materials.

We don’t recommend round Omni directional antennas, stick/bar antennas or antennas that clip on the back of satellite dishes as our experience has been that they perform poorly in most locations.

When writing to us to inquire about your particular reception difficulties it is helpful to include as much detail as possible about your DTV equipment, antenna installation and the nature of the problem.  Contact us at DTV@kcrg.com.

Cable  

KCRG’s digital channels are also available on many of the Mediacom cable systems serving Eastern Iowa (check with your local system for specific channel assignments and availability).  In general, Mediacom digital cable subscribers will find Local 9.2 KCRG on Mediacom digital cable channel 109.  KCRG’s primary digital channel which includes any available ABC High Definition programming can be seen on Mediacom channel 809 by subscribers that have an HD set-top box or integrated cable compatible HDTV tuner.

Satellite

Local digital television signals are not yet being offered by Dish Network in Eastern Iowa.  DirecTV does carry some of the local digital television signals, but has yet to pickup KCRG’s digital signal.  KCRG’s analog signal IS available via both provider’s local-into-local packages.

Comments and questions may be directed to DTV@kcrg.com.

What programs are available in high definition (HD)? 
KCRG currently passes through any high definition programming that ABC Television Network provides.  This includes most primetime series, movies and select sports events.  Programs available in High Definition are noted with a red HD in our on-line schedule information – click here to access the full schedule: http://www.kcrg.com/programs ).   Look for more and more programs to make the switch to HD in the near future. 

What is the digital TV (DTV) transition?
The switch from analog to digital broadcast television is referred to as the Digital Television (DTV) Transition.  In 1996, Congress authorized the allocation of an additional (digital) broadcast channel to each  TV station in the country so that they could start a digital broadcast channel while simultaneously continuing their analog broadcast channel. Later, Congress mandated that February 17, 2009 would be the last day for full-power television stations to broadcast in analog. Most stations across the country have been broadcasting in both analog and digital for several years now. After February 17, 2009, full-power television stations will turn off their analog signals and broadcast in digital only.

Click on the “About the DTV Transition” tab above for a complete explanation of the transition and what you need to know to be prepared.

Will I need a special antenna to receive DTV over-the-air?
In general, dependable reception of over-the-air digital TV programming will require the same type of antenna that currently works to provide good quality reception of analog television. If you need a roof-top antenna to receive analog TV broadcasts, the same antenna generally will work to receive digital TV broadcasts. It’s important to make sure you have a properly oriented UHF/VHF combo antenna since after the transition, some digital over-the-air signals will be VHF signals and some will be UHF.  You should not have to purchase new antennas that are marketed as “digital ready” or “HD ready.”  Click on “DTV Reception Tips” on the right side of the page for more information.

My cable operator offers a digital cable package. Is this the same as HDTV?
No. Digital cable and high definition programming on cable are not the same. To watch HDTV programming on cable, you will need to subscribe to your cable provider’s HDTV package and view the programming on an HDTV set.  Not all cable providers carry local broadcaster’s HDTV signals.  Check with your cable provider to find out what kinds of programming you can receive, and what equipment you need to receive it.

My radio currently receives audio from TV channels. Will it work after February 17, 2009?
Radios that are designed to tune the audio portion of analog TV broadcasts are not capable of receiving the audio portion of digital TV broadcasts. So, after February 17th, 2009 they will not work to listen to television audio.  You may wish to consider obtaining new portable digital televisions or radios that can receive the audio portion of digital television broadcasts as they become available on the market.

What about my portable, battery-powered analog television? Will I be able to use it to watch broadcast television after February 17, 2009?
Your existing portable, battery-powered analog televisions will likely not be able to receive over-the-air programming after February 17, 2009 unless they are connected to to a digital-to-analog converter box. Because battery powered digital-to-analog converter boxes are not currently available, an external power source would also be required. An emergency power generator or portable power station device may be able to supply the necessary power for the converter box. Portable, battery-powered digital televisions are starting to come onto the market. If your portable television contains labels or markings with the words “Integrated Digital Tuner,” “Digital Tuner Built-In,” “Digital Receiver,” or “Digital Tuner,” “DTV,” “ATSC,” or “HDTV Built-In”, then you should be able to view digital over-the-air programming without the need for a digital-to-analog converter box. Please check with an electronics retailer for availability and further information on these products.

Comments and questions may be directed to DTV@kcrg.com.