KHQ Right Now - News and Weather for Spokane and North Idaho | About Digital TV
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KHQ TV has ended analog broadcasting and has converted to full time DTV. KHQ's digital signal currently extends approximately 65 miles from Spokane. KHQ's application for a construction permit was granted by the FCC Oct. 2nd. The construction permit gives KHQ 18 months to install a new DTV antenna at the increased height of 828' and increase the output power from 424kWatts to 1000kWatts. KHQ has ordered the new antenna and transmitter upgrades and plans to complete the upgrades if weather allows. For more information call 1-888-CALL-FCC (TTY 1-888-TELL-FCC) or visit www.DTV.gov. KHQ on 87.7 FM KHQ Local News now on 790 AM KJRB Analog TV sets: If you subscribe to cable or satellite you wont see much of a change, your program provider will convert the digital signal to one your analog TV can display. If however you watch KHQ off the air, you'll need to take some simple steps to continue watching free over the air TV. Three upgrade options are available: Below are some common questions viewers are asking: The new signal uses digital technology to deliver superior video and audio to our viewers, including High Definition Television (HDTV) programming. DTV can also offer multicasting, or more then one channel. For example, KHQ offers HDTV programming on digital channel 6-1 while also offering SWX, Sports & Weather Right Now on 6-2 and Universal Sports on 6-3. All are available free over-the-air. 2. Will I have to buy a new TV set? No, with a digital to analog converter box you can continue to watch your current TV. If, however, you want to enjoy the improved quality of Digital Television (DTV) & High Definition Television (HDTV) you should consider upgrading to a HDTV with a built-in digital tuner. 3. Will my current analog TV continue to work? Yes, for watching your VCR and DVD, but without a simple upgrade you will not be able to watch free over-the-air digital programming. 4. Where can I get a DTV converter box? Converter boxes are now available at most major electronics stores and on-line. 5. And how much do the converter boxes cost? DTV converter boxes are available at most electronics stores and on-line in the $50 - $75 range. The federal government has made $40 coupons available good towards the purchase of approved DTV converter boxes. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) manages the DTV coupon program. Families are eligible to request up to two coupons. For more information about the converter box coupon program, click HERE. 6. What kind of antenna do I need? KHQ has moved to channel 15 of the UHF band (channel 18 in Coeur d'Alene, ID). For best reception a dual band, outdoor VHF/ UHF antenna is recommended. Conditions such as poor line-of-sight, mountainous terrain and moisture can degrade the UHF signal. If an indoor antenna is used, home construction materials such as metal siding or roofing can also degrade the signal. Check here for more antenna information: http://www.dtv.gov/fixreception.html 7. I have a converter box or DTV, but I'm not receiving KHQ Confirm that you have a dual band VHF / UHF antenna correctly installed and connected to your TV and that it is aimed towards Tower Mountain southeast of downtown Spokane. Try rescanning for DTV channels. Press the menu button on your TV's remote and follow the directions for Auto-Tune or Set-up. Click HERE for a DTV reception map and a list of DTV channels you should be able to receive. If you have been watching KHQ on one of the many outlying translators try discounting the DTV converter box and selecting the analog translator channel you've always watched. Most translators are still analog. 8. How often should I rescan for DTV channels? As more DTV channels are scheduled to begin broadcasting it is a good idea to periodically rescan your DTV or DTV converter box. This will insure you are receiving all available channels. 9. Will I be able to use my VCR, DVD or Camcorder with a DTV set? Yes. Most DTV's have inputs for these devices. 10. How do I know whether I have an analog or digital TV set? 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. 11. Why is the change to DTV necessary? The Federal Government mandates this change. Digital television is more efficient than analog television and uses less of the broadcast spectrum. The analog turn-off will free up a portion of airwaves to provide wireless spectrum for emergency and future innovative services. 12. What's the difference between DTV and HDTV? DTV has two basic formats. SD (Standard Definition) pictures have detail similar to, or slightly better than today's analog television & HD (High Definition) is a digital format that provides high-quality widescreen pictures. The aspect ratio of HDTV pictures is 16:9 as opposed to today's 4:3 format. This is the most superior video picture available in digital TV. KHQ is broadcasting full time in DTV with much of our programming in High Definition, including all KHQ Local Newscasts, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and most of our prime time programming from NBC. *Information provided by Doug Miles, Production Manager at KHQ TV
The audio portion of KHQ's television signal, found for years at 87.7FM, is now off-the-air. For years this was the audio portion of KHQ's analog television signal. With the Federally mandated shutoff of our analog television signal, the associated TV audio on the low end of the FM dial has gone away.
KHQ Local News Today featuring Shelly Monahan, Dave Cotton, Sean Owsley, and George Maupin and KHQ Local News at 5 featuring Dan Kleckner and Stephanie Vigil will be simulcast every Monday through Friday on KJRB 790AM Radio.
Courtesy: CNETWASHINGTON - Coupons are now available to help those with older TV sets make the transition to digital television.>>INSIDE: Where to apply for coupon | About Digital TV More>>
As required by the federal government, KHQ ended analog broadcasting and converted to full-time DTV. If you have a question or concern about the transition to DTV, please let us know by filling out the form below.
