Digital Television (DTV) User Guide

In addition to its Friday afternoon airings on ION Television and weekend airings on NBC and Telemundo, qubo is now available on the ION Television family of digital broadcast (DTV) stations across the country. DTV is an emerging television technology that allows qubo to be seen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have put together the following information to help you learn how you can watch qubo any time of day using the new DTV/HDTV sets or traditional "analog" sets.

What is digital television (DTV)?
Digital television (DTV) is a new type of broadcasting technology that will transform television as we now know it. By transmitting the information used to make a TV picture and sound as "data bits" (like a computer), a digital broadcaster can carry more information than is currently possible with analog broadcast technology. The technology allows the transmission of several "standard definition" TV programs at once (called "multicasting."). Multicasting is the technology that allows qubo to be seen 24 hours a day on DTV Stations across the nation. The pictures are similar in clarity and detail to the best TV pictures being received and displayed today using the current analog broadcast system.

How is DTV different than the current television system ("analog") that's been in use for over 50 years?
DTV allows a number of new and better services. Broadcasters can offer far higher picture and sound quality than exists with existing "analog" technology. They can also offer several different TV programs at the same time. In addition, broadcasters can simultaneously transmit a variety of other information through a data bitstream to both enhance the TV programming and to provide entirely new services.

Is DTV the same as HDTV (High Definition Television)?
HDTV is one way DTV is being used. DTV also covers multicasting and datacasting. HDTV falls under the DTV umbrella.

Why are we switching to DTV?
DTV is a more flexible and efficient technology than the current "analog" system. For example, rather than being limited to providing one "analog" programming channel, a broadcaster will be able to provide a super sharp "high definition" (HDTV) program or multiple "standard definition" DTV programs simultaneously. Converting to DTV will also free up parts of the scarce and valuable broadcast airwaves. Those portions of the airwaves can then be used for other important services, such as advanced wireless and public safety services (such as police, fire departments, and rescue squads).

Will I need a new TV?
Not necessarily. You can purchase a DTV/HDTV receiver box and an antenna at a local electronics store (Best Buy, Circuit City, etc.) to receive DTV stations over the air for free. The receiver box will allow you to watch the DTV programming on your existing TV set. In general, the stronger the antenna you use, the more DTV stations you will be able to receive. However, by purchasing a new digital TV set you can take advantage of everything DTV has to offer (including High Definition television). For more detailed information on DTV Equipment, please visit our DTV "Quick Steps" page.

Are DTV Stations available through my cable company?
Some DTV Stations are carried by local cable systems. Each cable system is different in what they offer to subscribers, but they generally charge an extra fee to see the DTV Channels. If you'd like to see qubo on your cable or satellite system, please type your zip code in the request form on this page. Find your local operator and fill out the form. A request will be dispatched in your name to your local company. qubo appreciates your support!

If you'd like to learn more about digital television, please visit http://www.dtv.gov. For a handy consumer's guide to digital television, visit the following link provided by the Federal Communications Commission: http://dtv.gov/DTV_booklet.pdf