Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q. Is KWVT on cable?

A. KWVT is on Country Cable and Capitol Cable. If you have another provider, call your cable provider and ask them to add KWVT channel 17. We suggest that you be prepared to mention some of the programs you are interested in watching, especially our local programs!

 

Q. Will Comcast include Channel 17? ... Does Comcast have enough space to include it?
A. Comcast continues to say there isn't space on their system. Although our signal is available to them at no cost, it's not something that they see as a source of revenue either. Most likely they will not add KWVT unless there is a significant customer demand.

 

Q. I have cable. I still want to keep cable, but I want to see your station too. I tried connecting an antenna, but couldn’t get channel 17. Any suggestions?

A. Make sure it is a UHF antenna, then switch to the antenna and try tuning your TV to channel 68 (most TV’s will tune in to KWVT on channel 68 while set to cable mode). Otherwise you will need to consult the owners manual  for your TV to change from the cable mode to the “broadcast” or “antenna” mode. Install an A / B switch so you can switch between the antenna and cable input.

 

Q. What direction would I need to aim an antenna to get your station?

A. Channel 17 is transmitting from the Eagle Crest area of the West Salem hills. (Near the intersection of Eagle Crest Rd. and Orchard Heights Rd.)

 

Q. I can see your station, but my reception is poor. What can I do?

A. Install a better receive antenna. - note: In early spring 2008, we will install a new transmitter and antenna. KWVT will have 17 times more power, and a much wider coverage pattern.

 

Q. How can I find out what’s on your station?

A. KWVT is listed on several online listing services. Alternatively, we have a pdf file available by clicking here.

 

Q. Why should I put up an antenna?

A. As broadcasters move to digital television, over the air signals have the potential to offer quality far superior to cable or satellite.

 

Q. What happens when Analog Television broadcasting is replaced by Digital Television?

A. Since Low-Power TV stations are not yet required to switch to digital, we have not set a date for converting channel 17 to digital. However, we expect to have a new digital station on the air in just a few months in the Salem area.

 

Q. How many channels are available over the air?

A. Salem is in the coverage area of about 11 analog stations, and 9 digital (DTV) stations. Since digital multicasting allows stations to air more than one program you should expect to receive 20 or more digital program channels.

 

Q. Do we really need another station?

A. Yes, Salem needs a local television station. Being in the shadow of Portland, it is very difficult to get out the word about local events, community issues and local business resources.

 

Q. What about the Local Programming?

A. KWVT is a locally owned station, and it is our goal to provide a variety of quality local programs to generate wider interest in our station. For example, our local programs have included: Garden Time, Salem Stampede Basketball, Cascade Surge Soccer, a Jackson Rayne magic show, football games from high schools around the Willamette Valley, BAW Wrestling and Your Northwest Teen News. Other local programs are being developed.

 

Q. Albany-Lebanon-Corvallis don't have any local TV... You should consider raising your power or moving to Albany.

A. We will be raising our power on channel 17. We also have 2 applications for the Albany-Lebanon-Corvallis area - check back for more information.

 

Q. Why can’t I get your station in Portland?

A. It simply isn’t possible to adequately cover both Salem and Portland with one Low-Power TV station. If the opportunity becomes available, we will expand to Portland as well, but Portland already has several ‘cookie-cutter’ stations, and as we said before, Salem needs a local television station.

 

Submit your questions: info@kwvtsalem.com

 

 

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