New Translator Boosts Signal and Restores Service to Thousands

Thousands of viewers in South Central Kansas who lost the ability to receive KPTS Channel 8 during the transition to digital TV can once again receive public television programming via over-the-air broadcast on digital TVs or with digital-to-analog converter boxes.

Construction of a new translator north of Wichita in Park City has been completed delivering a stronger signal to Wichita and other South Central Kansas communities. The translator enhances access to KPTS 8.1 – the main PBS channel, KPTS 8.2 – Explore and KPTS 8.3 –Create.

When the digital transition mandated by the federal government was completed in 2009, some 34,000 households in South Central Kansas that rely on an over-the-air signal lost access to KPTS programming. The digital signal covers a smaller area compared to the old analogue signal. The primary KPTS transmitter is located east of Hutchinson. It operates at lower power and utilizes a shorter tower than most of the other local television stations.

To receive the KPTS signal, viewers will still need to rescan their converter boxes and digital TVs. In many cases, television receivers will register duplicates of all three KPTS channels. Viewers will simply need to choose the strongest signal.

Those using cable or satellite service will not be affected and should not rescan.

KPTS is the local PBS affiliate, licensed to Hutchinson, with studios and offices in Wichita. The station serves all of South Central Kansas.