Q: What are the new channel numbers after the digital transition? How do I tune them in, by punching in “9” or “9.1” for KUSA? And is there a difference in channel numbers if I’m using a small digital TV with rabbit ears or one with a Comcast cable feed? — Steve Pacetti, Lakewood
A: The single most confusing aspect of the switch to all- digital broadcasting, in effect nationwide since Friday, has been the switch of channel assignments for stations that for decades have been identified by their dial location.
So now, not only are channels each in a new spot — most changed from low-number VHF locations to the higher UHF dial, though some kept their former designation — they also have a “.1” extension after the number.
The extension is to designate the main and subchannels each station now has in the digital world. That means KWGN- Channel 2, Colorado’s oldest, is now at UHF channel 34.
Confused yet? Wait, there’s more.
Your converter box, though tuned to 34, will instead display “2.1” because the station is transmitting additional information in its signal that tells the box to display it as such.
How to tune in depends on the converter-box unit — not your television, which should now be set to channel 3, much like a VCR setup works. Most boxes require you to punch in the station number and subchannel designation. Some remote controls will have the “.” as well. Check your manual to see which you have.
All bets are off if your television is connected to cable or satellite. For regular cable subscribers, the standard channel numbers will remain, so 2 is still 2 and 9 is still 9. The difference is in the subchannels.
Subchannel assignments for Comcast are not available to regular cable viewers but instead are a digital-tier option located at a different channel designation. So, on Comcast, KUSA-Channel 9.1 is located at channel 9, but 9.2 and 9.3, the weather and sports subchannels, are at 249 and 250, respectively.
And Channel 9’s high-definition broadcast via Comcast is at channel 653.
Here are the lineup-designation changes in Denver:
KWGN-Channel 2: 34
KCNC-Channel 4: 35
KRMA-Channel 6: 18
KMGH-Channel 7: 7
KUSA-Channel 9: 9
KBDI-Channel 12: 13
KTVD-Channel 20: 19
KDVR-Channel 31: 32
KRMT-Channel 41: 40
KCEC-Channel 50: 51
KPXC-Channel 59: 43
