February 25, 2016
KKSU-TV is now broadcasting in high definition
Kansas State University's over-the-air broadcast television station, KKSU-LD, began digital broadcast operations at 11:15 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18. This is a major upgrade from the analog signal previously provided by KKSU-LP.
Now broadcasting a digital signal on channel 21, or channel 8 on Cox Cable, the KKSU-LD coverage area and signal quality will greatly improve with the FCC allowing increased power from peak power of 440 watts to an average of 3.37 kilowatts power. Viewers living within 10 miles of Manhattan should have no problem receiving KKSU-LD.
"We're excited to provide high-definition picture and audio quality along with a greatly expanded coverage area to the university, Manhattan and surrounding communities," said Robert Nelson, chief operator and director of video and engineering services at the Division of Communications and Marketing at K-State. "This new digital transmission system will extend our viewing area well beyond the Manhattan city limits, and those with an outdoor antenna should be able to view KKSU-LD as far away as Fort Riley and Wamego."
Funding for the transmitter upgrade was provided by the Large Equipment Purchase grant through the College of Arts & Sciences. Tom Hallaq, assistant professor in the A.Q. Miller School of Journalism and Mass Communications wrote the grant proposal that was awarded in the spring of 2014.
"We are very grateful to the dean's office for providing this funding. The television station is an important outlet for student broadcasting at K-State and provides valuable coverage for the city of Manhattan, Riley and Pottawatomie Counties and the surrounding area. This upgrade will enhance the service we can provide to our broadcast community," Hallaq said.
KKSU-LD will continue to air Classic Arts Showcase programming, as well as the student produced weekly newscast, Channel 8 News, and other student-created programming. The Division of Communications and Marketing also programs KKSU-LD and Cox Cable Channel 8 with public university lectures and events.
"Viewers will need to remember to rescan the tuners in their televisions in order to receive the new digital signal," Nelson said.
Cox Cable subscribers in Manhattan, Ogden and Junction City will continue to receive KKSU-LD programming on Cox Channel 8. For more information about the digital transmission of KKSU-LD, contact Tom Hallaq at thallaq@gmail.com or 785-532-3908.