It’s easy to see how this misconception took root.

Since most VHF TV slots are filled across the country, the only ones available for new digital transmissions were mostly UHF channels.

Remember, even though it appears that plenty of “space on the dial” exists between the local TV channels, you must factor in TV channels in adjacent markets, and also protection from adjacent channels. It’s a patchwork quilt of coverage that leaves most of the US without any available new VHF TV channels.

Due to necessity, most of the new digital TV assignments are on UHF. Some antenna manufacturers started labeling their UHF indoor antennas as “HDTV antennas” and a myth is born. Unknowing salespeople start selling them to new HDTV owners, telling them “that’s all you need”.

Well, you may need a VHF antenna, too.

Why?

It’s little known fact that TV stations have the option to “move” their digital transmission back to their original TV channel after the analog cut-off at midnight February 18, 2009.

If you want to “future-proof” your DTV installation you may need a VHF and a UHF, or a V/U combo antenna.

Please note: The following information is for broadcast digital television channels only! 

Also, the channels listed are the actual over-the-air RF broadcast TV channel used. Not the virtual channel displayed on your HDTV. (For example: KAKE-DT is broadcast on TV channel 21, but appears as 10.1 or 10-1) 

For the full-power stations of the KAKEland Television Network: 

Ø  KAKE-DT (Wichita) currently broadcasting on UHF-TV channel 21

Ø  KAKE-DT will “move back” to VHF-TV channel 10 at midnight 2/18/09

Ø  KUPK-DT (Garden City) currently broadcasting on UHF-TV channel 18

Ø  KUPK-DT will “move back”  to VHF-TV channel 13 at midnight 2/18/09

Ø  KLBY-DT (Colby) currently broadcasting on UHF-TV channel 17

Ø  KLBY-DT will remain on channel 17 on 2/18/09

According to the FCC as of 8/14/07, here are the current and final digital assignments for some other full-power stations across Kansas. This is not a complete list. To verify this information, please contact the stations listed.

South Central Kansas: 

KMTW-DT (MyTV): Now on UHF-TV channel 35, will remain

KPTS-DT (PBS): Now on UHF-TV channel 29, will move back to VHF-TV channel 8 on 2/18/09

KSAS-DT (Fox): Now on UHF-TV channel 26, will remain

KSCW-DT (CW): Now on UHF-TV channel 31, will remain

KSNW-DT (NBC): Now on UHF-TV channel 45, will remain

KWCH-DT (CBS): Now on UHF-TV channel 19, will move back to VHF-TV channel 12 on 2/18/09

Southwest Kansas: 

KBSD (CBS): Now on VHF-TV channel 5, will move back to VHF-TV channel 6 on 2/18/09

KDCK (PBS): Now on UHF-TV channel 21, will remain

KSNG (NBC): Now on UHF-TV channel 16, move back to VHF-TV channel 11 on 2/18/09

KSWK (PBS): Now on VHF-TV channel 8, will remain

Northwest Kansas: 

KBSL (CBS): Now on UHF-TV channel 14, move back to VHF-TV channel 10 on 2/18/09

KSNK (NBC): Now on VHF-TV channel 12, will remain

North Central Kansas: 

KBSH (CBS): Now on UHF-TV channel 20, move back to VHF-TV channel 7 on 2/18/09

KOOD (PBS): Now on UHF-TV channel 16, will remain

KSNC (NBC): Now on UHF-TV channel 22, will remain