SIGNAL TIPS & FAQS

Need some help with your antenna? Take a look at these tips from our engineers about receiving PBS12 channels over the air. Or check below for answers to some frequently asked questions about our signal.

For recent changes in Monument, Colorado Springs, Pueblo and further south, please see the 2nd FAQ below.

TIPS & TRICKS

location tip

Check our zip code locator to make sure you are within our over-the-air coverage area.

reception tips

If you live within our coverage area but are having problems receiving our signal, try the following tips:

Check all of your connections.
Make sure your antenna is VHF and UHF capable.
If you have more than one TV connected to a single antenna, try disconnecting all but one of them and then perform a full channel re-scan. If you are not able to acquire channel 12 and other available local channels, you may need to purchase an inexpensive RF or TV amplifier and place it in front of the splitter.
You may need to try different antenna locations in your home, including placement near a window, as high in a room as possible and/or away from other electronic equipment. If all of the above does not provide reception, you may want to use a rooftop antenna or upgrade an existing antenna to potentially provide better reception.

troubleshooting tips

If you are receiving our signal but it pixelates or has other problems, try these troubleshooting tips:

Adjust your antenna. Even a small shift of a few degrees can make a big difference.
Consider purchasing an inexpensive RF or TV amplifier.
Make sure your antenna connectors are in good condition. Sometimes it’s necessary to disconnect and re-reconnect both ends of the cable to remove oxidation. This is especially true for outdoor and attic antennas.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where is your main, over-the-air broadcast area?

PBS12 broadcasts its four digital channels from its main transmitter site on Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain (southwest of Evergreen) to the following areas:

Denver Metro
Northern Front Range (including Longmont, Greeley & Fort Collins)
Eastern and Northeastern Colorado

In these areas, the station’s permanent frequency is VHF Channel 13 – which a converter box or HDTV tuner will display as 12.1, 12.2, 12.3 and 12.4.

Can I get your four digital channels in the Colorado Springs / Pueblo area with my over-the-air antenna?

As of July 2024, PBS12 is moving from channels 17.1 and 17.2 to 12.1 and 12.2 in Colorado Springs and Pueblo. With these changes, we recommend an antenna at least 24″ in size to clearly pick up our signals.

Viewers in Monument, CO and further south will unfortunately no longer be able to watch 12.3 (DW) and 12.4 (NHK) over the air. But many programs are available to stream online.

Watch DW live on our website
Stream PBS12 live on our website, or on the free PBS App. If using the app on your phone, tablet or TV, just remember to choose PBS12 as your local station (when prompted) to see our live feed.

These changes only impact over-the-air viewers. Cable and streaming viewers will not be affected.

Can I get your four digital channels in Boulder with my over-the-air antenna?

Yes. Look for channels 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, and 12.4 on your converter box or HDTV tuner.

Do you broadcast in Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico?

As of July 2024, we are adding coverage in Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico, Here is where to find us:

KSBK-LD, Channel 28, Walsenburg, CO
K34GI-D, Channel 34, Trinidad, CO
K24IY-D, Channel 24, Raton, NM
K27MT-D, Channel 27, Romeo, CO; Alamosa, CO; Taos, NM

Can I get your four digital channels via cable?

This depends on where you live, and which cable company you subscribe to. Check our zip code locator to see which cable services and channels are available in your area.

Can I get your four digital channels via satellite?

This depends on where you live, and which satellite company you subscribe to. Check our zip code locator to see which satellite services and channels are available in your area.

I have basic analog service through Comcast. Why can’t I receive PBS12 anymore?

On January 4, 2011, PBS12 (formerly Colorado Public Television) moved from Comcast’s analog tier to its Xfinity TV service. With this shift, Comcast agreed to pick up PBS12 channels 12.2 and 12.3 (which had previously been unavailable), and extend our service area into mountain communities throughout Colorado. Unfortunately, this upgrade also meant that our primary channel would no longer be available on Comcast’s analog tier.

I have the “Digital Economy” package through Comcast Xfinity. Will I be able to see all four of your digital channels?

No. At this time you will only receive our primary channel, 12.1. To receive channels 12.2 (Comcast 251), 12.3 (Comcast 252) and 12.4 (Comcast 262), you will need to upgrade to the “digital starter” package or higher. Check with Comcast Xfinity for more information.

I subscribe to DirecTV and receive two channels, 12.1 and 12.2. Why doesn’t channel 12.2 match your published schedule?

Although DirecTV calls this channel 12.2, it is actually PBS12’s channel 12.3 (MHz Worldview). At this time, DirecTV does not carry our actual channel 12.2 (PBS12 Plus). Because of this anomaly, you should check the program schedule for channel 12.3 on our website, but watch the shows on DirecTV’s channel 12.2.

Why doesn’t my satellite company carry all four of your channels?

PBS12 continues to work with DirecTV and DISH Network to secure agreements so that each will carry all four of our digital channels. Please contact your satellite company and let them know of your interest!