Follow the journey

The FCC mandated in 1996 that all TV stations convert to digital broadcasting by May 2003. The total cost for KAET was a staggering $4.5 million, and included new cameras, a new transmitter, new digital recorders and miles of new digital cable. Without the special contributions from thousands of members, matched by an Arizona family foundation and by a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, KAET would literally have begun phasing out our broadcasting next year. Instead, we were able to buy the required new equipment, launch our first high-definition digital broadcast of Over Arizona, and, just this year, acquire a new emergency power generator for our South Mountain transmitter site. The point of all this technology, of course, is to bring you music, history, nature, drama and news that is more engaging, more entertaining, more informative and more interactive than ever before. Our future is more exciting because of this remarkable new technology, but the biggest benefit to you and the community will come the day Channel 8 can create stimulating, thought-provoking, original programs in full high-definition richness. That day is fast approaching, and that brings us to the next step in our technology journey… . . . Adding to KAET a state-of-the-art high-definition editing system capable of creating breathtaking new programs about Arizona and the Southwest. Channel 8 engineers have once again done their homework well, locating a high-definition Digital Editing System that will allow us to bring you the best pictures and soundtracks possible. As a member, you'll be pleased to know that this new system also allows huge cuts in the amount of time and material required to edit a program. As you may know, it is in the editing that creative genius comes alive, honing in on an idea, capturing a memorable moment in nature or in art. Viewers are often surprised to know that for every hour you enjoy of an Arizona Collection program, hundreds of hours must be filmed. Turning those hundreds of hours into a single powerful, enjoyable program requires skill, talent - and the right equipment! Your special contribution will go straight to a fund for our digital future. Back to the top

FCC mandates Digital TV conversion 1996   New High-Definition cameras 1999   New digital transmitter Jan.-Mar. 2001 1st High-Definition broadcast April 17, 2001   Emergency power generator 2002