What is Happening to my PBS SoCal Signal?
Don’t miss your favorite shows!
PBS SoCal is transitioning its over-the-air channel(s) from UHF channel 17 to VHF channel 9 in the Palm Springs/Desert region area. If you watch PBS SoCal using an antenna and notice a change in your signal, make sure you have a dual-band (UHF/VHF) digital antenna connected to your TV, and follow the few steps below to resolve the issue.
For more detailed instructions, see below. If you are a cable or satellite viewer, you do not need to follow these steps.
FAQ
I. Viewers Services Statement:
We are undergoing a change in our over-the-air channel(s) in the Palm Springs region. Starting November 20, 2023, we’ll be transitioning from UHF channel 17 to VHF channel 9. A channel rescan will be required. VHF Channel 9 is now carrying PBS SoCal content in the region and has been since early October.
We apologize for the inconvenience and we’re here to help. Our engineers have been working diligently for the past several months to prepare for the transition. If you are experiencing issues finding our new home for PBS SoCal in the Palm Springs/Desert Community region, please know that our streaming services are always available at pbssocal.org and on our free PBS App.
II. How can I find the new channel?
If you can’t find us when trying to tune in to PBS SoCal, we recommend running a channel scan or rescan (instructions below). A channel scan is a way to update channel information stored in the receiver of your television. Rescans are necessary in cases like this when we transition our channel from one channel to another.
RESCAN PROCESS (takes about 5-15 minutes):
While each television is a little different, here are the basic steps to take to rescan available channels on your TV to ensure you are still receiving PBS SoCal:
- Make sure you have a dual-band (UHF/VHF) digital antenna connected to your TV
- Select the MENU button on your television’s remote control
- Select “Channel Setup” (or similar option)
- Select “Antenna” and/or “Air”
- Select “New Scan” (or similar option like "auto-tune,” "channel search," or "auto-program")
III. What can I do if the rescan doesn't work?
Viewers may also find that fine tuning their antenna may allow them to receive new channels they might not have been able to receive in the past. It may require possibly purchasing a new antenna that is capable of receiving both UHF and VHF signals.
AntennaWeb.org is a service that we would recommend to determine what antenna might be appropriate for receiving both the VHF and UHF signals.
IV. Why is this transition of channels happening?
The PBS SoCal channel transition on 11/20 is taking place because we are moving to a new channel that will allow us to be self-owned and operated. The transition also provides us an avenue to leverage the technology afforded by Next Gen TV.
V. When will the transition happen?
The last day of broadcast on UHF Channel 17 will be November 20, 2023. In anticipation of this change, we have made VHF Channel 9 operational and available to all viewers in the region since the first of October. VHF Channel 9 is currently broadcasting PBS SoCal content and will do so going forward in the region.
VI. Who is affected?
The Palm Springs/Desert communities included are Morongo to the north and the Salton Sea Area/Coachella Valley to the South. All those viewers who use satellite or cable services in the Palm Springs area to watch PBS SoCal programming will be unaffected.