TV FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Here we provide answers to your frequently asked questions about KTEH TV.

What are the recent TV schedule changes and updates?

Current schedule information is always on the website so be sure to check our online television schedule pages for the most up-to-date information. If you are looking only for scheduling changes made since KTEH Preview went to press, check our schedule changes page.

I missed a show ... will it be repeated?

For a complete schedule of original and encore broadcasts for every program aired on KTEH just visit Programs A-Z for a complete listing. There, click on any of the linked program names to find a schedule of upcoming episodes and repeats, the option to sign up for email reminders, and a link to the official program site.

How do I order a video, book or related item for a program?

We have a fairly comprehensive alphabetical listing of program information available on the KQED website. As part of our recent merger with KQED, Audience Services is now handled through San Francisco so KTEH program information is being added to this central repository. The listing covers most shows broadcast on KQED from October 2000 and on KTEH from January 2007 through today. If you don't find your answer, please email tv@kqed.org for further assistance.

Where can I write/email specific programs?

Where can I view specific program Web sites?

Can I get a catalogue of all your tapes, books and other items?

There's no one general source (online or catalogue) for all KTEH programs, since they are acquired from many independent producers through many different ways. Most videos and other related items do not end up in any catalogue, but are still available through a variety of 800 and non-800 numbers. Information about the majority of our programs is in the Order Videos & Books / Where to Write section on KQED.org.

The following 4 catalogues each list some PBS programs on VHS, along with other non-video items the publishers think PBS viewers might enjoy:

PBS Home Video: 1.877.PBS.SHOP

Britannia Videos and Gifts 1.800.530.2225 (formerly Signals Catalogue)

Acorn: 1.888.870.8047

Video Collection: 1.800.538.5856

Why is the background music so loud in some of your programs? It's often louder than the actors speaking.

Most average home receivers have low fidelity speakers which accentuate the upper mid-ranges and highs. The human voice tends to be in the mid-audio range. The rest of the sound spectrum that helps keep these two components separate and distinct is lost. Add to this the fact that most producers and editors sit in edit bays outfitted with the very best sound systems, and they balance voice and music on their programs based on that high fidelity ability. In sets with better audio systems there are things that can help with audio in general. Stereo and digital sets with "surround sound" tend to enhance the low and high ranges (which is where the music is), and ignore or dampen the mid-range (which is where the voice usually is). Try switching from stereo to mono whenever there is such a problem, or switch off the "surround sound" (sometimes known as "enhanced") feature.

Why don't you ever show my favorite programs from years ago?

When KTEH acquires a program or series, we acquire broadcast rights only. Each contract for each show specifies two different windows of opportunity - the number of times we can broadcast the show, and the time frame in which those broadcasts can take place. The contract can run anything from a couple of days, to a couple of months, to several years. The most common "term" is for three years. After the term of broadcast expires, all the rights revert back to the producers and KTEH is no longer able to air it. The producers can then do whatever they want with the show -- retire it, sell it elsewhere, sell it to PBS stations again, etc. Often, the original contracts with participants in the program can limit future activities.

If your question does not appear above, please send it to us via email.