It seems like both coasts including PA(!), NJ, NY, and CA are covered. 5 languages of subtitling feature.
Now please do not ask me any questions as I know no more information than provided below. Technically, you needa over the air digital STB (set top box) which is called analog to digiatal converter. You may receive a $40 coupon from WWW.DTV2009.GOV


http://www.mbc24tv.com/html/dtv_en.asp

MBC America is planning to launch a free 24-hour over-the-air digital television (DTV) channel "MBCD" on both coasts of the US beginning August 1, 2008.

On August 1, LA-based MBC America is going to launch a 24-hour over-the-air digital television (DTV) channel "MBCD" simultaneously on both coasts of the United States. "MBCD" is the first Korean channel ever to be on-the-air around the clock and free of charge. Over ten millions home on the west and east coasts will be able to access MBCD through the channel 18.3.

What differentiates MBCD from other channels?

In order to stand out from the crowd, MBC America will be providing closed captioning in five different languages (English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese and Japanese). To celebrate the launching of our on-the-air DTV channel, we will be exclusively covering the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Korean. We will be airing in real-time the Korean athletes' matches as well as highlights from the most anticipated games.

On what channel can I view MBCD and in what areas will it be available?

Viewers on both coasts can view MBCD on channel 18.3. Not only will MBCD air popular TV dramas such as "Jewel in the Palace," "Damo," "Phoenix," and "Coffee Prince," but also entertaining variety programs like "Infinite Challenge" and "Golden Fishery" as well as the news and interesting HD documentaries like "The Yellow River," "Serengeti," and "Glacier." MBCD will air all the shows that viewers have been anticipating to watch again, thereby catering to the viewers' needs. On the west coast, MBCD will be available in Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura, Riverside and San Diego County. On the east coast, it will be available in upstate New York, areas of New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

What exactly is an over-the-air digital television (DTV) channel?

Digital TV (DTV) is an innovative new method in broadcasting that uses the same data bits as a computer and sends and receives moving images and sound through digital signals. DTV provides images of higher quality and enhanced sound, and it also allows for multicasting.

How can I watch TV after February 17, 2009?

According to the FCC, all television broadcasting stations must switch from analog television to digital television starting February 17, 2009. Viewers with digital television can already access the digital signals, but viewers with analog television sets must install a digital receiver (set-top box) separately.

What is a set-top box?

The DTV set-top box is a receiver installed on the analog television set and antenna that properly converts digital signals into analog signals. Currently, the government is providing two $40 rebate coupons that will allow two set-top boxes per family. If needed, please access the website WWW.DTV2009.GOV in order to request $40 rebate coupons that are redeemable within 90 days of your request. Please visit the MBCD website at WWW.MBC24TV.COM for further information in both Korean and English.

Thank you for your interest.

Interesting. I wonder how it will affect the contract MBC already has with TAN, which carries MBC World? "The Yellow River" is a fascinating documentary. Unfortunately, I only got to see bits and pieces of it when it was first aired. I hope MBC rebroadcasts.

Woohoo! Sounds good to me. I will be getting a converter box for my moms TV in her bedroom and my old TV that I have in the basement so that should work.

MBC was the one station that I currently did not get any programming from...except the dramas that used to give on AZN and/or ImaginAsian.

ugh...I'm already having problems viewing the 18.1, 18.2,18.6,18.7 DTV channels in my area here in SoCal (w/ my Zenith TV Converter). Sometimes I'll be able to get it (w/ a weak signal) or I'll get no signal at all. A month ago, I had no problems viewing this channel's digital channels, but since 18.7 came on, problems ensue (it's a 24 hours a day Vietnamese channel)...I also think recently the Chinese channel TOP TV (18.6) came on soon after. I'm just going to have to hope that by August, I'll be able to get some type of reception.

OMGosh!!!!!!


I wonder what they mean by "parts of New Jersey"....?

how crazy is this! My on the roof antennae couldn't pick up the 18.1-18.7 correctly, but my rabbit ears did?

I totally understand what you mean Creidesca...I used to pick up my Kdrama fix through old rabbit ears back in the day when I used to pick up a NJ station and some others in NY couldn't get the station... I think it all depends on where you are and a lil luck...Same thing used to happen with a LI radio station I used to get...a friend a couple of blocks away couldnt get it at all.

Cat-Bee I am hoping that will be the case here too with this station as I noticed it said "upstate" NY...ugh not tri-state or city.

creidesca wrote:

how crazy is this! My on the roof antennae couldn't pick up the 18.1-18.7 correctly, but my rabbit ears did?

Field strength isn't constant and vary considerably within just a few feet.
The problems with channels too close together interfering with one another is probably due to the actual power used in the broadcast by the individual stations. One might be literally blowing others off the air. This is something the FCC might need to look into.

Has anyone been checking out the channel yet?

It's been on since last night with MBC America doing their DTV Testing. They aired an episode of Spotlight with E-subs, and later in the night an episode of Phoenix, also e-subs. The variety programs they've shown so far contained no e-subs. Of course during the entire time, the words "DTV TESTING" was stamped real big over the screen.

i did read that stations in the midwest won't get this until the end of the year. but those of you that can receive it now please tell, what's it like? good reception? i can't wait for this.

yes, very good reception. They've already started showing so many dramas within the 1st 2 days already.

i am so jealous! i'm glad that you are enjoying it. what dramas are playing?