What is Educational Broadband Service (EBS)?
What kind of equipment do we need?
Educational Broadband Service
EBS is a microwave radio service which uses frequencies reserved by the FCC for broadcast of educational programming.
EBS transmission is exactly like cable television's, except that it uses microwave frequencies that ordinary TVs
are unable to receive. Therefor it is necessary to install a special EBS antenna at each receive point; the antenna
picks up the EBS microwave signal and "down converts" it to VHF TV channels which can be picked up by
an ordinary set with the help of a cable-type set-top converter. The converter is connected to the TV by a cable,
but no modification of the TV itself is required.
EBS systems have been used successfully for years by countless educational organizations across the country. Although
PRETC airs programming only in Portland, we work closely with ITF, DAETC and TCSTG which air programming in Indianapolis,
Kansas City, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Sacramento and Salt Lake City, Denver and the Twin Cities areas
respectively. (Click
here for a listing of local coordinators in each city)
Costs/Funding
There is no charge for this service for at least the first two years after installation, and PRETC will try to
offer its services without charge to as many schools as possible for as long as possible. We have obtained funding
which is sufficient to acquire and install the EBS transmitters, acquire a modest library, outfit receiving points,
and operate the system for at least two school years at no charge to schools for either equipment or programming.
The service is not advertiser supported, and there is no requirement that a minimum number of students view programming.
Most of our funding comes from lease income which we obtain through renting unused air time for pay TV purposes.
Who PRETC Serves
During the current phase of the project, PRETC is serving elementary, intermediate and secondary schools in the
Portland area. Our members include private, parochial, alternative and public schools- accredited and non-accredited.
As of April, 14 schools are installed to receive PRETC's broadcast. For further information on the schools currently
installed contact Ann Kasper at 503-493-0743.
Where PRETC is Broadcast
Our programming currently airs for member schools on weekdays over EBS in the Portland area. Please contact the
local coordintor, at 503-493-0723 for a current schedule:
CHANNELS AND SCHEDULES
PRETC:
Portland, OR
Channels: 32
Schedule: 7 AM-11 PM
Covers: Portland and surrounding area
Contact: Ann Kasper, 503-493-0743
Can we tape the broadcasts?
PRETC encourages each member school to videotape the programs we broadcast to create their own video library. We
feel this practice encourages teachers to be selective in what programming they share with their students, while
giving teachers flexibility and confidence in knowing that the visual resource will be available when they need
it to enhance their existing curriculum.
Duplication rights vary. In the case of most of the program series in our current library, schools are allowed
to tape programming and use those tapes as long as PRETC keeps renewing the rights on an annual basis. Please
refer to the program descriptions in our Program Guide for duplication rights on specific series.
What kind of equipment do we need?
There is a special receiving antenna, which is generally no more obtrusive than an ordinary rooftop antenna, or
dish. The antenna has a small box attached to the back of it. The signal comes out of the box via a cable which
is strung indoors and connected to a cable-type set-top converter. The converter is connected to the TV by a cable,
but no modification of the TV itself is required.
In our current stage of the project, PRETC supplies all of the receive equipment as well as the installation of
that equipment, free of cost to member schools. (Click here to apply to receive our broadcast)