Q: Why does the closed captioning on the KCBY newscast not work all the time?

A: Dan Stoe, the chief engineer for KVAL in Eugene, which receives and sends back the signal for KCBY’s news broadcast, says the problem likely stems from the process of switching over from analog to digital signals. The station uses both analog and digital equipment to send signals, and at times the two aren’t compatible.

“We have a mix of equipment that doesn’t get along too well,” Stoe said.

The signal for the newscast originates in Coos Bay, is sent to Eugene and then sent back to Coos Bay. Somewhere in the process, the closed captioning is cut off, Stoe said. Once the station is aware of the problem, it fixes it, but usually the fix is temporary.

Stoe said to problem most likely will be permanently fixed when the conversion to digital is complete in 2009. Until then, he will continue to adjust equipment to keep closed captioning on the air.

“It’s important,” he said, “A lot of people rely on closed captioning. It’s been a constant struggle.”

For more information or to report a problem, those interested can call KVAL at 342-4961.

— By Jolene Guzman, Staff Writer

(I Want to Know is a regular feature of The World, offering readers a chance to anonymously ask questions and have reporters pursue answers. Those interested can send questions to The World newspaper, P.O. Box 1840, Coos Bay OR 97420; or by sending e-mail to news@theworld link.com.)