TV13's Digital TV Update Articles
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On October 30, WNMU-TV presented a live program, Ask the Experts: DTV Transition, that gave viewers an opportunity to call in their questions about digital TV. The response was overwhelming, and the program, which was originally scheduled to last 60 minutes, was extended to 90 minutes because the phones just kept ringing. Over 135 callers kept our phone volunteers busy.
Our guest experts on the program were Channel 13 Chief Engineer Dave Bett, and TV6 Chief Engineer Sonny Reschka, hosted by WNMU General Manager Eric Smith. Most of the questions asked during the show were similar to the ones we have answered in past DTV updates, with many of the questions specific to TV6 as well as Public TV 13.
Several viewers raised concerns about portable, battery-powered TVs used for camps without electricity and emergency situations. There are some new portable digital TVs offered for sale, but if you want to use your old battery-powered TV you'll need to get some new gear. Most DTV converter boxes run on AC (not battery) power, but there are a few DC-powered models on the market. It is also possible to get a power inverter that will allow you to plug your AC converter box into a DC (battery) power source. These inverters are commonly sold for use in cars and RVs.
If you didn't catch the Ask the Experts program, it wil soon be available for viewing on the web. Check the DTV Resources page on our web site, or search for WNMU-TV on Google Video. For those who are not able to watch video online, we are also offering a DVD of the 90-minute program, available for $15, which includes shipping and handling. Just give us a call at 800-227-9668 to place your order.
Some viewers are still asking how to obtain the $40 government converter box coupons. You can apply for the coupons over the phone (1-888-DTV-2009) or on the Web at www.dtv2009.gov.
We are also pleased to inform you of a new Michigan Toll-free DTV Help Line. This statewide resource has been set up to give personal assistance with issues related to converter box coupons, converter box installation and antennas/reception. Call 1-888-MI-DTV-09 (1-888-643-8809).
Of course staff here at Public TV 13 are always glad to speak with you about digital TV. Please feel free to contact us with your DTV questions any time. Email us at dtv13@nmu.edu. If you don’t have our DTV newsletter, you can download it, or let us know and we will mail one out to you. Thanks for helping Public TV 13 stay on your television!
In the past month, we’ve had some important DTV questions from viewers, and we’re sharing some of the answers here:
A viewer from Iron Mountain writes: “I have a new DTV set top box, and I can’t find digital channel 13. Do I need a different antenna?”
In order to answer this question, you need to understand the current status of our digital broadcasts, and future plans for after the conversion. Public TV 13 is currently broadcasting a low-power digital signal on channel 33 from Morgan Meadows, just west of Marquette. This signal can only be picked up in the Marquette area, so right now you can’t expect to receive it in Iron Mountain. Our plan is to install a new digital transmitter at our tower in Ely Township where analog channel 13 is currently broadcast from. We will then be broadcasting digital on channel 13 only, beginning February 17, 2009.
“I live near Marquette, and get a great picture on digital channel 13(33). Will I continue to receive channel 33 after the conversion?”
No, channel 33 will be shut off after the conversion. Beginning February 17, 2009 Public TV 13 will broadcast only on channel 13 digital from our main tower in Ely Township. Because of local terrain, Marquette area over-the-air viewers will most likely need a strong and high antenna to pick up DTV 13 after the conversion.
“How can I test my digital TV setup to make sure I’ll be able to receive Public TV 13 after the conversion?”
We will not turn on the new digital transmitter until February 17, 2009, so you won’t be able to test your antenna and converter until then. Our digital broadcast will be on channel 13 (VHF), so a VHF antenna will be necessary. We are making every effort to cover the same viewing area with DTV 13 as we do with analog channel 13, so if you are now receiving 13 with your current antenna setup, chances are that may be sufficient.
“I heard that digital channels will be UHF. Do I need a new HD UHF antenna?”
Public TV 13 will remain on channel 13 (VHF) after the conversion, but other digital stations in the area will be broadcasting on UHF channels, so be sure you have an antenna that can handle both VHF and UHF signals. If you are thinking of buying a new antenna, watch out for some UHF-only antennas being sold in local stores as “HD-ready.”
“My reception on channel 13 is snowy and the signal drops out. Will my reception improve with digital?”
There are differences between analog and digital TV signals, many having to do with how they behave when encountering obstacles like buildings, trees, terrain and precipitation. So, reception is likely to vary from location to location depending on local obstacles and weather. One of the most important differences between analog and digital is known as the “cliff effect” — there is no “snow” in a digital signal, either it looks perfect or you don’t get anything at all. So viewers who currently experience a “snowy” picture on channel 13 may not be able to receive our digital signal without an antenna upgrade. Antenna location will make a difference. If your reception on channel 13 is currently not perfect, you will probably need to look at getting an outdoor antenna, mounting your current outdoor antenna higher, or getting a more sensitive one.
“How can I figure out if I can get DTV 13 at my location before I spend the money for a digital TV converter box?”
We recommend that you consider applying for a $40 government coupon for buying a converter box. The coupon will make the purchase of the box much less expensive, and you should be able to test the box in your home and return it to the store if it doesn’t work for you. Keep in mind that the coupons expire after 90 days, and there may be a limited time for store returns. Of course it will not be possible to test reception of digital channel 13 until after February 17, 2009.
In October, Public TV 13 broadcasts two new specials covering the February 2009 conversion to digital television.
Famous do-it-yourselfers Norm Abram and Kevin O’Connor of THIS OLD HOUSE offer digital television how-to guidance and tips on Get Ready for Digital TV, coming Wednesday, October 1 at 9 pm ET. To ensure that viewers across America are prepared to successfully make the switch to digital television in their homes before the analog shutoff in February 2009, PBS has developed this new special. NOW on PBS reporter Maria Hinojosa reports from the field and explains how things will change as the nation transitions to an all-digital TV broadcast system. Kevin and Norm also visit several homes to illustrate the steps viewers can take to prepare for DTV in advance, including showing one homeowner how to install a converter box. Public TV 13 will repeat this program several times during the month of October: watch for it at 10:30 pm 10/5, 4:30 pm 10/7, and 9 pm 10/30.
The digital TV transition is coming in just a few months -- will you be ready? We all have questions and Public TV 13 gives you a chance to “Ask the Experts” during our special live call-in program, Thursday, October 30 at 8 pm ET. Representatives from local television providers will be in our studios to talk about conversion plans and answer questions from viewers. Guests will explain what makes digital TV different from analog, why the conversion is happening, and what it will mean for viewers. Find out how your local stations and cable providers have been handling the transition process, and what their plans are for 2009. Get advice on what gear you will need to continue watching television over the air after February 17, 2009. You can call in your questions during the live broadcast at 800-227-9668. The program will be repeated Friday, October 31 at noon.
If you want to continue to receive Public TV 13’s over-the-air signal after the February 17, 2009 DTV conversion, there are two important things you will need:
1) DTV tuner/receiver - this could consist of one of the following:
- set-top converter box (shows digital TV on your analog set);
- newer television set with a built-in ATSC digital tuner;
- DVD player/recorder with a built-in ATSC digital tuner.
2) Antenna:
- capable of receiving both VHF and UHF (DTV 13 will be VHF, other local channels will be UHF);
- can be indoor or outdoor;
- you don’t need a special HD antenna, but you may need a more powerful one;
- your current antenna may work, but may need to be elevated or amplified to receive DTV 13.
If you are lucky, all you will need to buy is a set-top converter box. You can get $40 off the price of a converter box with a government coupon (call 1-888-DTV-2009 or order on the Web from www.dtv2009.gov).
More on Antennas:
Because the digital TV signal is different than analog, some viewers will find that they have to add a rooftop antenna, or upgrade their current antenna. With analog TV you may be able to watch a weak signal with interference or snow, but you can still see and hear some of the program. Digital TV has what’s called the “cliff effect,” meaning that if the signal is weak, it disappears entirely – there is no snowy picture, it’s either crystal clear and sharp or not there at all. If you currently receive a clear signal on analog channel 13, there is a good chance you will be able to receive digital channel 13 with your current antenna set-up. If your picture is not clear, you may need to raise or replace your current antenna with a more powerful one. Digital signals may also require more careful aiming of the antenna.
Update on TV13’s Digital Conversion Timeline:
We’ve made some changes to our digital conversion plans and, like everything about DTV, it’s complicated. We were originally planning to do conversion-related tower work in the fall of 2008, and we warned you to expect broadcast interruptions during that time. Recently we learned that we will have to reschedule that tower work for late spring or early summer 2009.
This does not mean we will be delaying the conversion. We still have to stop broadcasting our analog signal next February. But, for a few months after the conversion we will be broadcasting DTV 13 at a lower power, until we can replace our tower antenna and go to full power. For many viewers, this means that you won’t really know if you can receive DTV 13 until some months after the conversion. If you set up your converter box on February 17 and don’t see DTV 13, please be patient; there is still a chance that you will be able to get our signal when we ramp up the power.
Remember, our current DTV broadcasts are on channel 33 (UHF) in the Marquette area only. If you live elsewhere and already have a digital set or converter box, you won’t be able get our DTV signal until we convert in February. At that time, our only broadcast will be digital on channel 13 (VHF).
Most cable subscribers will not experience any interruption or change in receiving channel 13. We are working with cable companies to ensure that they will be able to receive our DTV signal. Charter Cable and Negaunee Cable are already making our digital channel available to viewers. If you are a customer of one of the smaller U.P. cable operators, you may want to contact them to find out what their conversion plans are.
Converter Box News:
Consumer Reports has a free online DTV converter box guide with ratings of 14 models that were on the market in June. They compare features and rate the boxes on performance and price. They plan to update the ratings as new boxes become available.
There are over 90 models of converter boxes that have been certified for purchase with the U.S. Government $40 coupons, but only 25-30 of those are currently available. Prices range from about $50-80. They can be difficult to find in local stores, so if you have a coupon that expires soon, you may want to purchase your converter box from a retailer that takes phone or online orders. The Consumer Reports guide mentioned above lists which boxes are available from various retailers. The government’s DTV coupon website www.dtv2009.gov has a list of online and phone retailers.
Receiving TV 13 Digital
We’ve touched on this before, but it’s worth repeating. If you are currently receiving a steady channel 13 analog signal off the air, there is a good chance that you will also be able to receive our digital signal when we convert. But, you won’t know for sure until we turn off the analog transmitter and turn on the digital transmitter. That transition won’t take place until February 17, 2009. So, if you are setting up your digital TV or converter box now, you won’t be able to get channel 13 digital. Our current digital signal (PBS/HD on channel 33) only covers a small area near Marquette. In 2004, when we turned on digital channel 33, we kept it low power in order to make it affordable for us to fulfill the government mandate to broadcast both analog and digital in the years before the conversion.
DTV Newsletter
Our 4-page DTV newsletter contains answers to many of your questions about the digital TV conversion. We’ll be glad to send you a copy by mail, or you are welcome to download and print your own copy from our Web site. Request a copy by contacting us by phone or email. You can save us postage and printing costs by downloading it here (104k PDF file). Email us at dtv13@nmu.edu if you’d like a printed copy mailed to you or a friend or family member.
Everyone has lots of questions about the big change coming to over-the-air television (even those of us who work here!) Some of those questions can’t be answered now, but we are working to keep you informed as best we can. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about DTV. Email dtv13@nmu.edu. Thanks for helping Public TV 13 stay on your television!
Posted June 30, 2008
Consumer Tip: Analog Pass-through
When buying a set-top box, you might want to consider looking for a box that provides analog pass-through, which will make watching a mix of analog and digital channels much easier. Only a small percentage of boxes on the market have this feature. If you watch translator stations that are not required to switch to digital in 2009 (like the WLUC-TV6 translators W14CE in Escanaba, and W07DB in Marquette) you will want to make sure you can watch both digital and analog channels with a pass-through capable box, or a splitter or A/B device that can switch inputs to your television.
Tech Tip: Receiving Digital Signals
Viewers of over-the-air broadcasts may have a different experience with digital signals as compared to analog signals after the conversion. Digital signals are more likely to be deflected by topographical features than are analog signals, and rather than degrading gradually into snow, the picture drops out completely when signals are interrupted. Some viewers will need to invest in a new antenna.
If a converter box is installed before the digital transition, and you want to watch both analog and digital TV stations, you will need a splitter or A/B switch for your antenna, or a converter box that can pass through analog signals (see Analog Pass-through tip above).
TV13 HD – Available Now
The upcoming digital TV conversion will offer new features, include multiple program streams and high-definition. Charter Cable viewers with digital cable boxes can already take advantage of some of these features. Tune to channel 783 for WNMU-TV’s HD channel, featuring the best of PBS with high-definition picture and sound. You can find the complete program schedule for TV13/HD online. For a sample of what’s airing on TV13/HD, take a look at our primetime grid (90k PDF file download) on pages 12 and 13 of FanFare -- programs that also air on the HD channel are noted with an “HD” symbol.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about DTV. Email dtv13@nmu.edu. Thanks for helping Public TV 13 stay on your television!
Posted April 23, 2008
This month we present our update in the form of “DTV Questions from Viewers.”
When will your DTV station be on the air?
WNMU-DT has been broadcasting in low-power digital in the Marquette area since July, 2004, when the government mandated that all stations begin digital broadcasts. Currently, our digital channel is broadcast on channel 33 (UHF), via a low-powered transmitter in Marquette Township. Viewers outside the Marquette area are likely not able to receive this signal. Charter Cable customers can also get WNMU-DT on the HD tier.
Currently, we are working to convert to digital-only broadcasts to meet the government deadline on February 17, 2009. Construction of our new digital control room at Public TV 13's studios on the Northern Michigan University campus is now complete. The next step will be to install a new digital transmitter and antenna at our transmitter/tower site in Ely Township some time next fall. When the new transmitter is ready, we anticipate being off the air for up to a week for installation. You will hear more about this interruption in our over-the-air broadcasts when we determine the exact date. After the new transmitter and antenna are installed, we plan to continue our current analog broadcasts (from Ely) and digital broadcasts (from Marquette) until the mandatory conversion date of February 17, 2009. At that point, our analog broadcasts will be turned off, and we will begin broadcasting digital from Ely. We intend to duplicate our current channel 13 analog coverage area as much as possible.
Why can't I receive your HD signal with my converter box?
The problem most likely has to do with location. Our channel 33 signal is low power and only reaches folks in the Marquette area. As explained above, that will all change next February. At that time, viewers now getting a clear signal on analog channel 13 should be able to receive our digital channel 13 with HD programming.
Will my current VHF antenna work with WNMU-TV digital?
When we complete the conversion in February 2009 we will remain on channel 13 (VHF) -- our current low-power digital transmitter in Marquette is on channel 33 (UHF), but we will turn that off as part of the conversion, and we will be broadcasting on channel 13 (VHF) only. Your current antennas will work with digital signals (and a converter box or new digital TV), but depending on your location, you may need to boost your antenna’s power or height. Reception will vary (as it does now) with your distance from our transmitter and the local terrain.
Why haven't I received my DTV Converter Box coupons?
Public TV 13 is not involved in either distributing the coupons or redeeming them, so we can't tell you exactly when you will receive your coupons from the Federal government. You can check the status of your coupons on the government's Web site, www.dtv2009.gov. Click on "Where are my coupons?" to get to the page where you can check coupon status, then enter the reference number you got when you applied.
I checked the status of my own coupons (ordered March 4), and found out they would be mailed the week of April 25. They have these target mail dates listed:
Application Approval Date Target Mail Date
January 1, 2008 2/18 – 2/29/2008
January 2, 2008 3/3 – 3/14/2008
January 3 - 6, 2008 3/17 – 3/21/2008
January 7 – 13, 2008 3/24 – 3/28/2008
January 14 – 30, 2008 3/31 – 4/4/2008
Application Approval Date Target Mail Date
Jan. 31 – Feb. 16, 2008 4/7 – 4/11/2008
February 17 – 24, 2008 4/14 – 4/18/2008
Feb. 25 - March 10, 2008 4/21 – 4/25/2008
March 11 - 23, 2008 4/28 – 5/2/2008
March 24 - April 4, 2008 5/5 - 5/9/2008
DTV Information on the Air:
On Friday, May 2 at 1:30 pm, we will repeat “The ABCs of HDTV.” Host Nick Clooney takes a look at the confusing world of digital television in this new program targeted towards older adults. The “Digital TV Conversion” episode of Media Meet is available to watch online.
DTV Newsletter:
Learn more about what to expect during the conversion to digital TV, and how you can plan ahead and keep enjoying Public TV 13 and your other local channels in 2009. Our DTV newsletter is coming soon as a downloadable PDF.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about DTV. Email dtv13@nmu.edu.
Thanks for helping Public TV 13 stay on your television!
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Posted March 18, 2008
Most people have heard by now that television is going to make a big change by February 2009. Over-the-air viewers will have to take action in order to continue watching Public TV 13. The approaching conversion raises a lot of questions, and we are doing our best to help answer them. Read on for some DTV news, and answers to some viewer questions.
Converter Box and Coupon News:
As of early March, coupon-eligible converter boxes (CECBs) were starting to show up in stores. According to Walmart’s Web site, they are offering the Magnavox TB100MW9 Digital-to-Analog Converter box for $49.87, and it’s available in all U.P. Walmart stores. If you use your $40 government coupon, they will sell it to you for only $9.87. Radio Shack is selling the Zenith DTT900 Digital-to-Analog Converter Box for $59.99, it’s available in some stores, and they are also encouraging the use of coupons.
Be aware that there are many more brands and models that have been approved for purchase with the $40 coupon, but it may take some time before they are available in stores. As with all electronic gadgets, the cheapest model may not be the best for your needs. Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia, has a page comparing features of CECBs. Features you may want to look for include: analog pass-through (useful if you’re going to begin using the box while analog TV is still on the air, and if you watch local stations through analog translators), and a universal remote that can control your TV as well as the converter box.
If you haven’t already applied for your coupons, now may be a good time to do so. Each household can apply for up to two $40 coupons over the phone (1-888-DTV-2009) and on the Web at www.dtv2009.gov.
Watching TV13 Digital:
Currently, our digital channel is broadcast on channel 33 (UHF), via a low-powered transmitter in Marquette Township. Viewers outside the Marquette area are likely not able to receive this signal. When we install our new digital transmitter, some time next fall, we intend to duplicate our current channel 13 analog coverage area as much as possible. At that time, viewers in our current coverage area should be able to receive our digital channel 13 (VHF) with a digital TV set or converter box.
Remember that in order to receive our digital signal, you may also need an outdoor antenna. Your current antennas will work with digital signals (and a converter box), but depending on your location, you may need to boost your antenna’s power or height. Reception will vary (as it does now) with your distance from our transmitter and the local terrain.
Why the change? Some viewers have asked why television is making the switch to digital, and if there is anything they can do to fight it. The switch to digital TV is happening world-wide, and has been in the works for many years. In 2002, Public TV 13 began plans to switch to digital after the U.S. Congress mandated the transition to DTV for the many benefits it provides. DTV is a more efficient and higher quality broadcast technology and takes up less space in the air, or spectrum, allowing stations to send multiple channels of programming. Additionally, it opens extra spectrum for use by public safety officers and emergency responders (police, fire, medical).
DTV Information on the Air:
On Thursday, April 24 at 4:30 pm, tune in for “The ABCs of HDTV.” Host Nick Clooney takes a look at the confusing world of digital television in this new program targeted towards older adults. And, watch for new DTV information spots from PBS featuring Norm Abram and Kevin O’Connor from “This Old House.”
If you missed it in February, you can now watch our “Digital TV Conversion” episode of Media Meet online.
Public TV 13 values your support. We are here to help you during this transition, so please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about DTV. Email us at dtv13@nmu.edu.
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Posted March 4, 2008
We are planning a special digital television newsletter that will be coming out in April. If you have already sent in your contact information, we have you on our DTV information list and you will receive the newsletter by mail or email. If you haven't responded with your contact information, you can still do so. Simply email a request to be added to our DTV email list. If you'd like us to mail the newsletter to someone you know who doesn't use email, just send us their mailing address.
DTV Coupon News:
As of February 29, over 7000 residents in our viewing area had applied for the Federal government's converter box coupon program. The government has stated that the coupons will be in the form of plastic cards (like gift cards) and will be distributed when converter boxes are available in stores. Each household can apply for up to two $40 coupons over the phone (1-888-DTV-2009) and on the Web at www.dtv2009.gov. That web site is also a great information source on the DTV conversion.
Converter Box News:
Coupon-eligible DTV converter boxes are beginning to show up in stores. As of mid-February we could not find any available in local stores, but we do know that retailers in the area are planning to carry the boxes soon. Several large national retailers have the boxes on their web sites, but they are advising customers with coupons that they can only be redeemed in stores. It looks like it may be a good time to apply for your coupons.
DTV Information on the Air:
You can now watch our "Digital TV Conversion" episode of Media Meet online. We are also airing new DTV information spots from PBS featuring Norm Abram and Kevin O’Connor from "This Old House."
More Information
Email your questions and comments to our special DTV information address: dtv13@nmu.edu
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Posted February 26, 2008
Public TV 13's "Media Meet" public affairs series presents a program on the upcoming conversion from analog TV to digital, and how it will affect television viewers in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Guests on the program are Sonny Reschka, Chief Engineer, WLUC-TV6; Dave Bett, Chief Engineer, WNMU-TV; and Tim Pepin, U.P. Engineering Manager, Charter Communications. Watch it now
Posted February 8, 2008
As we told you in our last update, Public TV 13 will be turning off our analog TV transmitter by February 17, 2009, according to Federal mandate. This means that viewers who receive our over-the-air television signals through antennas, and do not subscribe to cable will need to take action to continue receiving our station and other local TV stations.
Options for Over-the-Air Viewers:
If you have access to cable service at your location, subscribing is an option. But, if you are one of our many viewers who watch Public TV 13 over-the-air and do not have access to cable service, you will need to either purchase a converter box for Digital TV (DTV) or purchase a new digital television set or DVD recorder with a built-in digital tuner.
Latest News on Converter Boxes:
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (a U.S. government agency) is offering $40 coupons to help with the cost of purchasing digital-to-analog converter boxes, also known as set top boxes. The NTIA is now accepting converter box coupon applications over the phone (1-888-DTV-2009) and on the Web at www.dtv2009.gov.
Attaching a converter box to your analog TV will keep it working after the Federally-mandated analog TV shutoff. Every household may request up to two $40 coupons redeemable at retail outlets that sell digital-to-analog converter boxes. The request window is from January 1, 2008 until March 31, 2009. The first batch of coupons won’t be mailed out until February 17, 2008. Coupons expire after 90 days.
A recent check of retailers revealed that converter boxes are not yet available for purchase, so you might want to hold off on applying for your coupons until the boxes are in stores. Manufacturers LG Electronics and Phillips have announced products that are expected to cost between $60 and $70, and will be available some time in the next few months.
We will keep an eye on converter box news and update you here and in FanFare.
WNMU-TV Conversion Plans:
Construction of our new digital control room is underway this month at Public TV 13's studios on the Northern Michigan University campus. The next step will be to install a new digital transmitter and antenna at our transmitter/tower site in Ely Township some time next fall. When the new transmitter is ready, we anticipate being off the air for up to a week for installation. You will hear more about this interruption in our over-the-air broadcasts when we determine the exact date. After the new transmitter and antenna are installed, we plan to continue broadcasting both analog and digital signals until the mandatory analog shutoff date of February 17, 2009. These plans are tentative at this stage and may change. We will keep you informed.
Our DTV Information List:
We have started a DTV mailing list that we will use to inform viewers of digital conversion news. If you'd like to be on our list, please email us at dtv13@nmu.edu and let us know where you are and how you currently receive our signal. We have already received responses from viewers in Marquette, Ishpeming, Negaunee, Escanaba, Republic, Crystal Falls, Sidnaw and Eagle River, Wisconsin. When we get more specific information on converter boxes, we plan to make that available to all FanFare subscribers, but viewers on our list may receive more detailed information. If you have specific questions, please let us know and we will try to answer them.
DTV Information on the Air:
Tune in to Media Meet, February 9 & 10, for a program all about digital TV conversion. You'll hear from experts on what you should expect from local TV stations and what you can do to prepare for the changes ahead.
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News on Public TV 13's upcoming conversion to digital-only television broadcasts.
Posted January 3, 2008
Latest News on Converter Boxes:
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is now accepting digital-to-analog converter box coupon applications over the phone (1-888-DTV-2009) and on the Web. The first batch of coupons won’t be mailed out until February 17, 2008.
Attaching a converter box to your analog TV will keep it working after the Federally-mandated analog TV shutoff. Every household may request up to two $40 coupons redeemable at retail outlets that sell digital-to-analog converter boxes. The request window is from January 1, 2008 until March 31, 2009. Coupons expire after 90 days.
A recent check of online retailers revealed that boxes are not yet available for purchase. Manufacturers LG Electronics and Phillips have announced products that are expected to cost between $59 and $69, and will be available some time during the first quarter of 2008. You can read more about the actual converter box products being shown at this month's Consumer Electronics show in this PC World article.
The North American switch from analog to digital broadcasting is to be completed by February 17, 2009, according to Federal mandate. Public TV 13 will be installing a new digital transmitter and turning off our old analog transmitter by that date. With the switch to DTV, Public TV 13 will be able to offer high-definition pictures, better sound quality and more free programming choices. In order to prepare our viewers for the analog shut-off, we'll be providing monthly updates here and in our FanFare program guide.
What will the analog shut-off mean to you?
Cable television viewers will not notice a change. Public TV 13 viewers who receive over-the-air television signals through antennas and do not subscribe to cable will be affected by the transition and will need to take action to continue receiving our station and other local stations.
Over-the-air viewers have three options:
1. Purchase a converter box;
2. Purchase a new television set with a built-in digital tuner;
3. Subscribe to cable. (Note that popular satellite systems like DirectTV and Dish Network do not yet offer Public TV 13 or other local stations in the U.P.)
What will a converter box do?
The DTV converter box makes it possible to see digitally broadcast television programs on an older/existing “analog” TV set and allows people to keep their free, over-the-air television service. DTV converter boxes, which will be available for purchase soon, are expected to cost between $50 and $70. There is a one-time cost for the box; it does not require a monthly service fee.
In an effort to help consumers cover the cost of the converter box, the Federal government will offer converter box coupons (limited to two per household), valued at $40 each, beginning in early 2008. When we get more information about coupon availability, we will share it with you.
What can you do to make sure you continue to receive Public TV 13?
If you are a Public TV 13 viewer who watches over-the-air broadcasts, we want to make sure you don’t get left out when the digital conversion occurs. Please email us at dtv13@nmu.edu and let us know where you are and how you currently receive our signal. We’ll add you to our DTV mailing list, and make sure you receive all the latest information on DTV converter boxes.
If you have other questions or comments about the digital conversion or digital television, please email us at our special DTV information address: dtv13@nmu.edu
Thanks for helping Public TV 13 stay on your television!
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