WNMU-TV Digital TV
What is digital television?
What is high definition television (HDTV)?
Will I be able to watch digital television on my existing set?
What programs are available on Public TV 13’s digital channels?
Will digital programs be listed in FanFare?
Is Public TV13's digital channel available on cable?
Note to Early Adopters
How can I get converter box coupons?
After the digital conversion, will I have to pay a monthly fee for TV?
What are WNMU-TV's plans for conversion?
How can I continue to receive Public TV 13 over the air?
Digital Television Links
What is digital television?
Digital Television is a new digital broadcast standard where images and sound are captured using the same digital code found in computers. Dramatically improving the picture and sound quality in comparison to the current analog television technology, DTV will eventually replace analog television, as it provides broadcasters the ability to send more varied information over the airwaves, cable and satellite.
What is high definition television (HDTV)?
Digital television will allow stations to broadcast programs in much higher resolution or clarity than standard analog television. This is called high definition television or HDTV. Viewers at home will be able to receive high-quality, crystal-clear pictures. These visually stunning pictures, with more than twice the resolution and clarity of standard television, will be displayed in a wide-screen format with a 16 by 9 width-to-height ratio compared to today's 4 by 3 format. And because HDTV is digital, audiences will have the benefit of six-channel CD-quality "surround sound." In other words, viewers will be able to enjoy a true home theater experience.
Will I be able to watch digital television on my existing set?
Not without a set-top convertor box. Because DTV information is encoded in a different way than the analog signal, it requires a different kind of receiver; thus, digital programs can only be seen on a digital television set or by "down-converting" to your current analog set with a set-top converter box or digital cable box. Down-converting will not give you the full benefit of HD programming, but the video may still look better than analog broadcasts.
Back to F.A.Q.
What programs are available on Public TV 13’s digital channels?
WNMU-DT (TV13/HD) now features the PBS/HD Channel broadcast in high definition throughout the day. The programming on TV13/HD includes some familiar PBS series' like Nature, NOVA, Frontline and Austin City Limits, plus a variety of how-to, kids and documentary programs that you will not have seen on Public TV 13. Complete program listings for TV13/HD are available on our Schedule page.
Will digital programs be listed in FanFare?
Not until more of our Partners have digital sets! You can see our complete DTV schedule, along with our analog Channel 13 schedule, on our Schedule page.
Is Public TV13's digital channel available on cable?
TV13/HD is now available to Charter Digital Cable subscribers in select U.P. areas on digital channel 783, 24 hours a day. (Read an article about TV13/HD on Charter here.) If you have questions about receiving TV13/HD on cable, please contact Charter's Customer Support Center at 800-545-0994. If you have questions about our online schedule or digital broadcasts, please email us.
A note to early adopters:
If you are watching WNMU-DT on a digital TV receiver, we'd like to hear from you! Please give us a call at 227-9668 or send an email and let us know where you are and what you think of our digital TV lineup.
How can I get converter box coupons?
No. You can apply for the coupons
over the phone (1-888-DTV-2009) or on the Web at www.dtv2009.gov.
After the digital conversion, will I have to pay a monthly fee for TV?
No. Local broadcasters, including Public TV 13, will continue to provide free, over the air service as mandated by our broadcasting license. You will need to purchase some new equipment, such as a DTV converter box or a new digital television set, in order to receive our signal over the air after February 17, 2009.
What are WNMU-TV's plans for conversion?
Construction of our new digital control room is underway 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.
How can I continue to receive Public TV 13 over the air?
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.)
Back to F.A.Q.
Links to Other DTV Resources:
NEW PBS Digital TV "Frequently Asked Questions"
NEW Federal Government's Converter Box Coupon Site
NEW FCC's DTV Site
NEW DTV Transition Coalition
NEW Consumer Electronics Association AntennaWeb Site
NEW Consumers Union DTV Site
Michigan DTV -- F.A.Q., Consumer Information, etc.
Digital TV -- A Cringely Crash Course
The Basics of Digital Television
Digital TV & Public Television
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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 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 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.
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!
July 20, 2007
WNMU-TV has received a grant of about $1 million from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to complete the television station’s transition to digital television. The funding will allow the station to purchase and install a new transmitter, transmission line and other equipment, and complete necessary tower upgrades. Federal law requires that all television stations end analog broadcasts and convert to a digital signal by February 2009.
“Without this grant, we’d be shut down for not adhering to a project that’s been federally mandated and is beyond our control,” said Eric Smith, WNMU-TV General Manager. “But it doesn’t relieve us of the responsibility to maintain annual operations and programming. Viewer contributions are a critical component and we continue to rely on them to keep the operations solid.”
The funding was announced by Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee). He serves on the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee and its subcommittee on telecommunications, which has jurisdiction over telecommunications and broadcasting policy issues.
“Digital television is the next generation of television broadcasting and, particularly for public television stations, it allows innovative new services for television viewers,” Stupak added. “WNMU’s transition to digital television will bring new services, including emergency broadcasts, to WNMU’s viewers, my constituents.”
Smith said other innovative services – of an educational nature – will be made possible through a technology called multicasting, which splits the signal into multiple content streams.
“For instance, through digital broadcasting, we may be able to provide our traditional PBS programming in high definition on our core channel, while simultaneously transmitting K-12 instructional programs, college courses and other educational programming on second and third multicast channels,” he said. “Switching a television station over to the digital format is an enormously expensive undertaking and can be especially challenging for PBS stations, which do not have the same financial resources as commercial television stations. Congressman Stupak has always been a champion of public broadcasters and of WNMU. Without his help during these lean times, WNMU simply would not be here.”
Last year, Stupak announced a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assist WNMU-TV with its conversion to digital television.
This story was adapted from a news release prepared by Congressman Bart Stupak’s office.
The USDA presented a ceremonial check, representing a grant won by Public TV 13, to the Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees at their October 6 meeting. The $1 million U.S. Department of Agriculture rural development grant will help WNMU-TV upgrade from analog to digital. Pictured are (from left) Congressman Bart Stupak, NMU President Les Wong, Gene DeRossett of USDA Rural Development in Michigan, NMU Board Chair Karl Weber, and WNMU General Manager Eric Smith.
WNMU Receives Grant for Digital Upgrade
Northern Michigan University Public Broadcasting has received a grant from the USDA that will help us complete the FCC mandated upgrade from analog to digital television broadcasting. The $1 million grant is part of $4.97 million made available to public television stations nationally to enable them to provide digital broadcasting services to rural residents. The funds are being provided through USDA Rural Development’s Public Television Digital Transition Grant program.
This is great news for Public TV 13 and our Partners and viewers.
“It’s going to provide us with the next level of service here in the Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin,” WNMU-TV/DT General Manager Eric Smith said. “This is what we’ve been hoping for. We’ve been looking for a way to transition to digital and this grant has opened the door for us.”
The grant will allow us to continue our existing services after the digital transition and enhance our broadcasts to take full advantage of what digital television has to offer for both entertainment and education.
As a Partner in Programming, your support and confidence in our station was critical to Public TV 13’s success in obtaining this grant. Granting agencies like the Dept. of Agriculture use community support as one criterion in evaluating projects requesting federal funds. We scored well in this area thanks to local Partners like you.
FCC regulations mandating the switch to digital means completely rebuilding WNMU-TV’s control room, as well as installing a new transmitter at our tower in Ely Township. Our USDA $1 million award will be added to funds provided by Northern Michigan University to cover the master control project at a total cost of nearly $1.3 million. This grant will pay for the new master control switching, recording and monitoring equipment which will allow us to broadcast local programs and the best of PBS high-definition programs. In the future, WNMU-TV will offer an increased amount of educational and cultural programming over several digital streams. Cable viewers will be able to take advantage of this new content even before the digital transition is complete. But while this grant now brings our equipment costs within reach, it’s essential that our Partners continue their financial support to pay the annual costs associated with buying programs aired by this station.
Public TV 13 wants you to share in our pride about these recent, exciting developments. Your continued Partnership is the key to a bright future for your public television station. Stay tuned as Public TV 13 continues to bring you the best that public broadcasting can offer.
9/19/2006
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WNMU's digital channel, "TV13/HD," is now available to Charter Digital Cable subscribers in the U.P. on channel 783. This new digital service from Public TV 13 and PBS provides cable viewers with 24-hour, seven-day-a-week high definition (HD) programs representing the best of public television.
WNMU-DT, our digital channel, has been available over the air to a limited audience in Marquette County since July of 2004. For the last year, we've been broadcasting most of the day's programs in several streams of standard definition digital with HD in prime time only. In September we switched to a single stream of full-time HD programming from the PBS/HD Channel throughout the broadcast day.
The addition of channel 783 to the Charter HD lineup brings TV13/HD to communities across the U.P. including Charter's Escanaba, Houghton, Iron Mountain, Ironwood, Ontonagon and Marquette service areas. Charter subscribers can also enjoy extended 24-hour programming on our HD channel, just like on channel 13.
"We're excited to bring this next generation of public television to Charter subscribers," says Eric Smith, Public TV 13 General Manager. "We can now offer cable viewers throughout Upper Michigan a variety of programs with a quality never before available in the history of television."
The programming on TV13/HD includes some familiar PBS series' like Nature, NOVA, Frontline and Austin City Limits, plus a variety of how-to, kids and documentary programs that you will not have seen on Public TV 13. Complete program listings for TV13/HD are available on our Schedule page.
Charter Communications digital subscribers can find TV13/HD in Charter's HD tier on channel 783 along with WLUC-TV6 (NBC) on channel 785. You must have an HD-capable television in order to view these channels in high definition, and you may also need a digital converter from Charter. If you have questions about receiving TV13/HD on cable, please contact Charter's Customer Support Center at 800-545-0994.
Read Frequently Asked Questions about Digital
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