WNMU Digital TV Updates
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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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