Frequently Asked Questions
WMFE along with PBS is actively working to assist members and viewers with information about the digital transition.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the upcoming switch from analog to digital signals and digital television:
What is the digital transition?
What is analog television?
Why is this transition happening?
Will I be able to continue to use my current television?
How can I get a low cost converter box?
What if I do nothing?
What are the benefits of DTV?
What is high definition television?
Why aren’t the majority of the programs you are telecasting on WMFE-HD in “True HD?”
What is multicasting?
Why can DTV offer so much more information?
What happens to Analog Channel 24 after the conversion to Digital Channel 24 is completed?
How is DTV different from digital broadcast satellite (DBS)?
What other resources regarding DTV are available?
What is the digital transition?
After February 17, 2009, all TV stations must cease analog broadcasting and transition to exclusively broadcasting in a digital format, also known at DTV.
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What is analog television?
Analog television service is the traditional method of transmitting television signals. Analog transmission has been the standard broadcast technology since the inception of television.
Analog is not as efficient as digital television: it uses up much more of the valuable spectrum than digital, and TV stations can only transmit one channel of programming with an analog signal versus up to four or more programs with a digital signal in the same amount of spectrum. Analog is also susceptible to interference and "snow" that make a picture less clear.
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Why is this transition happening?
Congress mandated the conversion to DTV for two important reasons. First, DTV will provide higher quality picture and sound and more programming options for consumers through multiple broadcast streams. Second, ceasing analog broadcasting will free up a wide range of frequencies so they can be used for public safety such as police, fire, and emergency rescue communications, as well as commercial uses.
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Will I be able to continue to use my current television?
If you subscribe to cable or satellite, your access to broadcast channels should not change. However, if you currently rely on over-the-air signals via an analog television and an antenna ("rabbit ears"), you will need to act to continue to receive television. You must either:
Purchase a low-cost converter box to use with your existing analog television
Purchase a digital television that can receive DTV signals
Subscribe to cable or satellite
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How can I get a low cost converter box?
In order to help consumers with the digital transition, the federal government has created a coupon program that will significantly reduce the cost of a set-top box. The coupons will be redeemable at select retailers.
To learn more about the coupon program, including how and when to request your coupons, coupon value, and redemption instructions, click here. Consumers may also call a toll-free number, 1-888-388-2009 (1-888-DTV-2009), for an update in English or Spanish.
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What if I do nothing?
If you do not receive your signal via cable or satellite and do not have a television with a built-in digital tuner (or have a set-top converter box), your television will not work after February 17, 2009.
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What are the benefits of DTV?
Digital television allows TV stations to offer a number of new and better services. In addition to providing dramatically better pictures and sound quality, DTV also enables TV stations to provide several channels of television programming at once. This is known as “multicasting.” DTV can also be used to provide data services (such as significantly enhanced closed captioning) that are not possible with analog technology.
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What is high definition television?
Digital television allows stations -- like WMFE -- to telecast programs in much higher resolution or clarity than standard analog television. This is called high definition television or HDTV. Viewers are able to receive high-quality, crystal-clear pictures. These visually stunning pictures, with more than twice the resolution and clarity of standard television, are displayed in a widescreen format with a 16 by 9 width-to-height ratio compared to today's 4 by 3, or basically square, format. And because HDTV is digital, viewers have the option of a six-channel CD-quality "surround sound." In other words, viewers are able to enjoy a true home theater experience.
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Why aren’t the majority of the programs you are telecasting on WMFE-HD in “True HD?”
At this time, PBS only has a limited selection of new programming in the “True HD” format. We are telecasting in “True HD” when it is available.
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What is multicasting?
WMFE is able to transmit multiple channels of television programming simultaneously.
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.Why can DTV offer so much more information?
The key is video compression. Compression allows a vast amount of data -- in this case, gigabits of a television picture or other information -- to be reduced for transmission. In the United States, the DTV signal is reduced to 19.4 million bits per second! (To put this in perspective, the telephone line to your home handles 28,000 bits per second.)
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What happens to Analog Channel 24 after the conversion to Digital Channel 24 is completed?
After the transition is complete WMFE and other broadcasters will be required to return to the government the portion of the spectrum currently used for analog stations.
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How is DTV different from digital broadcast satellite (DBS)?
Broadcast DTV and DBS both use digital transmission. However, DTV uses the ATSC format (which brings you HDTV, multicasting, datacasting, and other ancillary services). Another key difference is that terrestrial broadcast DTV will be over-the-air, and is free to you and all viewers, whereas DBS is a pay subscription service.
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What other resources regarding DTV are available?
Check out out links page for many resources regarding analog shut off and digital television.
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