WCMU Conversion to Digital Television Fact Sheet

I keep hearing about something that’s going to happen to my TV in 2009.  What is “The Digital Television Transition”?

At midnight on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. This affects all television stations, both public and commercial.

Why Are Broadcast TV Stations Switching to All-Digital?

Congress mandated the conversion to all-digital television broadcasting, also known as the digital television (DTV) transition, because all-digital broadcasting will free up frequencies for public safety communications (such as police, fire, and emergency rescue). Also, digital is a more efficient transmission technology that allows broadcast stations to offer improved picture and sound quality, as well as offer more programming options for consumers through multiple broadcast streams (multicasting). In addition, some of the freed up frequencies will be used for advanced commercial wireless services for consumers.

Will my television work after February 17, 2009?

Analog television sets receiving free TV using an antenna will probably be affected after February 17, 2009. Television viewers with these sets that are not connected to a pay TV service like cable or satellite services will need to take action before February 17, 2009, to ensure their TV sets continue to work.  If you own a newer TV set, it may already have a digital tuner, check your owner’s manual for details.

What Do I Need To Do?

What you need to do depends on the source of your television programming--whether you receive programming over-the-air or from a paid provider such as a cable or satellite TV company. If you subscribe to either cable or satellite, you most likely will not need to do anything—although if you have questions, you should contact your provider.

Viewers who receive free over-the-air television signals through antennas or “rabbit ears” will be affected most.  You will no longer receive a television signal after midnight of February 17, 2009.

So, then what do I do? Do I have to buy a new TV? Can I keep my old one?

Yes, you can keep your old television and purchase a DTV converter box, and again, if your TV was purchased fairly recently, it may have a built-in digital tuner.

After February 17, 2009, you will be able to receive and view over-the-air digital programming with an analog TV only by purchasing the converter box. Between January 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, all U.S. households will be able to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the future purchase of these converter boxes at local retail outlets.

If you are receiving your signal through an antenna or “rabbit ears,” you need to visit www.DTV2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009 to apply for these coupons. You need to act now, though: there is a limited pool of money to cover these coupons. This is a Federal Government program set up to assist in the transition to digital broadcasting. The cost of the converter box is estimated to be between $50 and $75 without the aid of the coupons.

Is CMU Public Television already broadcasting digitally?

CMU Public Television is already broadcasting in digital along with the current analog signal.

Channel 6 in Alpena is simulcasting on Digital Channel 57

Channels 27, 46 and 69 are simulcasting on Digital Channel 17

Channel 21 in Manistee is simulcasting on Digital Channel 58

Channel 14 in Mount Pleasant is simulcasting on Digital Channel 56

How Will The DTV Transition Improve My TV Viewing?

Digital television provides a better viewing experience than over-the-air analog programming, including more channels and program choices, clearer sound and a more crisp, rich picture.

The NTIA will maintain a list of approved Coupon Eligible Converter Boxes (CECB) to distribute to consumers and participating retailers. The following is a list of approved CECBs:

We’re Here to Help:

WCMU wants to help you, our valued viewers, make the transition to digital television as smooth as possible.  If you have more questions, please call us at 1-800-727-9268. We want to make sure you don’t miss a minute of the best Public Television has to offer on your CMU Public Television.

The preceding information is current as of January 25, 2008