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 Noon on March 31, 2009, the analog stations of CMU Public Broadcasting ceased broadcasting in analog and switched to 100% digital broadcasting.
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 I receive CMU Public Television after March 31, 2009?
Analog television sets receiving free TV using an antenna will probably be affected. Television viewers with these sets that are not connected to a pay TV service like cable or satellite services will need to take action to ensure their TV sets continue to receive the programming offered by CMU Public Television. 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 from CMU Public Television after Noon on March 31, 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 March 31, 2009, you will be able to receive and view over-the-air digital programming from CMU Public Television with an analog TV only by purchasing the converter box. All U.S. households can request up to two $40 coupons from the federal government, to be used toward the purchase of these converter boxes at local retail outlets. There may be some delay in distributing new coupons.
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. The cost of the converter box is estimated to be between $50 and $60 without the aid of the coupons. You need to act now, though. While funding has been exhausted, new coupons will be issued as unused coupons expire on a first-come, first-served basis.
Is CMU Public Television already broadcasting digitally?
CMU Public Television is already broadcasting in digital
Channel 6 in Alpena is broadcasting on Digital Channel 24
Channels 27, 46 and 69 are broadcasting on Digital Channel 17
Channel 21 in Manistee is broadcasting on Digital Channel 21
Channel 14 in Mount Pleasant is broadcasting on Digital Channel 26
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. These features however will not be available for those using older sets and converter boxes.
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. You can also call the Michigan DTV helpline sponsored by Don-Lohrs Electronics at 1-888-643-8809... speak with a live person Monday-Friday 7am to 9 pm and Saturday and Sunday 7 am to 3 pm.
As more television stations transition to digital, it is a good idea to rescan for available stations on your television set every so often.
The preceding information is current as of May 6, 2009 |
