DTV - Are You Ready? February is coming…are you ready for the switch?

We receive many many questions about the transistion to full time digital TV. I thought I would outline some of the answers to the most-asked questions.

1. When is the end to analog TV?
ANSWER: February 17, 2009 - Don’t wait all the Digital channels are on the air NOW!

2. What do I need to do to determine if I am ready for DTV?
ANSWER: First if your purchased a TV before March of 2008 it could be in danger of losing a signal IF, IF you use an antenna to receive TV signals.
Watch your local stations, they are performing analog shut off tests often so you can determine if your TV is DTV ready.
3. Apply for a DTV converter box coupon http://www.dtv2009.gov EVERYTHING you need to know is right
here.
4. Once you have your converter box CHOOSE THE PROPER ANTENNA. Indoor antennas known as rabbitt ears are problamatic with the digital signals. Outdoor antennas are the best Read more here - THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT DECISION once you have your converter box.  Remember, anytime you put any antenna indoors, including the attic..you cut down the efficency of that antenna by 50%. Click HERE for more information on antennas and reception of the digital signals.

5. Skip the converter box and buy a digital TV. Again, chosing the propper antenna is very important with a new digital TV.

6. On February 18th, 2009 you will need to rescan your converter box or digital TV channles. This is necessary because all broadcasters are transistioning to other channels. If you don’t perform this rescan you won’t receiver ANY OVER-THE-AIR channels. Do it on 2-18-09.

Posted under DTV TOP TIPS

Many of you may have seen the DTV test we held on Monday night during our 6pm and 10pm Newscasts. This day marks 100 days before the analog signal is shut off forever. Are you ready?

If you were able to see the graphics which said “Your are not ready for DTV” then you must act before February 17, 2009.

If you saw the newscast and did not see this graphic you are all set. You do not need to do anything.

For those of you who who saw the graphics you need to do one of three things;
1. Purchase a DTV converter box
2. Purchase a Digital TV
3. If you are watching on cable - contact your provider. They are responsible for making the switch for you.

Other Questions???
1. If you need a converter box coupon, CLICK here - and apply on line.
2. Antennas? Which one? Go to this site; http:\\www.winegarddirect.com\wgem
3. More info on antennas and VHF vs UHF channels?  CLICK HERE

Posted under DTG - General Information

Now that the DTV Converter boxes are out the national group, Consumer Reports has reviewed many of the boxes. Here is what they had to say. Prices are before applying converter box coupon.

Best Picture Quality Capabable of Images that come close to DVD quality
Model                         Cost                              Sold By
Tviax STB-T9               $50                                Solidsignal.com & FreeDTVShop.com
Lasonic LTA260             55                               Solidsignal.com & FreeDTVShop.com
Sansonic FT300A          $60                              Solidsignal.com & FreeDTVShop.com
Microgem MG2000        $65                              Solidsignal.com & FreeDTVShop.com

Better Picture Quality A small step below the best, but still better than most analog broadcasts
Model                            Cost                                 Sold By
Philco TB100HH9            $50                                DSI Systems & SummitSource.com
Magnavox TB100MW9     $55                                Wal-mart & FreeDTVShop.com
Artec T3A Pro                 $55                                Solidsignal.com & FreeDTVShop.com
Insignia NS-DXA1            $60                                 Best Buy & FreeDTVShop.com
Zenith DTT900                $60                                 Circuit City, Radio Shack
RCA DTA800B                 $65                                  Wal-Mart

Acceptable Picture Quality - Generally comparable to good analog broadcast - despite some flaws
Model                            Cost                                Sold By
Digital Stream DTX9900   $60                                 Radio Shack & FreeDTVShop.com
Digital Stream DSP7500T $55                                 FreeDTVShop.com
GE 22730                        $70                                 FreeDTVShop.com
GE 22729                        $80                                 Best Buy & FreeDTVShop.com

Posted under DTV Voucher Program

Understanding TV Signals
As in analog TV signals, digital TV signals are broadcast in two main frequency ranges: VHF and UHF. The VHF channels range is 2-13, while the UHF range is 14-83. Over 90% of DTV stations are broadcasting in the UHF frequency band until February 17, 2009. This can be a little confusing because the FCC requires digital stations to embed a reference code to their analog channel so viewers don’t have to memorize a new set of channels. For example WGEM is currently broadcasting on the UHF band on channel 54, but actually what you see on your TV is 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3. KHQA is on channel 29 and you see their channel as 7.1 and 7.2.

Analog vs Digital reception
The digital signal is quite different from the analog signal. With analog you could adjust the antenna and normally receive some type of signal, maybe the signal was noisy or you would have ghosting. Not so in digital. You must maintain a constant signal to maintain the quality of the picture. Many say either you have it or you don’t. If you notice freezing or pixilation that is a good indication you might have a weak or interrupted signal.

Over-the-air digital reception provides the best picture quality and it’s FREE
Most cable and satellite companies offer plenty of channels to choose from. By doing so they must use data compression or other techniques which compromise picture quality, resulting in a "soft" image, distracting video artifacts (distortion), or both. Off-air antenna reception is the best way to enjoy digital TV and High Definition TV at the full resolution the TV stations intended.

UHF or VHF – February 17, 2009
Digital Television broadcasting stations operate on two bands VHF and UHF. After 2-17-08 many stations may change from the UHF band to the VHF band, why?
The FCC set down a mandate telling stations they were required to broadcast digital and analog signals simultaneously, forcing many stations operating their digital signal in the UHF band while maintaining their analog signal on the VHF band.. Once the analog signal is turned off, many stations will locate back to their VHF home. You need to know what is happening with the stations in your area before you make an investment in an antenna for digital TV.

In the Quincy Television market there are four digital television stations broadcasting a total of 9 digital signals. Digital TV allows multicasting or the ability for broadcasters to provide multiple digital TV signals. In order to receive these signals you must have a converter box or digital TV with ATSC tuner and the proper antenna.
NOW-UHF DIGITAL STATIONS
WGEM-NBC 10.1, WGEM-CW 10.2, CGEM-FOX, 10.3
KHQA-CBS 7.1, KHQA-ABC 7.2
WQEC-PBS 27.1, WQEC-PBS-HD 27.1, WQEC-PBS 3, 27.3
WTJR-16.1

AFTER 2-17-09 –DIGITAL UHF STATIONS
WQEC-PBS 27.1, WQEC-PBS-HD 27.1, WQEC-PBS 3, 27.3
WTJR-16.1

AFTER 2-17-09 –DIGITAL VHF STATIONS
WGEM-NBC 10.1, WGEM-CW 10.2, CGEM-FOX, 10.3
KHQA-CBS 7.1, KHQA-ABC 7.2

What type of antenna should you use?
1. Determine the distance from the broadcast towers. If you are less than 10-15 miles you may be able to use a set of rabbit ears. Make sure this type of antenna is capable of receiving UHF and VHF signals. These will cost from $14.00 to $30.00 depending on the features. NOTE: This is an indoor antenna and you may have some reception problems due to movement in your home which can interrupt the signal. Remember digital TV needs a constant or steady signal in order to produce a clean picture unlike analog.

2. If you are having indoor reception issues an outdoor antenna might be the answer. Newer antenna designs allow for placement outside the window or under the eve of your house. All you will need to do is choose the proper antenna for this placement.

3. If you live more than 20 miles from the broadcast towers you may want to consider a roof antenna. Consult with a professional before you choose the antenna for your location. Don’t trust the word of the teenager working the part time shift at your local store. In general the larger the antenna surface, the stronger the signal it will provide. The relative strength of the signal an antenna can deliver to your TV or converter box is known as the gain and is measured in decibels (db). The higher the db rating, the greater he gain.

4. If you have an older antenna it’s possible it may produce enough signal to satisfy your digital TV or converter box. Normally the biggest problem with older antennas is the coax leading to the antenna. You should use RG6 antenna cable for the best performance. Weather can also have an effect on older antennas by breaking-off elements or corroding connectors causing a weak signal. If your older outdoor antenna works for you great but be prepared to replace the coax or the antenna itself.

5. You may be able to use an antenna in your attic. The effectiveness of an antenna in the attic is decreased by up to 50% so keep this in mind.

6. Amplified antennas can improve your antenna performance or cause real problems. An electronic device is placed in the coax line between your TV and antenna. It amplifies the effect of the antenna and can improve the signal to your receiver. There is a potential drawback of an amplified signal. It can actually make a strong signal worse. You would not want to use an amplified antenna if you live near the transmission tower. This will cause too much signal into your receiver and result in a bad or inconsistent signal.

Posted under DTV Reception - Antennas

So have you heard the spots on TV telling you to apply for your converter box? Well some people have. So far 12,657,189 coupons have been requested across the country. That means there are 23 million coupons left for phase one of the program. So far California leads the way by requesting 1,144, 725 coupons. Illinois is third on the list with 673,453, Wisconsin residents requested 419,661, Missouri asked for 354,302 and Iowa only 188,477.

So what converter box should you buy? Well, most retailers sell only one brand. For example Walmart is known for the RCA and Zenith brands, Best Buy sells their store brand and most Radio Shack stores are selling Digital Stream receivers. There are a total of 83 approved by the Federal Government so you do have a choice. Most of these boxes do the same thing so any box will work. The difference may be in the price. WalMart is selling their box for about $10.00 and Best Buy is selling theirs for $20.00, after you apply the DTV coupon. If you want to find which retailers are stocking the boxes click here for more information. Click on "Participating Retailers"

Posted under DTV Voucher Program

I guess you could say you don’t get much free in life but I beg to differ. WGEM will again offer FREE DTV seminars at John Wood Community College in Quincy. We have teamed up with Best Buy and JWCC to offer these sessions to those interested.

I guess people are always skeptical about attending an event like this because they think they they will be forced into buying something. Don’t worry that is not going to happen here. These seminars are all about presenting the facts on digital TV. Sure, we will show you some new sets but they are there to show and discuss the technology. We are going to tell you how you can put new life in your current TV by feeding it an off-the air digital signal. You’ll be able to ask questions of the experts and hopefully feel a little bit better on how the changes in television will affect before you leave.

Seminars are all 6-8pm at the John Wood Community College - Paul Heath Center. Just drive south on 48th street about a mile past State. It’s on the left. There is plenty of parking. Come in the front doors and the seminars are downstairs. You can also go around the back of the building and enter through that entrance.

Dates are:
February 24
March 30
April 27
May 18
August 24
September 28
October 26
November 23
December 14

Posted under DTG - General Information

As of today almost 15% of the allocated $1.5 billion dollars earmarked for the DTV Converter box program is gone and at the writing of the article we are only 43 days into the campaign. Do the math, if this rate continues by Summer the money will just about be exhausted. So far over 4 million requests have been received. Is one of those yours? If not do it now. Click HERE!

What are you waiting for? The boxes are beginning to show up in the stores and the vouchers, which look like gift cards should be arriving soon. Don’t forget, anyone can apply for a DTV coupon, up to two per household. We are hearing out of pocket expense will range from almost nothing to around $20.00. I certainly would not spend more than $20.00. Popular stores like Best Buy, Circuit City, Wal-mart, Kmart, Sears and Radio Shack are just a few stores who have the boxes. Once you receive your coupons you will receive a listing of stores in your area

In all there are 34 different models of DTV receiver boxes being manufactured for this program. My guess is you will see each retailer pick one or maybe two to sell in their stores. The government specs for these boxes are pretty clear. Those boxes which cost more than $20 after turning in your voucher may have other features.

So once you receive your voucher you have 90 days to use it. You hear of "Use it or lose it" that applies to this program. If it expires you can’t use it or apply for another so don’t let it sit on your dresser for 3 months.

You have your analog TV, the converter box now don’t forget the antenna. With these three items you can begin enjoying more FREE TV choices with Digital Television. Oh and you won’t receive a monthly bill.

Posted under DTV Voucher Program

What is the Converter Box program?
Have you applied for your Digital TV converter box? You can do so right now. This box is needed to convert the new over-the-air digital signals to your current TV or analog TV. The current analog signals will go away on February 17, 2009. To assist consumers with the transition the Federal Government is offering to help with the cost of these boxes. You can apply for two $40.00 coupon vouchers. With these vouchers you will be able to purchase up to two converter boxes.

Why do you need this Converter Box?
When broadcasters turn off their analog transmitter in February of 2009 those who receive TV using an analog TV with an antenna will lose their signal. This box will receive the new over the air digital broadcasts and allow you to watch them on your current analog TV.

You subscribe to cable for your TV signal. Will you need this box?
NO, most cable companies will be receiving broadcasters digital signals and sending them to their customers in analog. The FCC says cable companies must provide an analog signal to their customers until 2012. So if you have cable, there will be no changes right now. You may want to consider applying for the coupons for those TV’s in your house not connected to cable. Remember, those sets will not receive over the air free TV without a converter box.

You have Dish Network or Direct TV, what do you have to do?
The simple answer is nothing. Again it is the responsibility of the satellite companies to receive the digital signals and send them to your house. Don’t forget those extra TV sets not connected to your satellite receiver. You may want to apply for vouchers for those sets.

How do you apply?
There are several ways to apply for the coupons between Jan. 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, all U.S. households will be eligible to request up to two coupons.
1. Apply on-line at www.dtv2009.gov. This website will be active on Jan. 1.
2. Call the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), TTY 1-877-530-2634
3. Download application by clicking HERE
3. Mail the application to: PO BOX 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000
4. Fax the application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632)

How long will it take to receive the coupon once you apply?
You will not receive the coupons until converter boxes are available in your area stores. Once the orders for these boxes are received the distribution of these boxes will begin. I would be surprised if you received the coupons before the end of March of 2008. With your coupons you should receive a list of local retalilers who will be selling the boxes. Once you receive your coupons you have up to 90 days to use them.
Retailers in all areas of the county must apply to be a distribution point for these boxes. If you are a retailer and are interested in participating in this program you must apply before March 31, 2008.

I have a "DTV Ready" TV. Will this box work on this tv?
Remember, these boxes are designed to work with analog TV’s. That does not mean you can’t use it with your Digital TV however the output of this box will be analog, meaning you’ll be able to watch the signal but you won’t see High Definition video. The Government designed converter box is not capable of this.
Manufactures of TV’s used the words "DTV Ready" to sell sets without digital tuners. Meaning you could add a tuner later. The FCC stepped in and said any sets sold after March of 2007 had to have a digital tuner. I say thanks a lot for confusing consumers just to knock a few bucks off the digital TV’s.

If you are interested in purchasing a digital tuner which WILL produce HDTV and is designed for Digital TV’s go to Winegard Antenna Site. They are just one company who sells these boxes. There is no need to wait because you will not be able to use your DTV coupons to purchase this type of tuner box.

With every program there are rules – this program included.
This link provides all the information you ever wanted to know on the coupon program. http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/rules.html

Posted under Uncategorized

We are headed closer to the holiday rush and I am sure it has crossed your mind to purchase a new Digital TV for someone in your family. I thought I would take some time to provide a few buying tips before you hit the streets. Yes, you could buy a set on-line in my opinion you may want to consider that decision carefully. Don’t you really want to see the picture first? What happens if something does go wrong with the TV, some on-line merchants have pretty good return policies others don’t mention it. In most cases either way you would need to pack up the TV and find a shipper. Sure, you can find some pretty good deals on-line and I even considered buying one on line. When I went to my local merchants I found the prices were very close to the on-line merchants, so why bother. I also have this thing for supporting local retailers especially when it comes to a major purchase like a digital TV.

Time for some homework. The best thing you can do is to be armed with information before you head out. Search the web. www.cnet.com is a great site. There are plenty of other sites. Here is what you need to consider. Jot the answers to these down.
1. What size is the room in where you be locating the TV?
2. Does the room have a lot of daylight or direct sunlight or is that light controllable?
3. What type of TV do you watch the most? Sports, Movies or a variety of news, sports entertainment?
4. Will you be mounting the TV on a wall or replacing an analog TV in it’s cabinet?
5. How about sound, will you use your current system, adding a new system or just using the audio from the TV.
6. How do you receive your TV signal?

1. You should know the size of the room. This will determine the size of TV which will best fit your room. Is it a secondary set going in the bedroom or dorm or the main family viewing room.
2. This determines what technology you should consider. LCD is better in bright rooms than Plasma or DLP.
3. This is another determining factor on the technology. If you watch a lot of sports or maybe Nascar events a Plasma might be the best choice. Some say it handles rapid motion the best however I have an LCD and I think it does a pretty good job.  If you are purchasing a second set or one for your dorm room maybe you don’t need to spend as much or consider an off-brand for this purpose. If you are shopping for the TV you use for your main viewing area you can’t lose by sticking with a brand name set. If you choose an off-brand you better do your research.
4. If you are planning to mount the set on a wall you will need to purchase a mount. These can range from $100 to $400. depending on the features. If you are replacing an older set will the new set fit in it’s place?
5. Do you have a sound system? Does it support 5.1 Surround sound? Does the TV you are considering have 5.1 Surround sound output through a digital interface? Maybe this is not important or maybe you will need to upgrade. My advice here is don’t buy a real cheap sound system. You will be disappointed.
6. If you watch TV over-the air you may need an antenna. If you have one, try it first. Remember, you will receive more FREE TV signals over-the-air on the digital broadcasts than you currently do in the analog world.  Our partner www.winegarddirect.com has a great selection of antennas. Do you have cable? If you purchase a digital TV with a QAM tuner you may be able to receive HD channels over your existing cable. Check with your provider. By the way, a QAM tuner is a tuner designed to receive some digital or HD channels on cable systems. Most brand-name sets have this built in. I would check with your retailer. If you are a satellite subscriber can your satellite box connect digitally to your new TV?

In closing, if you take all the above into consideration it will make your buying decision much easier. You may want to stop by as many retailers as possible. Find out if they price match. The good ones will match or beat the price of most of their competitors. Some will even guarantee their lower price 60 days after you purchase the item. Good luck on your purchase and happy shopping!

Posted under Buying a New Digital TV

Ok, let’s cut through the clutter. Congress basically told broadcasters they had to transition to Digital Television or surrender their license. In a lot of cases some stations are going dark or being purchased by other companies. Why?  The cost for transitioning is in the millions for broadcasters and some companies just can’t afford to do it. They are asking the same of consumers, granted it’s not in the millions but for some people it is a lot of money to buy a new TV. That’s why the coupon program was developed. Don’t get me wrong, we are embracing this technology. The ability to deliver more stations at better quality is a real plus for us. Frankly I can’t wait until we shut down our analog transmitter. It’s old and if you look at it wrong, well need I say more.

A light bulb went on in congress, granted a dim one and someone had the idea of creating another government program to help consumers. The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) launched the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program (Coupon Program), as authorized in the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005. Translation: This is a billion-dollar plus program to help consumers purchase a digital TV receiver box so they can receive over-the-air broadcast signals on their analog TV.

The tuners on analog sets won’t receive broadcast signals after February 17th of 2009. So you hook one of these boxes up to an antenna, run the output of the box to your analog set and you can watch the digital TV channels. This applies to broadcast only, not cable or satellite.

Although I feel this program is about a year behind schedule from where it should be the basic details are as follows:

1. Each household will be eligible for two $40.00 coupons which can be applied to the purchase of up to two digital receiver boxes. We hear the price will range from $50 to $100.
2. The program starts 1-1-08. At that time any household can apply. It is not based on income or how you receiver your TV signals.
3. Once the money runs out phase 2 will begin. At that time we are told only households who receive their TV signal over-the-air, will be eligible.
For more information go to this site. Every question you want answered about this program is here.

*If you are interested in the program you should apply shortly after the first of the year. I think the money will run out quick.
*You won’t find many of these converter boxes in the stores right now because retailers are waiting for the "government approved" version. Ask the person at your retail outlet about the converter box i’ll bet you’ll receive a blank stare. You can purchase these in some stores. Here’s one from our friends at Winegard.

Posted under DTV Voucher Program