The General Manager's Corner
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August 2008
In the old world of analog television, you could
unbox a new TV set, plug it in, connect an antenna and see that the
set was working. The picture may not have been perfect, but you
knew it was there, and you could work to move or upgrade the antenna
(or decorate it with tinfoil) to make the picture better.
In the world of digital television, most viewers
can unbox a new digital television or converter box, connect an
antenna and get a perfect digital picture. A significant minority
of viewers, however, are turning on their new DTV or connecting
their converter box to see only a blank screen and a “No Service”
message. There are no fuzzy, ghosty digital pictures; you either
watch a great picture or none at all.
Having helped a number of members with problems
receiving DTV, we’ve seen some common challenges and want to share
some solutions.
The first thing to consider is your antenna. The
indoor ‘rabbit ears’ that worked well enough for analog reception
even at a distance from PBS eight’s Duluth transmitter may
not be enough for reliable DTV reception. If rabbit ears worked
fine for analog, you may need to upgrade to a set of rabbit ears
with a built-in amplifier. If analog reception with an indoor
antenna was marginal, it is likely you will need to go the next step
to install an antenna outdoors. Be sure any antenna you install is
suitable for both UHF and VHF signals so that it will be effective
after the February 2009 transition.
Even the most sensitive antenna can be rendered
ineffective if the cable connecting it to the set has deteriorated.
Like outdoor antennas, cable does degrade with time and exposure to
the elements. While you’re checking the condition of the incoming
cable, be watching for splitters intended to feed signals to more
than one set throughout the house. A 4-way splitter will only
deliver ¼ of the available signal strength to your set, even if it
is the only set connected to the system. Try eliminating any
splitters to see if you can get your DTV or converter box working.
In the most difficult situations, you may need to
consider an amplifier for your outdoor antenna. If you do need to
go this route, remember that the closer the amplifier is to the
antenna – such as a mast mounted amplifier – the more effective it
will be.
While you may incur some initial expense for your
DTV receiver and antenna system, remember that they will prepare you
to receive years’ worth of programming free of monthly charges. As
with any technology purchase, consider whether the store you are
buying from is able to provide the technical support you may need to
make it work; the help may be worth paying a little more.
Questions? Let us hear from
you!
JUNE 2008
The DTV transition is drawing closer amid continuing confusion and
misinformation. PBS eight has compiled some of the myths about DTV
that we have heard; we’re happy to provide the facts to our members
below.
Myth: TV will no longer be free after the transition.
Fact: You can still receive free television over the air with
an antenna just like you do now as long as your TV either has a
digital tuner or is connected to a converter box. The federal
government is offering coupons (valued at $40.00 each) to reduce the
cost of the converter boxes, which cost $40 - $70. Call
1-888-DTV-2009 for more information on the coupon program.
Myth: I need to buy a new TV.
Fact: A new TV is just one of three options if you own an
analog TV set. You can purchase a new TV that is equipped with a
digital tuner or you can keep your current TV and connect it to a
converter box or pay TV service (such as cable or satellite).
Myth: I need to buy a converter box.
Fact: This is just one of your options if you currently use
an analog TV with an antenna. You can also choose to purchase a new
digital TV or subscribe to a pay TV service such as cable or
satellite.
Myth: One converter box is all I need for my TVs.
Fact: If you choose to buy converter boxes, you will need one
converter box for each analog TV. Every analog set has to be
connected to a pay TV service or converter box to get a TV signal
after February 17, 2009.
Myth: My DVD player, DVR, VCR, camcorder and video games will no
longer be compatible with my TV.
Fact: These electronics will continue to work even if they
are analog. You will not be able to record programs off-the-air,
however, unless these devices are equipped with a digital tuner or
converter box.
Check back next month when we will try to clarify some of the
confusion about cable and satellite services. If you have questions
about the transition, give us a call!
MAY 2008
Displays of DTV converter boxes have been spotted at area retailers
– and $40 discount coupons have begun arriving in Northland
mailboxes, moving us one step closer to the February 2009 end of
analog broadcasting. There’s really no good reason to wait any
longer to start enjoying the additional channels and programs that
free, over-the-air digital television has to offer - including four
channels of your PBS eight favorites.
In fact, there may be no better time than now! The US Department of
Commerce has already received over 9 million requests for DTV
converter box coupons, but they remain available both on the
internet at www.dtv2009.gov or by phone at 1-888-DTV-2009. The
converters are compact, easy to connect (just like a VCR or DVD
player), and may even breathe some new life into your older TV. If
it turns out that you need to upgrade or tune up your antenna for
DTV, you’ll be happy that you took care of it now, rather than next
January when the deadline for losing analog TV looms.
Of course, no transition of this magnitude would be likely to come
off without a glitch. Here are three we are aware of:
- Some residents of assisted living communities and nursing homes
have been denied converter box coupons. Coupons are limited to two
per residence, and the converter box program has not recognized
these and similar living situations as eligible. The NTIA – the arm
of the US Department of Commerce responsible for distributing the
coupons – is working to rectify the situation. If your application
was denied earlier, you can reapply.
- Some converter boxes on store shelves may not meet government
performance standards. We here at PBS eight have seen several brands
of converter boxes in recent months, with performance ranging from
good to surprisingly good. While the NTIA works to remove
poor-performing converters from stores, your best protection is to
understand what the retailer’s return policy is in the event that a
converter does not work for you.
- Some converter boxes will work only for digital signals, blocking
analog signals that will still be used by translator stations. If
you rely on a translator station for some of your viewing, you may
need to continue to receive analog signals beyond February 2008, as
translators will be allowed to continue analog operations past the
transition date for full power stations. If you purchase a converter
box, be sure that it is one of the models that will deliver signals
from analog translators to your set.
Of course if you have questions, send them along!
APRIL 2008
There is a fair amount of confusion and misinformation about the
options consumers will have for viewing digital television after
February 2009. While cable, satellite and over-the air will all
‘work’ a year from now – meaning you will be able to watch something
– that ‘something’ will not be the same for each option.
For most PBS eight members, the only way to assure that you will be
able to watch all our programs, including being able to watch high
definition programming in high definition, is to have a high
definition television with a digital tuner connected to an antenna.
Using a converter box (it is not too late to apply for $40 discount
coupons at www.dtv2009.gov or (888) DTV-2009) will allow you to
watch all our digital channels, but not in high definition. Perhaps
best of all, viewing over-the-air is free and available right now.
It’s a mixed bag for PBS eight members who subscribe to cable.
Members in Duluth and Superior who subscribe to Charter’s digital
cable service will be able to view all PBS eight’s digital channels;
those Charter digital customers with a high definition set will be
able to watch high definition programs as they are broadcast. Other
cable systems may carry only one of PBS eight’s four digital
channels, and may or may not offer high definition. The only way to
know what your cable provider is planning is to call and ask.
Similarly, it is uncertain which PBS eight channels satellite
service subscribers will be able to watch. Presently there is no
assurance that the satellite providers’ local services will carry
more than one digital channel for small market stations like PBS
eight; it is unlikely that they will offer high definition signals
for small markets.
So, as it stands today, most cable and satellite customers will only
be able to watch one of PBS eight’s four digital channels, and none
in high definition. A call to your service provider to find out what
they will offer – and to emphasize you would like to see all of PBS
eight’s digital channels – could be timely.
FEBRUARY 2008
We’re excited that this month brings a new service to PBS eight
digital viewers – the Minnesota Channel. The Minnesota Channel
delivers the best in local and regional public television, every
day, all day long and features a variety of programming from or
about Minnesota and its neighbors. Many of the programs are produced
by the six public television stations serving Minnesota, often in
partnership with the state’s finest nonprofit and public service
organizations. The service, available exclusively in the Twin Cities
until now, will bring a diverse array of new programming to PBS
eight viewers and to public television viewers statewide.
As a part of Minnesota Channel programming, PBS eight viewers will
have access to live broadcasts from the floor of the Minnesota House
and Senate during the upcoming legislative session, beginning
February 12. This coverage was previously available free,
over-the-air only in the metro area. We hope our members will find
extensive legislative coverage and the Minnesota Channel a valuable
addition to our broadcast schedule.
Where will you find Minnesota Channel programs? This new service is
available free, over-the-air to members watching PBS eight digital -
the Minnesota Channel will be on channel 8.4. Charter Communications
customers who subscribe to that company’s digital basic service will
find the Minnesota Channel on channel 396. Customers of other area
cable companies are encouraged to contact their cable provider and
ask that the service be added to their cable offerings. To check out
the Minnesota Channel schedule, visit the PBS eight website,
www.wdse.org.
No digital television yet? A simple set-top convertor box will allow
you to watch PBS eight digital broadcasts on your existing
television using just an antenna. And it’s not too late to request a
$40 coupon to reduce your cost to buy one! The convertors will begin
appearing on retailers’ shelves this month at prices expected to
range from $50 to $80. The coupons (up to 2 per household) are
available by phone or on the internet. To apply, just call (888)
DTV-2009, or go to www.dtv2009.gov.
JANUARY 2008
Help Getting Ready For Digital Television…Free If You Act Soon!
February, 2009 is drawing closer, and with it the date that
broadcasters will be turning off their traditional analog
transmitters. That means that in just over a year, households will
need to be ready to receive digital television signals. Starting
January 1, the US Department of Commerce will distribute a limited
number of coupons to help households purchase the equipment needed
to watch digital television. PBS eight will help you get yours!
When analog broadcasts end, PBS eight members will have three
options for watching their favorite PBS eight programs:
- purchase a new digital television to watch all four PBS eight
digital channels over-the-air, using an antenna
- purchase cable or satellite service for every television set in
the house (with the caveat that not all cable systems and, so far,
none of the satellite services will carry all four of our digital
services)
- obtain a converter box that will enable you to watch all of our
digital channels, using an antenna, on your existing television (you
will need a converter for each set that is not connected to cable or
a satellite receiver)
The converter box option is the least expensive choice, and will
allow you to continue to use your existing television until the end
of its life. Starting January 1, the US Department of Commerce will
be making converters an even less expensive option by distributing
coupons good for $40 off the expected $50 to $80 cost of the boxes.
Initially, every household will be able to apply for up to 2
coupons; if an initial $890 million in funding is exhausted, only
households without cable or satellite service will be eligible for
the remaining program funds. Coupons will be redeemed at local
retailers who will be carrying the converters shortly after the
first of the year. Coupons expire 90 days after issue.
The quickest way to get your coupon(s), beginning January 1, is to
submit your request online at www.dtv2009.gov, or by calling (888)
388-2009. If any members would like assistance in applying for the
coupons, we are ready to help! Just drop by PBS eight between 8 and
4 on weekdays, and we will help you submit the application. The
sooner you act, the sooner your will be able to view all the PBS
eight digital offers!
NOVEMBER 2007
The end of this month marks the start of the holiday shopping
season. With the end of analog television drawing near (set by the
FCC as February 19, 2009) and so much great programming available
now on digital television, the electronics industry expects that
many households will purchase a digital television between now and
the end of the year. If you are thinking of joining them, here are
some points to consider before making your purchase.
Why Digital Television (DTV)? The switch to digital television was
initiated to make better use of the airwaves. But the benefit to
consumers is simply better pictures, better sound and more programs.
Just like the transition from analog phonograph records to digital
CDs and iPods, the transition to digital television will be a plus
for consumers.
Do I need to pay for cable or satellite to get DTV? In a word, no!
DTV is available free, over the air, including high definition
programs. Right now, DTV viewers in the Duluth-Superior market can
choose from 12 DTV channels, four of them from PBS eight. Some
viewers outside the immediate Duluth-Superior area may want to
consider an outdoor antenna to assure reliable DTV reception.
How big? DTV is able to deliver dramatically better pictures than
analog TV, and manufacturers have taken advantage of the improvement
to increase screen sizes. It is not uncommon to find screens 4 to 6
times as big as those typical of a few years ago. In deciding what
size DTV to buy, consider the size of your room and where you will
be sitting. Experts suggest multiplying the screen diagonal measure
by a factor of 1.5 to 2.5 to determine seating distance; that means
you will want to sit 5.5 to 9 feet from a 42 inch diagonal screen.
How much? DTV prices have fallen dramatically. Almost every consumer
will find a set that fits their budget in the current range of
prices that begins under $100.
Where should I buy? DTVs are available from reputable retailers
throughout our viewing area, ranging from ‘big box’ stores to
audio/video specialists. Ask how much help the retailer you are
considering will offer if you have trouble setting up your new
equipment, and decide where to buy based on how comfortable you are
with the answer.
JULY 2007
Last month’s message was that you don’t have to remodel the family
room and spend thousands of dollars on a wall size display to watch
digital television. There are new digital televisions available from
area retailers to fit a wide variety of spaces and budgets. This
month, we’ll look at options for the existing sets throughout your
home.
When the mandated end of analog broadcasting comes after February
17, 2009, what will become of the analog televisions currently in
your house? Those sets used only for video games or for watching
DVDs and VHS tapes will not be affected. Sets connected to cable or
satellite will also continue to function, though there may be
additional programming that you won’t be able to watch without a
connection to an antenna. Existing analog sets that rely on an
antenna will require attention.
Receiving free over-the-air digital television will require that you
equip existing analog receivers with a digital television tuner.
Options available right now include purchase of a DTV converter or a
digital video recorder (DVR). Both options start at under $200 and,
with your antenna, will allow you to watch all PBS eight’s digital
channels right now. A higher cost alternative is to subscribe to a
cable or satellite service for these sets. While this second option
will prevent the set from becoming obsolete in early 2009, it may
not provide all the viewing options available free with the
converter or DVR.
A third option is patience – and patience will be well rewarded.
Recognizing the impact that the end of analog broadcasts will have
on the many households that depend on free over-the-air television,
Congress has established a program that will help pay for the
equipment needed to make the transition. That program will issue $40
coupons to help pay for DTV converters starting in January, 2008. In
response, a new generation of low cost DTV converters is expected on
retailers’ shelves at the end of this year.
Here’s how the program will work. Beginning January 1, the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will issue
two of the $40 coupons to each household that requests them until a
total of $990 million has been distributed. Details are yet to be
finalized, but consumers are expected to be able to apply by mail,
phone or on-line. Coupons must be redeemed within ninety days of
issue, can be applied only to basic DTV converters, and cannot be
combined (one coupon per converter.) If the first $990 million
proves insufficient to provide coupons to all who need them, a
second round of the program limited to households without cable or
satellite service will make an additional $510 million available.
The program ends on March 31, 2009 or when the appropriation is
spent.
More information on the converter program is available at
www.dtv.gov, or by calling (888) DTV-2009.
JUNE 2007
Last month this space was used to tease you with the wide array of
program options available on PBS eight’s digital service. This
month, I’ll focus on how you can receive that programming free,
over-the-air.
The key to receiving PBS eight’s digital programming is a digital
television tuner connected to an appropriate antenna. Digital (the
industry acronym is ATSC) tuners are available in a variety of
devices: as expansion cards for personal computers, included in
satellite receiver set-top boxes, as separate converters to add to
existing television sets, in combination with DVD recorders, and in
new television sets. Since most households will eventually be
watching digital television on a new television, let’s start there.
The first decision you will face in purchasing a digital television
is HD (High Definition) or SD (Standard Definition). Over time, most
households will want a widescreen television capable of delivering
the incredible potential of HD digital television to enjoy the
stunning photography of programs like Nature. But what about the
television in the kitchen, bedroom or garage? Affordable SD digital
televisions will let you watch all that PBS eight and other local
broadcasters offer on their digital services throughout the house,
and can be an economical, low risk way to learn about this new
technology.
Area retailers offer SD digital televisions for a little as $89.95.
So you don’t have to remodel the family room and spend thousands of
dollars for a wall-size display to watch digital television. (Though
that may be fun!) When you visit your selected retailer, you will
find a variety of sizes and types of digital televisions to fit both
your space and budget.
Selecting your retailer will play an important role in your
satisfaction with your first digital television. Selection and
orientation of your new digital television’s antenna can be critical
to realizing the potential of the set; you will want to be sure your
retailer has the knowledge and willingness to work with you to be
sure you get what you need.
Whether you choose SD or HD, a new digital television will deliver
better picture quality and more program choices of free over-the-air
television than you have ever enjoyed before.
Next month – digital television from your existing set, and a rebate
from the federal government to help pay for it.
May 2007
Pop quiz time – we’ll make it a little easier by making it multiple
choice.
The number of public television channels I can choose from to watch
free, over the air, right now is:
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
E. 5
We’ll give credit for answering either 4 or 5. If you got it right,
congratulations, you are well aware of the progress PBS eight is
making in transitioning to digital broadcasting.
Got it wrong? Then here is the review you need to start getting
ready for the end of traditional analog broadcasting.
The Federal Communications Commission has ordered that television
broadcasters end their analog-technology broadcasts – the technology
that has brought you public television on channel 8 for over forty
years – in February, 2009. The analog PBS eight that most of our
members are watching today represents one channel of public
television programming.
Our analog broadcasts will be replaced by digital broadcasts, with
the advantage that digital broadcasting is much more efficient. PBS
eight digital has been on the air for four years this month, and
currently offers four channels of programming. That’s how we come up
with five channels of public television programming available to you
right now.
What’s on PBS eight digital? One digital channel duplicates analog
PBS eight (the reason you got credit on the question if you answered
‘4’), but delivers the local and national programming you expect
from PBS eight without snow or ghosts. Our second digital channel
offers the PBS High Definition (HD) channel, presenting programs in
stunning high definition and widescreen formats. The third digital
channel is our Create! service, offering a variety of cooking,
how-to, home repair, travel and crafts programs throughout the
broadcast day. Our fourth digital channel is what we’ve dubbed the
Second Chance service. Miss a PBS program earlier in the day? It
will likely be available on the Second Chance channel two hours
later.
If you are not watching PBS eight digital, you’re missing out on a
lot that your PBS eight membership has to offer! Detailed schedules
for all four digital channels are on the Internet at http://www.wdse.org/schedule.asp.
I’ll provide details on how to receive PBS eight digital next month
– or if you can’t wait, give us a call!
NOVEMBER 2006
Consumer electronics have long been a popular holiday season
purchase. If a new television on your list this year, we want to
offer some shopping advice.
Don’t make the mistake of purchasing an “analog-only” television.
Not only will it soon no longer receive over-the-air broadcasts, but
you will be missing a wealth of programs available right now only on
digital television. Many new digital television owners are delighted
by what they discover when they turn on their new sets: 4 digital
channels of public television (see page 3) plus 7 digital channels
offered by Duluth’s four commercial broadcasters – a total of 11
channels, all free to view over-the air.
Here are reasons we often hear for not buying a digital television –
and why they don’t hold up:
DTV sets are too expensive. We did our homework to respond to this
objection and found sets with DTV tuners for sale in a wide range of
prices, beginning at $235. Of course you can pay much more, but you
don’t have to spend extraordinary amounts of money to enjoy digital
television.
I’m happy with what I watch on my analog TV, and don’t want to
bother with digital. Every digital television includes an analog
tuner, so you can ignore the digital services (but I’ll bet you
won’t) and watch the same analog channels you do now. The small
additional price you pay for DTV will future-proof your purchase for
the day when analog broadcasts end.
I subscribe to cable. Eventually, cable companies may offer all the
digital channels broadcast locally, but for now, they don’t. Cable
subscribers too will find more available from over-the-air digital
television.
I watch television from a translator, and can’t receive a digital
signal. Digital broadcasting is coming to translators, too. Your DTV
will be ready!
We want as many of our members as possible to enjoy the programming
we offer on DTV. If you have questions about DTV, please call or
email us at PBSeight@wdse.pbs.org.
SEPTEMBER 2006
Want to watch Nightly Business Report, but don’t want to stay up
until 11? Missed The NewsHour at 6, but have time to watch it at 9?
Heard about America’s Test Kitchen or Andreas Vistad’s New
Scandinavian Cooking, but have never seen the programs? Does PBS
eight’s children’s programming end too early to fit your household’s
routine?
PBS eight has one answer for all these dilemmas: PBS eight’s digital
service!
While more PBS eight members are discovering PBS eight digital every
day, too many still don’t know what they are missing. If you are
among them, this column is dedicated to you.
Don’t be intimidated by the technology behind digital television.
Digital television is, first and foremost – television! As the
technology has become more widely adopted, manufacturers have made
digital televisions easier to use than ever before. Think of digital
television as television with a better picture, better sound and
more channels.
It’s the more channels part that makes digital television so
exciting. Every broadcast hour, PBS eight digital is offering a
greater variety of programs than ever before. Channels 8 and 8.1
offer the ‘regular’ PBS eight program schedule featured in This
Month. Channel 8.2 offers PBS and selected programs from other
sources in stunning High Definition format. Channel 8.3 presents
Create!, a special programming service offering the best of public
television’s cooking, craft and travel programs, many not seen
before in this market. Finally, Channel 8.4 offers a ‘second chance’
at programs broadcast on channels 8 and 8.1. It is here that you
will find children’s programming until 8:30 p.m. when you can catch
Nightly Business Report, and a re-broadcast of The NewsHour at 9.
You’ll find a reminder of what is on where on page XX, and complete
schedules on our website, www.wdse.org.
Finally, don’t be intimidated by the price tag on digital
television. The technology is good enough that it fully justifies
spending thousands for a home theater, but you can watch all of PBS
eight’s digital offerings for much less. Televisions ready to
receive digital programs are available today for under $300.
And of course all these great programs are only possible because of
your support! Thank you.
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