| Q: |
If I have an older non-digital television hooked up to a converter box, will I still be able to use my VCR or my DVD Recorder to tape television shows onto VHS tapes or DVD's? |
| A: |
You will be able to use your home recorders. You'll run your antenna to your converter box. Then go from ANTENNA OUT on the converter box to the ANTENNA IN on your recorder, then hook the recorder to your TV just like you used to. Most converter boxes come with instructions for hooking up to a recording device.
Important:
- You must set and keep your recorder tuned to channel 3.
- You will only be able to record the channel that your converter box is set to. For people who have a VHS or an older analog recorder, this means you can't watch one program while recording another.
|
| Q: |
I live in <location retracted> and just installed a converter box. I receive other digital channels but not 20.1, 20.2 or 20.3. What's up with that? |
| A: |
- It may be necessary to move or adjust your antenna and then re-scan for channels. When the scan occurs it may not find all the channels in your area. It can be a trial and error situation. If you use an outdoor antenna, you may need to adjust it slightly. For any antenna issue, indoor or outdoor, there's a Web site that might help. Visit www.antennaweb.org.
- Viewers on the fringe of WFYI's primary viewing areas may have spotty reception for a while. Our digital antenna doesn't sit atop our tower right now. When we turn off the analog signal and remove the old analog antenna (likely in the spring), we will move the digital antenna up to the top. This should improve the broadcast range and improve your reception.
- Some viewers improve their reception by upgrading their rabbit ears. Older antennas, while still functional for receiving digital signals, weren't designed for that. There are newer antennas that are made to receive and in some cases amplify the digital signal.
|
| Q: |
I have an older TV and subscribe to satellite/cable. What do I need to do to continue watching WFYI? |
| A: |
You won't need a new TV. As long as you are hooked up to satellite or cable, your older TV should work fine. |
| Q: |
Why is there so much excitement about the digital deadline, yet none at all about the extra bandwidth it will be releasing? Will it all be turned over to commercial broadcasting, or does the public get to use some of it? We might be rushing out to buy converters if we could be assured that non-profits would be receiving equal access to the digital spectrum. |
| A: |
Actually, very little of the reclaimed spectrum is slated to go to commercial broadcasters. Some of it will be auctioned off to wireless companies and broadband providers. Some if it is being set aside for public use, such as public safety agencies, first responders and schools. Many public broadcasters, including WFYI, are already multicasting in digital, expanding their mission to educate and inform. WFYI has three digital channels on the air now, presenting more of the same type of programs you enjoy on TV 20. Some commercial broadcasters are using it to expand their local news and weather coverage. Others are providing datacasting services. But for the most part, the public is more concerned about losing TV service. That's why the focus is on acquiring converter boxes. We don't want you to miss a thing. |
| Q: |
How can I tell if my TV needs a converter box? |
| A: |
If your TV is more than two years old, chances are you'll need a converter box. Look for the initials "ATSC" or the words "Digital Tuner" on your TV. The back is a good place to look first. Or check your owner's manual. If you don't see that, you'll likely need a box. |
| Q: |
I now have the digital receiver for my old TV. I do not have cable. When can I connect the receiver to my TV? If I do it now will I get any reception? |
| A: |
You can connect it now. All local stations are broadcasting in digital. WFYI has three digital channels for you to enjoy: 20.1, 20.2 and 20.3. Follow the instructions that came with the converter box, scan for channels and you're all set. Let us know if you have trouble receiving us, use the question form on
this page. |
| Q: |
How
can I get a low cost converter box? |
 |
| A: |
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.
Visit www.dtv2009.gov for more information.
Consumers may also call a toll-free number, 1-888-388-2009 (1-888-DTV-2009), for an update in English or Spanish. |
| Q: |
What is the digital
transition? |
| A: |
After
June 12, 2009, all TV stations
must cease analog broadcasting and
transition to exclusively broadcasting
in a digital format, also known at
DTV. WFYI is currently
broadcasting programming in both
analog and digital.
Analog television sets receiving free,
over-the-air programming will
still work after that date, but owners
of these TVs will need to acquire converter
boxes to change digital broadcasts
back into the analog format. Converter
boxes will be available from consumer
electronics retailers at that time. |
| Q: |
What
is analog television? |
| A: |
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. |
| Q: |
Why
is this transition happening? |
| A: |
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. |
| Q: |
Will
I be able to continue to use my current
television? |
| A: |
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
For more information on ensuring you have the equipment needed for the digital transition, please visit the following sites: |
| Q: |
What if I do nothing? |
| A: |
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 June 12, 2009. |
| For more information on the digital transition |
AntennaWeb - Maximise your television reception
Converter Box Setup Quick Start Guide (415KB .pdf  get Adobe reader)
Digital TV & HDTV from PBS
DTV
Transition
DTVAnswers.com
Indiana Broadcasters Association DTV Page
myGreenElectronics - Electronics Recycling
The Digital TV Transition - Publications
TV Converter Box Coupon Program
|
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