Antennas

Over-the-air reception requires the use of an antenna. As is the case with analog reception, an outdoor antenna is also the best choice for DTV. If you are currently using an indoor set of "rabbit-ears", they may work just fine with DTV.

Currently WWNY-DT's DTV signal is broadcast on the UHF frequency of channel 35. In February 2009 when analog is turned off, WWNY will revert back to the VHF frequency of channel 7. Our plans are for WNYF FOX-28 to assume the channel 35 UHF frequency for it digital broadcasts in HDTV. (I have outlined this is previous posts.) The other Watertown broadcasters are and will continue to broadcast on UHF frequencies.

I mention all this because if you are investing in an antenna for DTV over-the-air reception I encourage you to get a combo VHF/UHF capable antenna. Plan for the day WWNY-DT broadcasts on VHF channel 7.

To assist you with antenna purchases you might visit http://www.antennaweb.org/. While not endorsing a particular brand, this site is also a very helpful http://ota.winegarddirect.com/.

New article on antenna reception.

Converter Box Info/ LPTV Info

As mentioned in a previous post, LPTV stations are not mandated to convert to digital. Viewers of LPTV stations (and viewers of border analog stations) may wish to explore converter boxes that pass-thru analog signals. For a list of coupon eligible boxes click here. The boxes that have the pass-thru feature have a special notation.

The other thing I have previously noted regarding WNYF FOX-28... its programming is available digitally via WWNY-DT, which has a multicast channel of WNYF FOX-28. This digital feed not only negates the need for the pass-thru feature, but for many will make the programming of WNYF FOX-28 available in areas not served by FOX-28's analog signal. That's because its piggybacked on the full-power DTV signal of WWNY, which has a greater range than WNYF's analog LPTV signal.

For more info on LPTV and the DTV transition click here.

For a Converter Box Coupon call 1-888-DTV2009 or http://www.dtv2009.gov/.

Progress

As I have previously reported WWNY has had some issues with our final DTV channel assignment. A process that did not allow us to amend our application to regain lost audience until just recently has frustrated us. We were then fearful that delays in receiving timely approval could impact our ability to meet the DTV 2009 deadline or serve our entire audience.

Yesterday the FCC positively acted on our Petition to Reconsider our assignment. We now must await International Coordination with Canada, but have been assured by the FCC that this will occur.

We have been working towards this approval for 4 years and thanks to support and assistance from the FCC staff and our Congressional leaders, Senator Clinton and Congressman McHugh, we appear to be set for 2009.

Low-powered Television Stations and the Transition

Low-powered television stations (LPTV) and translators are not mandated to shutoff analog broadcasts on February 17, 2009. Their analog signals may continue, with the FCC now exploring 2011 as a shutoff date for LPTV analog signals. I'm not sure if this was an over-sight by the FCC but it certainly complicates the viewers understanding of the transition. The message most often spoken is analog television is dead after 2/17/2009. Border markets, like ours, may also have access to analog signals from bordering Country’s. Canada hasn’t mandated an analog shutoff until 2011.

I bring this to your attention for two reasons. If you view WNYF FOX-28 from either of our analog channel 28 transmitters (WNYF-CA, Watertown or WNYF-LP, Massena), you can continue to view those signals after 2/17/09. We do have plans to begin digital broadcasts of WNYF-CA from its own transmitter in Watertown some time after 2/17/09. Its coverage area will be greater than the current analog coverage, and it will provide FOX programming in HDTV.

The second reason I note this is some of the DTV-to-analog converter boxes actually block analog signals. If you wish to continue to watch analog signals you’ll want to make sure you purchase a box that can pass analog signals. I am aware of three boxes that have that capability. Two from Philco and one from Echostar, which will be marketed under the companies Echostar and Slingbox brands. The other alternative is the installation of an A/B switch.

One final note about our situation…as I have noted in the past WWNY-DT broadcasts a digital multicast channel of WNYF FOX-28’s programming (channel 7.2). If you have no interest in watching analog broadcasts from Canada a standard DTV-to-analog converter box will provide you with a digital signal of WNYF from this multicast channel. Also, if you don’t currently live in an area served by one of our LPTV signals, a converter box will now provide that programming due to the multicast channel.