Yesterday the Senate passed a bill to delay the DTV deadline to June 12. The House is expected to follow today or tomorrow. President Obama called for the delay saying the public is not ready, more time was needed for folks to prepare and Congress needed to free up funding for the coupon program.
Nielsen Media Research says 5.7 percent of all U.S. homes are still completely unready for the digital TV transition. That represents 6.5 million households. It hard to believe after the broadcast industries intense Public Service campaign, that so many folks are still unprepared, but I guess its human nature to procrastinate.
One provision of the Senate bill is a clause that says broadcasters can switch to all digital broadcasts prior to the deadline in June. This is good news for stations who had not budgeted for the extremely high utility costs associated with broadcasting both a DTV and analog signal, or for stations that had technical crews already scheduled for tower work, and for the emergency responders who would benefit from freed-up spectrum. A delay, however, benefits the viewer who might be faced with an antenna upgrade. Now they will not have to battle the winter elements installing a new outdoor antenna.
Just when WWNY and other Watertown broadcasters make the switch is unknown. We hope to work with the other broadcasters to determine an appropriate date. In the meantime we continue to encourage viewers to buy DTV equipment and try to recieve our broadcasts. Benefit from the better pictures and sound, and additional channels of broadcasting.
Finally, please remember to re-scan for DTV channels to capture any changes to the broadcasts, after power outages, after antenna adjustments and esspecially after stations like WWNY shutoff analog.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Troubleshooting Your DTV Setup (Updated 12/19)
Many viewers have called with issues setting up their convert boxes or digital television sets.
For some it has been issues of wiring and setup, but for most it has been antenna issues. We encourage you to convert ASAP either with a convert box or the new purchase of a DTV set. APPLY, BUY & TRY... APPLY for the coupon, BUY a box and TRY it now! Act now to work out the bugs... you really don't want to be climbing on your roof next February if its an antenna issue.
NEW INFO (12/19)- This past Wednesday we conducted a soft analog shutoff test. WWNY sent a message to viewers of only our analog signal that they needed to take action as this signal would be turned off in February. We have taken a great volume of calls from viewers (please be patient we are doing our best to return calls). A great number of viewers have made the upgrade either by purchasing a new DTV television set or DTV Converter-box but still saw the message. This is an indication that they were watching the analog signal, not the DTV one. Many new sets have both an analog and DTV tuner built-in. An indication that you are receiving the DTV signal is the channel will display as 7.1 WWNY-HD or 7.2 WNYF-SD. Channel 7.0 is the analog signal. If you cannot see 7.1 or 7.2 you may need to go into the setup menu of your set or box and re-scan for DTV channels...or you may need an antenna upgrade.
One thing as it relates to WWNY. In February WWNY will be changing DTV frequencies and power levels. If you experience difficulty with reception now, these changes should improve your chances of getting WWNY. We suggest you re-scan your DTV channels often, after antenna adjustments, and especially after 2/17/09.
Official FCC info on DTV Converter Box and DTV Set Troubleshooting
For some it has been issues of wiring and setup, but for most it has been antenna issues. We encourage you to convert ASAP either with a convert box or the new purchase of a DTV set. APPLY, BUY & TRY... APPLY for the coupon, BUY a box and TRY it now! Act now to work out the bugs... you really don't want to be climbing on your roof next February if its an antenna issue.
NEW INFO (12/19)- This past Wednesday we conducted a soft analog shutoff test. WWNY sent a message to viewers of only our analog signal that they needed to take action as this signal would be turned off in February. We have taken a great volume of calls from viewers (please be patient we are doing our best to return calls). A great number of viewers have made the upgrade either by purchasing a new DTV television set or DTV Converter-box but still saw the message. This is an indication that they were watching the analog signal, not the DTV one. Many new sets have both an analog and DTV tuner built-in. An indication that you are receiving the DTV signal is the channel will display as 7.1 WWNY-HD or 7.2 WNYF-SD. Channel 7.0 is the analog signal. If you cannot see 7.1 or 7.2 you may need to go into the setup menu of your set or box and re-scan for DTV channels...or you may need an antenna upgrade.
One thing as it relates to WWNY. In February WWNY will be changing DTV frequencies and power levels. If you experience difficulty with reception now, these changes should improve your chances of getting WWNY. We suggest you re-scan your DTV channels often, after antenna adjustments, and especially after 2/17/09.
Official FCC info on DTV Converter Box and DTV Set Troubleshooting
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The Wilmington Example and What Watertown Can Learn From It
The Wilmington NC television market voluntarily completed its DTV transition from analog to DTV on September 8, 2008. Their pioneering spirit and action has been closely followed by government officials and fellow broadcasters. Lessons learned from Wilmington could help the rest of the country when the February 17, 2009 analog cutoff deadline is met.
Of the 1221 phone calls received in Wilmington's first 2 days of the analog cutoff, only 23 were from viewers who were unaware of the switch. Many of the calls related to converter box setup issues or a lack of reception.
So what can Watertown viewers take from Wilmington.
First, get your DTV converter box prior to the February cutoff. WWNY has been broadcasting a full-time DTV signal since 2003. This is a transition from analog to DTV broadcasts. February 17, 2009 marks the day analog broadcasts end, not the day DTV begins. In fact, 1631 stations are broadcasting digitally now in 211 TV markets. That represents 76% of all US homes.
Take advantage of the clearer pictures, sound, and additional channels now. Transitioning to DTV now provides you time to fine-tune converter box setup issues or time to fine-tune or address antenna issues without missing out on any of your favorite programs.
Common setup issues include not setting your analog television to channel 3 or 4 before turning on the converter box. Not re-scanning for channels after re-orienting the antenna. Not properly attaching the antenna to the DTV set or converter box.
Antennas are key to good reception. Theoretically if you receive a strong analog signal from your favorite television station, you should receive their DTV signal with no problems. If you live in a fringe area you may have issues with reception.
With DTV you either get a perfect signal or none at all (this is called the "cliff-effect"). With analog broadcasts weak reception results in a snowy or ghosty signal.
Antenna selection and orientation is key. You might visit http://www.antennaweb.org/ for selection of an antenna and tips on orientation. Keep in mind an outdoor antenna is always the best bet for reception.
Now something you need to know. WWNY currently broadcasts on a UHF frequency...on February 17, 2009 WWNY will change to a VHF frequency. If you are purchasing an antenna be sure to buy a combo UHF/VHF antenna. In February you will likely need to re-scan your receiver since we are changing frequencies.
Why are we making this change? Because VHF frequencies are less affected by the terrain and weather conditions. Folks living in fringe areas may have a better time receiving WWNY after we make this change. WWNY has also applied for a power increase. This too is to counter any reception issues, especially for viewers that live in fringe areas.
Of the 1221 phone calls received in Wilmington's first 2 days of the analog cutoff, only 23 were from viewers who were unaware of the switch. Many of the calls related to converter box setup issues or a lack of reception.
So what can Watertown viewers take from Wilmington.
First, get your DTV converter box prior to the February cutoff. WWNY has been broadcasting a full-time DTV signal since 2003. This is a transition from analog to DTV broadcasts. February 17, 2009 marks the day analog broadcasts end, not the day DTV begins. In fact, 1631 stations are broadcasting digitally now in 211 TV markets. That represents 76% of all US homes.
Take advantage of the clearer pictures, sound, and additional channels now. Transitioning to DTV now provides you time to fine-tune converter box setup issues or time to fine-tune or address antenna issues without missing out on any of your favorite programs.
Common setup issues include not setting your analog television to channel 3 or 4 before turning on the converter box. Not re-scanning for channels after re-orienting the antenna. Not properly attaching the antenna to the DTV set or converter box.
Antennas are key to good reception. Theoretically if you receive a strong analog signal from your favorite television station, you should receive their DTV signal with no problems. If you live in a fringe area you may have issues with reception.
With DTV you either get a perfect signal or none at all (this is called the "cliff-effect"). With analog broadcasts weak reception results in a snowy or ghosty signal.
Antenna selection and orientation is key. You might visit http://www.antennaweb.org/ for selection of an antenna and tips on orientation. Keep in mind an outdoor antenna is always the best bet for reception.
Now something you need to know. WWNY currently broadcasts on a UHF frequency...on February 17, 2009 WWNY will change to a VHF frequency. If you are purchasing an antenna be sure to buy a combo UHF/VHF antenna. In February you will likely need to re-scan your receiver since we are changing frequencies.
Why are we making this change? Because VHF frequencies are less affected by the terrain and weather conditions. Folks living in fringe areas may have a better time receiving WWNY after we make this change. WWNY has also applied for a power increase. This too is to counter any reception issues, especially for viewers that live in fringe areas.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
The Basics
Much has been published or broadcast on the television industry’s transition to digital and the shutoff of analog broadcasts in February of 2009. Here are the main points you need to know as it relates to
- On 2/17/2009 all full-power analog broadcasts from stations in the
- If you are a cable subscriber, you will not be affected by the analog shutoff in February 2009. The cable companies will convert WWNY’s & WNYF’s DTV signal for display on your older analog TV. If you subscribe to Time Warner Cable systems and utilize an HDTV you can also receive WWNY & WNYF’s HDTV broadcasts.
- If you view our televisions stations via an antenna you will need a newer television with a built-in DTV tuner or a DTV converter box. The converter box will convert our DTV broadcasts to an analog format for your older television set to display. The newer set does not have to be an HDTV to receive the digital signals, including our HDTV broadcasts, but you must utilize an HDTV to enjoy the full resolution 16:9 widscreen pictures of those HDTV broadcasts.
- If you subscribe to a satellite service, but utilize an antenna to receive the local stations for your Network programming, you will need a newer television with a built-in tuner or a DTV convert box. Currently none of the satellite providers transmit
- WWNY currently is broadcasting digitally (WWNY-DT) and provides the programming of WNYF FOX-28 on a secondary DTV channel. This service will continue after 2/17/2009. This “multi-cast” channel of WWNY-DT is in standard definition 4:3 ration pictures, while WWNY-DT’s primary DTV channel of WWNY’s CBS programming is in 16:9 widescreen HDTV. When programs are not originated in 16:9 HDTV, 4:3 programs are upconverted and have black or colored bars on the sides to fill the 16:9 screen. This is called pillar boxed.
- Current DTV broadcasts are on the UHF frequency of channel 35. After 2/17/2009 all of WWNY’s DTV broadcasts will be on VHF channel 7. This move is being made to improve the reception for viewers in fringe areas and to reduce our energy consumption and costs. VHF signals are also less affected by the terrain & weather conditions. DTV sets currently display our channels as 7.1 WWNY-HD and 7.2 WNYF SD. This branding will remain the same after 2/17/2009, only the physical transport is changing..
- Good signal reception is critical to DTV viewing. An outdoor antenna, orientated towards the TV station is always the best choice for reception. For assistance with the selection and orientation of the antenna you might visit http://www.antennaweb.org/.
- Sometime after 2/17/2009, our low-powered station WNYF-CA,
WWNY-TV- analog broadcasts on VHF channel 7 (will cease on 2/17/2009).
WWNY-DT- digital broadcasts, currently on UHF channel 35, will broadcast on VHF channel 7 after 2/17/2009. Channel 7.1 is WWNY (CBS) in 16:9 HDTV, channel 7.2 standard definition 4:3 broadcasts of WNYF (FOX).
WNYF-
WNYF-LP- analog broadcasts on UHF channel 28 from
WNYF-CD- digital broadcasts of WNYF (FOX) in 16:9 HDTV, sometime after 2/17/2009
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
More Info
Monday WNYF-CA, our low-powered FOX station from Watertown, was granted a construction permit to build a new low-powered DTV facility for our FOX programming. It will utilize channel 35 which is being vacated by WWNY after February 2009.
What is worth noting is WNYF's DTV facility will have a much greater range than its analog counterpart. In fact, the service contour predicted by engineers encompasses almost all of Jefferson and a good part of Lewis Counties. WWNY-DT will continue to multicast the programming of WNYF on a secondary channel for folks who live beyond WNYF's DTV service area....the only difference is the stand-alone DTV channel will be in HDTV, while the secondary channel is in standard-definition. As is the case with WWNY's return to channel 7 the "branding" will remain channel 28 even though the transport is on the frequency of channel 35.
This action by the FCC addresses our FOX transmitter in Watertown. Plans for WNYF-LP, the FOX transmitter in Massena, are not complete at this time.
As previously noted, antenna selection can make a great difference in receiving DTV signals. Here is an interesting article on this situation...there are also links at the bottom of the stories with links to more info on DTV....all worth reading.
DTV Upgrade Proves Costly, Headachy
LPTVAnswers
What is worth noting is WNYF's DTV facility will have a much greater range than its analog counterpart. In fact, the service contour predicted by engineers encompasses almost all of Jefferson and a good part of Lewis Counties. WWNY-DT will continue to multicast the programming of WNYF on a secondary channel for folks who live beyond WNYF's DTV service area....the only difference is the stand-alone DTV channel will be in HDTV, while the secondary channel is in standard-definition. As is the case with WWNY's return to channel 7 the "branding" will remain channel 28 even though the transport is on the frequency of channel 35.
This action by the FCC addresses our FOX transmitter in Watertown. Plans for WNYF-LP, the FOX transmitter in Massena, are not complete at this time.
As previously noted, antenna selection can make a great difference in receiving DTV signals. Here is an interesting article on this situation...there are also links at the bottom of the stories with links to more info on DTV....all worth reading.
DTV Upgrade Proves Costly, Headachy
LPTVAnswers
Monday, June 23, 2008
Better Reception
Last Tuesday, June 17, WWNY was granted a Construction Permit (CP) to build an a VHF DTV Channel 7 facility that will begin broadcasting 2/17/2009. It is also a CP for a service area that replicates our analog service area (our original assignment did not, but now after waiting for Canadian coordination and approval it does.)
As you might recall, WWNY was originally assigned UHF channel 35 for DTV operations that began full-time operations in 2003. We were to operate both analog channel 7 and UHF DTV channel 35 until 2/17/2009. On 2/17/2009 analog channel 7 must be turned off. On that date we will start DTV broadcasts on VHF channel 7 and DTV broadcasts on channel 35 for WWNY will end. This is being done because VHF channel 7 is a frequency less affected by terrain issues and weather conditions. It is also more energy efficient to operate.
For most viewers the change will go unnoticed, DTV tuners currently say we are channels 7.1 WWNY-HD and 7.2 WNYF FOX-28, and they will continue to say that after 2/17/2009. The transport, if you will, will change not the channel identification or its programming. For others the change to a VHF frequency with improve their chances to receive our signal, especially in terrain challenged and fringe areas.
Friday, WWNY applied for an increase in power over what was approved on Tuesday. This was done to expand and improve our signal in those same terrain challenged and fringe areas we had hoped to reach with the approval we received Tuesday. It also might help compensate for the differences in DTV signals and analog signals (the cliff effect.)
Sometime after 2/17/2009 we hope to begin DTV broadcasts on channel 35 for WNYF FOX-28 in HDTV. Whenever that occurs the branding will continue as FOX-28 even though the "transport" is on the frequency of channel 35.
The FCC has recently posted the following new DTV publications. Please click on the links to view:
- Basic Guide to Setting UP Your Digital to Analog Converter Box: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/converterbox-analog-digital.pdf
-Setting up your Digital-to-Analog Converter Box with a VCR: http://www.dtv.gov/factsheets/converterbox_vcr.pdf
-Video Descriptions & the DTV transition. http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/dtvvideodescription.pdf
-Setting up your Digital-to-Analog Converter Box (basic with twin-lead antenna wire) http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/setup-converterbox-balun.pdf
For a complete listing of all FCC DTV publications, and up to date information on the Digital Transition, please go to www.dtv.gov.
As you might recall, WWNY was originally assigned UHF channel 35 for DTV operations that began full-time operations in 2003. We were to operate both analog channel 7 and UHF DTV channel 35 until 2/17/2009. On 2/17/2009 analog channel 7 must be turned off. On that date we will start DTV broadcasts on VHF channel 7 and DTV broadcasts on channel 35 for WWNY will end. This is being done because VHF channel 7 is a frequency less affected by terrain issues and weather conditions. It is also more energy efficient to operate.
For most viewers the change will go unnoticed, DTV tuners currently say we are channels 7.1 WWNY-HD and 7.2 WNYF FOX-28, and they will continue to say that after 2/17/2009. The transport, if you will, will change not the channel identification or its programming. For others the change to a VHF frequency with improve their chances to receive our signal, especially in terrain challenged and fringe areas.
Friday, WWNY applied for an increase in power over what was approved on Tuesday. This was done to expand and improve our signal in those same terrain challenged and fringe areas we had hoped to reach with the approval we received Tuesday. It also might help compensate for the differences in DTV signals and analog signals (the cliff effect.)
Sometime after 2/17/2009 we hope to begin DTV broadcasts on channel 35 for WNYF FOX-28 in HDTV. Whenever that occurs the branding will continue as FOX-28 even though the "transport" is on the frequency of channel 35.
The FCC has recently posted the following new DTV publications. Please click on the links to view:
- Basic Guide to Setting UP Your Digital to Analog Converter Box: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/converterbox-analog-digital.pdf
-Setting up your Digital-to-Analog Converter Box with a VCR: http://www.dtv.gov/factsheets/converterbox_vcr.pdf
-Video Descriptions & the DTV transition. http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/dtvvideodescription.pdf
-Setting up your Digital-to-Analog Converter Box (basic with twin-lead antenna wire) http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/setup-converterbox-balun.pdf
For a complete listing of all FCC DTV publications, and up to date information on the Digital Transition, please go to www.dtv.gov.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
More DTV Links
Yesterday I learned from the NAB that if a viewer's NTIA coupon is about to expire and local retailers do not have converter boxes in stock, the viewer is encouraged to "pre-purchase" the box...In otherwords, purchase the box from the retailer utilizing your coupon, and wait for him to take delivery at a later time. Another solution might be to purchase a box on-line. There are a number of on-line retailers authorized to take the coupons. One of them is:http://www.solidsignal.com/. Radio Shack is also offering a DTV Converter Box with analog pass-thru, and its also available on-line: Radio Shack Article
Another handy link regarding DTV/HDTV is:
http://www.hdtvexpert.com/
Article regarding antenna reception.
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