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WFSU Television |
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DIGITAL TELEVISION IS COMING! |
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Digital TV Questions & AnswersWhat is digital television? More digital questions and answers at PBS.org The picture you currently receive is based on a 50-year-old analog transmission system. In December 1996, the FCC approved plans for a new era of television - digital television. In a digital system, images and sounds are captured and transmitted using the same digital technology found in computers. This digital revolution will not only dramatically improve the quality of the television picture, but also will make possible the over-the-air delivery of several simultaneous channels to viewers. Digital television makes it possible for us to offer high definition television and multicasting in standard definition television.
Digital technology allows WFSU to broadcast programs in much higher quality and clarity than with analog television. Programs broadcast at the highest level of quality are referred to as High Definition or HD. With up-to-date television sets, viewers will be able to receive high-quality, crystal clear pictures on their televisions, which will be displayed in a wide screen format with CD-quality surround sound.
Some programs may be broadcast at a slightly lower quality than HD and are referred to as Standard Definition or SD. These programs can be in the widescreen format. In general, the quality of the SD picture will surpass what you see on your older analog television set. Digital technology also allows WFSU-TV to broadcast several channels simultaneously. We are currently transmitting four Standard Definition (SD) channels from 6am to 6pm everyday. From 6:pm to 6am we transmit one High Definition channel and one SD channel. With an antenna and a digital TV you will see these channels displayed in Tallahassee area as 11.1 WFSU, 11.2 The Florida
You can continue to use your older television set - but you will need to purchase a separate digital tuner (converter box) or subscribe to alternate program provider (such as cable or satellite) if you want to experience digital television. Government coupons are available to households requiring set top digital tuner (converter boxes). Bear in mind, however, that your older analog television set will not display digital programming with the clarity and quality of an up-to-date, digital set. To experience the full benefits of digital television, viewers will need new digital television sets. In addition to our digital broadcasts, we will continue broadcasting an analog signal until February 2009. Congress and the FCC have mandated that all US television stations discontinue analog transmission at that time. Until then you can watch your favorite public television programs without having to purchase a new upgraded set or a separate digital tuner.
By February 17, 2009, all US television broadcasters must complete the transition to digital broadcasting and discontinue analog signal transmission. To keep using your older analog television set after that date will require the purchase of a set top digital tuner (converter box) or you may purchase programming from a cable or satellite provider. Alternately, you may choose to purchase a new digital television set with a digital tuner included.
A set top digital tuner (converter box) is a separate accessory that will receive digital signals and provide an output compatible with older analog television sets. This allows viewers to keep using older television sets with the benefit of seeing all the new over the air digital channels. The digital set top tuner (converter box) is a small box with a remote control similar to the set top tuners made available by cable and satellite providers. Set top digital tuner (converter boxes) can be purchased from some electronics and television retailers and range from $40 and up. I just bought a digital converter box. Why does it display WFSU as Ch. 440? Ways to watch WFSU digital broadcasts:
Do I have to use an antenna again? What about cable or satellite? If you use an existing rooftop antenna, you should need only to connect your antenna wiring to your new DTV tuner (converter box) or digital television. If you live where a DTV signal is available and install a new antenna, point it toward WFSU's digital transmitter located in the Apalachicola National Forest. This transmitter provides “over the air” service to viewers in Northwest Florida, Southern Georgia and Southeast Alabama. We have also worked to get our channels on cable and satellite systems. Contact the video provider of your choice for more information or review this list. How much do digital televisions cost? What should I look for? Prices for digital televisions continue to drop. Cost varies widely depending on the size, the level of capability and the options provided. Some sets include analog and or DTV tuners. Be sure that your set includes a digital tuner or expect to make alternate arrangements with a television provider such as cable or satellite. To enjoy the highest quality HD picture, look for a set capable of displaying 1080 lines on the screen and a high resolution of at least 1366 x 768. Sets with higher contrast ratios will make the picture more crisp and realistic. Note that the labeling on some sets claim to be “HD compatible” while only having a limited display of 480 or 720 lines. Digital set top tuners for your older analog televisions are available now. Shop carefully and speak with a well informed sales person. Many television listings do not yet carry complete WFSU digital channel schedules. The most up-to-date schedule listings are available athttp://wfsu.org/schedules. Choose your location and your schedule will appear, or you can search for a program. You can also use the on-screen program guides provided by your cable and satellite service or on WFSU's digital channels. Use the TV's users' manual to scan new available channels.
More WFSU Infromation:
WFSU Digital Channel Listing
External Links: $40 Digital Coverter |
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WFSU :
1600 Red Barber Plaza :
Tallahassee, FL 32310 |