Last updated Sept. 29, 2006

WVIZ-DT, the digital television (DTV) service of WVIZ/PBS ideastream signed on the air August 16, 2004 and is now providing northeast Ohio with access to a wide range of programs in standard definition, wide screen and high definition formats.  WVIZ-DT has been assigned the digital channel 26 though it appears on DTV receivers as channel 25-1, 25-2, etc.  (WVIZ/PBS’s analog signal appears as 25-0 on digital receivers.)

WVIZ-DT channel 25-1, the PBS HD Channel, features a mix of new and library HD and widescreen programs, including PBS’ most renowned signature series: AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, GREAT PERFORMANCES, NATURE, NOVA, and MASTERPIECE THEATRE. New HD and widescreen programs will simulcast with their analog national PBS premiere broadcast, and will repeat on the PBS HD channel during the week following their premiere.  A complete program schedule, providing viewers with individual program details and advance program listings is available on the WVIZ/PBS website: www.wviz.org

WVIZ-DT channel 25-2, the Ohio Channel, features broadcasts of the Ohio legislature and supreme court as well as other programming of interest to Ohioans.

Digital television means more choice, Higher quality, more convenience and more customization.  Pictures and sound are crystal clear.  With digital’s capacity for multiple channels, WVIZ/PBS will now be able to serve young children, teachers and students in public schools, those interested in college credit and the general audience, all simultaneously. With digital data, WVIZ/PBS will now be able to enhance the viewing and learning experience with interactive content.

Q: What is digital television (DTV)?
A: The picture you receive on your analog television set is based on an analog transmission system that is over 50 years old.  Television broadcasting is changing from analog to digital, where images and sounds are transported using the same digital code found in computers - ones and zeros.  The digital technological revolution both dramatically improves the quality of television service and makes possible the over-the-air delivery of several simultaneous services to WVIZ/PBS viewers.

The three key applications of digital television are:

• high definition television (HDTV)
• multicasting in standard definition television (SDTV)
• data transmission

Q: Where is WVIZ/PBS’s digital transmitter located?
A:  WVIZ/PBS’s digital transmitter is temporarily installed at its studio location on Brookpark road.  It is currently operating at low power meaning that some areas will have difficulty receiving WVIZ-DT over the air.  Transmitting tower issues at the main transmitter site in North Royalton need to be resolved before a permanent, full power DTV transmission system can be installed at that location.  WVIZ/PBS continues to pursue the resolution of its tower issues and hopes to build its permanent transmission plant in the near future.

Q: What is High Definition Television? (HDTV)
A: Digital television will allow WVIZ/PBS to broadcast programs in a format that provides almost 10 times the resolution or clarity of analog television.  This format is called high definition television, or HDTV. Viewers at home will be able to receive high-quality, crystal-clear pictures. These visually stunning pictures will be displayed in a wide-screen format with a 16 by 9 width-to-height ratio, compared to analog’s 4 by 3 ratio.  Because the signal is digital, you will have the benefit of CD-quality stereo or surround sound.  In other words, you will be able to enjoy a true home theater experience.

Q: What is multicasting in Standard Definition Television? (SDTV)
A: In addition to high definition, WVIZ/PBS is able to transmit additional channels of standard definition (SDTV) programming simultaneously.  This is called multicasting, and is made possible by compression techniques not compatible with today's analog system. SDTV offers multiple simultaneous programs each potentially with higher quality than analog, along with CD quality stereo or surround sound.

Q: How can data be transmitted?
A: Whether WVIZ/PBS is broadcasting in HDTV or multicasting SDTV programs, digital technology gives the station the capability to transmit over-the-air video, audio, text or data directly to computers, fax machines or the television set itself.  Imagine receiving curriculum materials, full interview transcripts, children's educational games and still photographs while you are watching a television program.  DTV provides a digital pipeline into the home with a transmission rate ten times that of a broadband computer connection.

Q: What does digital television mean for the programs I enjoy on WVIZ/PBS?
A: HDTV is tailor-made for WVIZ/PBS because it significantly enhances the beauty and detail of the station's signature programming genres, including performing arts, drama, history, science, nature, travel and explorations.  At the same time, multicasting will allow WVIZ/PBS to simultaneously deliver more services to diverse and under-served audiences.  And data transmission can enhance the educational programs and services already offered by WVIZ/PBS to students at home or in school, to teachers, to non-traditional students and to anyone who has a love for learning.

Q: How long will I be able to watch television on my analog TV?
A: Until 2009 broadcasters are required to broadcast on both their analog and digital channels.  In 2009 the federal government will require that all analog television broadcasting ceases leaving digital as the only source for over-the-air televisions.  Analog televisions will no longer function unless they are connected to a cable or satellite supplier that continues to deliver analog.  Manufacturers have converter boxes available that allow viewers to tune in the digital channels on analog TV sets after analog transmission is ended.  In order to experience HDTV and the full range of benefits offered by digital television, however, viewers need digital television sets.

Q: Are these new sets expensive?
A: The cost of new DTV sets continues to drop.  Currently sets range in price from as low as $300 to as much as $7,500 or higher for a very special ultra high quality set.  Prices are expected to continue down as the volume of sales increases.  Set top converter boxes are priced similar to analog television sets today.