WVIZ/PBS and the Transition to Digital Television

On June 12, 2009, America will switch to digital television broadcasting. The original date for the cutoff of traditional analog television service has been delayed by Congress from February 17th to June.  Many people in Northeast Ohio who receive their television signal over the air will be affected by this switch to digital.

WVIZ Channel 25 Continues on the Air

After 6/12/09, your analog
signal will go away.WVIZ/PBS ideastream® will continue to provide an analog signal on channel 25 along with a new digital signal until June 12, 2009.  This will allow everyone in Northeast Ohio to continue to see WVIZ/PBS programs during the transition.  The exact same schedule of programs will also be available on WVIZ/PBS digital channel 25.1. 

WVIZ Digital Channels Also on the Air

WVIZ/PBS’s new high definition digital channel and three multi-channels: WVIZ Ohio, WVIZ World and WVIZ Create are available over the air on channels 25.1, 25.2, 25.3 and 25.4.  More information on these digital channels is available here. Time Warner Cable and most regional cable and satellite providers carry WVIZ/PBS HD and WVIZ Ohio, and are making plans to add the other WVIZ channels. Check out a chart of where to find WVIZ digital channels or check for current availability with your cable or satellite provider.

Currently, WVIZ/PBS is working to make the DTV transition as easy as possible for members and viewers. The digital over-the-air services, channels 25.1 – 25.4 will be enhanced this spring through a new tower and antenna that will improve and provide reception to over 3 million people in Northeast Ohio.

The new tower and transmitter upgrade schedule is dependent on Northeast Ohio weather, so, you may wish to rescan (or auto-program) the channels of the converter box or digital television and check antenna placement and aim periodically to discover the best way to receive WVIZ/PBS channels over-the-air. Antennas may need to be re-aimed as digital signals are very directional in nature. Once the WVIZ/PBS digital signal is received, picture format will become increasingly important. WVIZ/PBS’s recommendation is that the “letterbox” option for programming be selected for the best viewing result.

Your old TV.Please note: Some viewers may still have trouble receiving WVIZ/PBS over the air during this transition leading up to June 12, 2009 – even with a strong dual antenna and a converter box. If you can not receive WVIZ/PBS, you can continue to watch the non-digital WVIZ on an analog television set or use a converter box with an analog pass-through feature until June 12, by which time WVIZ will switchover completely to our high-power DTV transmitter that will reach almost everyone in the viewing area.

The DTV Transition Reviewed:
Your Options and What You Need to Do

If you subscribe to cable or satellite, you should not have to do anything. Your service provider will take care of the digital transition.  Contact providers directly for information or questions.

Your brand new HD-ready TV.If your TV does not have a digital tuner, you will have to act on one of three options:

* Purchase a converter box. This will cost between $40 - $70. The government is still offering coupons to cover a portion of the price. To request a coupon, call 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009) or visit www.dtv2009.gov.
* Replace your old TV with a new one with a digital tuner.
* Connect your TV to a cable or satellite service.

If you have questions or comments about WVIZ/PBS DT, please email and every effort will be made to reply to emails by the end of the next business day. Should you wish to reach someone sooner, please contact Audience Services during business hours at (216) 916-6301.

Resources

Understanding Digital Television Reception Problems
Converter Box Rescan Steps pdf
WVIZ/PBS Cable and Satellite Channel Grid
WVIZ/PBS Digital Channel Descriptions
The Sound of Ideas: Digital TV Revolution
TV Converter Box Coupon Program

DTV Consumer Education Quarterly Activity Report

Each quarter, the Federal Communications Commission requires television broadcasters to certify to their activities designed to educate consumers about the switch from analog to digital transmission. The below form (FCC #388) is required to be posted on our website.

FCC #388 - April, 2008
FCC #388 - July, 2008
FCC #388 Analog - October, 2008
FCC #388 Digital - October, 2008
FCC #388 - January, 2009
FCC #388 - March, 2009