Digital
TV and HDTV from PBS eight
PBS eight
is excited about the transition
to digital television, which
allows us to serve our
viewers with even more
outstanding programming. Our
PBS eight digital
transmitter is
presently
broadcasting four digital
streams of programming on UHF
channel 38.
After the analog shut-off date
PBS eight will broadcast
a digital signal on VHF channel
8.
PBS
8/31
remains
committed to providing programming
to our Northland viewers and
members. From kids programming to
public affairs, from local
productions to the finest national
PBS productions, we hope you value
the myriad programming genres found
on our primary Ch.8.1/31.1. It’s
the programming service you’ve come
to trust and it just keeps on
getting better!
Your kids will love the 2nd
Chance Channel! Kids programming airs
Monday through Friday from 6:30 am
to 5:30 pm; Saturdays from 6:30 to
10:30 am; & Sundays from 6:30 am to
12 noon! Nightly Business Report
airs weekdays at 5:30 pm followed by
the
prime time programming seen on
Ch.8.1/31.1 in high definition
detail! Late night includes Tavis
Smiley, Charlie Rose and repeats of
prime time programming.
Create is designed to teach
and entertain the “go-getter,” It
features a six hour repeating loop
of “how-to” programming, seven days
a week beginning at 6:30 am through
sign off. To find out what airs
throughout the day, simply check the
prime time listings in This Month
magazine, from 6:30 pm to 12:30 am.
You’ll find an expansive variety of
travel, cooking, gardening, arts &
crafts, and other “how-to”
programs.
MN Channel airs programming
directly related to Minnesota and
its neighbors. During the
legislative session, live coverage
of the Minnesota
House and Senate airs from
8:30 am to 6 pm. The rest of the
schedule features an entertaining
variety of programming ranging from
public affairs to music and
documentaries to performances. Many
PBS eight series including
Venture North, Album, Iron
Country, Native Report air
throughout the week on MN Channel!
Find
out what's available right now on
PBS eight Digital
Find out more
on DTV from our PBS eight
General Manager
To
learn more about DTV check out these
videos
FCC Form 387
reporting on WRPT's DTV consumer
education activities for the first
quarter of 2009
FCC Form 387
reporting on WDSE's DTV consumer
education activities for the first
quarter of 2009
FCC Form 388
reporting on WRPT's DTV consumer
education activities for the first
quarter of 2009
FCC Form 388
reporting on WDSE's DTV consumer
education activities for the first
quarter of 2009
FCC Form 388
reporting on WRPT's DTV consumer
education activities for the fourth
quarter of 2008
FCC Form 388
reporting on WDSE's DTV consumer
education activities for the fourth
quarter of 2008
FCC Form 388
reporting on
WDSE's DTV consumer
education activities for the third
quarter of 2008
FCC Form 388
reporting on
WDSE's DTV consumer
education activities for the second
quarter of 2008
FCC Form 388
reporting on
WDSE's DTV consumer
education activities for the first
quarter of 2008
PBS eight and the Digital
Transition
PBS
eight is actively working to
assist members and viewers with
information about the digital
transition.
Here are
some of the most frequently asked
questions about the upcoming switch
from analog to digital signals, with
links that will guide you to more
information:
What is the digital transition?
After June 12, 2009, all TV
stations must cease analog
broadcasting and transition to
exclusively broadcasting in a
digital format, also known as DTV.
What is analog television?
Analog television service is the
traditional method of transmitting
television signals. Analog
transmission has been the standard
broadcast technology since the
inception of television.
Analog is
not as efficient as digital
television: it uses up much more of
the valuable spectrum than digital,
and TV stations can only transmit
one channel of programming with an
analog signal versus up to four or
more programs with a digital signal
in the same amount of spectrum.
Analog is also susceptible to
interference and "snow" that make a
picture less clear.
Why
is this transition happening?
Congress mandated the conversion to
DTV for two important reasons.
First, DTV will provide higher
quality picture and sound and more
programming options for consumers
through multiple broadcast streams.
Second, ceasing analog broadcasting
will free up a wide range of
frequencies so they can be used for
public safety such as police, fire,
and emergency rescue communications,
as well as commercial uses.
Will I be able to continue to use my
current television?
If you subscribe to cable or
satellite, your access to broadcast
channels should not change. However,
if you currently rely on
over-the-air signals via an analog
television and an antenna ("rabbit
ears"), you will need to act to
continue to receive television. You
must either:
- Purchase a low-cost converter
box to use with your existing
analog television
- Purchase a digital television
that can receive DTV signals
- Subscribe to cable or satellite
For more
information on ensuring you have the
equipment needed for the digital
transition, please visit the
following sites:
How
can I get a low cost converter box?
In order to help consumers with the
digital transition, the federal
government has created a coupon
program that will significantly
reduce the cost of a set-top box.
The coupons will be redeemable at
select retailers.
To learn
more about the coupon program,
including how and when to request
your coupons, coupon value, and
redemption instructions, please
visit
Digital-to-Analog Converter Box
Coupon Program.
You can also download the brochure
and/or fact sheet from the National
Telecommunications and Information
Administration:
Consumers
may also call a toll-free number,
1-888-388-2009 (1-888-DTV-2009), for
an update in English
or Spanish.
What if I do nothing?
If you do not receive your signal
via cable or satellite and do not
have a television with a built-in
digital tuner (or have a set-top
converter box), your television will
not work after February 17, 2009.
For
more information on the digital
transition
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