Frequently Asked Questions
Digital TV Background Info
What is the switch to digital television (DTV) and when is it happening?
What is digital TV (DTV)?
Why is the switch to digital happening?
What are the benefits of digital TV?
Why more channels?
Is HDTV the same as DTV?
What is the difference between high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD)?
Can I still get free TV?
Preparing for the Switch to Digital
Who will be affected by the switch to digital?
How do I tell if my TV is analog or if my digital TV has a built-in digital tuner?
Do I need to buy a new TV to watch digital television?
Do I need to buy a new antenna to watch digital TV?
When do I need to make the switch?
What will happen if I don’t switch to digital TV?
Do I have to wait until February 17, 2009 to switch?
TV Converter Boxes and Coupon Program
What is a TV converter box?
What is the TV converter box coupon program?
Where can I get a coupon for a converter box?
Where can I purchase a TV converter box?
How much will a TV converter box cost?
What do I do if my converter box coupon expires before I have purchased a converter box?
Will my VCR work once I’ve connected the converter box to my TV?
WSRE’s Digital Services
How do I know what’s on WSRE’s digital channels?
If I subscribe to cable or satellite service, will I be able to watch all of WSRE’s digital channels?
Will I still see closed captioning on WSRE digital channels?
Will I still be able to listen to SightLine?
I have more questions about how to make the switch to digital TV. What should I do?
What is the switch to digital television (DTV) and when is it happening?
On February 17, 2009, broadcast television (over-the-air television received through an antenna or “rabbit ears”) will change completely to a new format called digital television (DTV). All broadcast TV stations, including WSRE, will switch to digital-only broadcasting. WSRE's been preparing for years. In fact, WSRE began broadcasting in digital on July 3, 2001. At midnight on February 17, 2009, all TV broadcasters will stop broadcasting their current analog signals and move to exclusively broadcasting DTV.
What is digital TV (DTV)?
DTV is a new technology that provides viewers with better picture and sound quality, and more channels/programming to choose from — all FREE. Once you switch to digital TV, you can watch all four of WSRE's digital channels: WSRE HD, WSRE Original, and WSRE Plus.
Why is the switch to digital happening?
DTV is a higher quality, more efficient way to transmit TV signals than the current analog TV system. DTV signals take up less broadcast space and provide better picture and sound quality, and more WSRE channels to choose from — all FREE. The switch to DTV came about as a congressional decision. The switch will free up valuable broadcast spectrum so that the federal government can auction them off to companies to provide new/expanded wireless services and turn some over for use by public agencies and emergency first responders. This will allow for the generation of revenue to support other government appropriations.
What are the benefits of digital TV?
DTV allows stations to offer new and better services — still FREE. In addition to providing better picture and sound quality, DTV also enables stations to provide more channels of programming simultaneously — called “multicasting.” WSRE has four digital channels. DTV can also be used to deliver interactive capability and data services such as enhanced closed captioning that have not been possible before. In a digital system, images and sounds are transmitted using the same digital technology found in computers.
Why more channels?
New digital technology allows WSRE to broadcast several channels simultaneously, called “multicasting.” We are currently transmitting two standard definition (SD) channels and one high definition (HD) channel. Our new channel numbering scheme (WSRE HD 23.1, WSRE Original 23.2, WSRE Plus 23.3) reflects this new ability.
Is HDTV the same as DTV?
No. The terms "digital television (DTV)” and "high definition television (HDTV)” are often used interchangeably, but they are NOT the same thing. HDTV is the highest quality form of DTV. Not all digital is high definition. But all high definition is digital.
Just because a TV is “digital” or can receive “digital signals” does not necessarily mean it is an HDTV. If you want to watch programming in true HD, you will need to buy an HDTV. However, you do not need an HDTV in order to receive digital channels. As long as you have a TV with a built-in digital tuner, or an analog TV with a digital TV converter box, you can watch digital TV channels, including HD channels, although you will not be seeing them in true HD.
What is the difference between high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD)?
High definition (HD) is the best-looking, highest quality form of digital. It has the most detail in the picture. "Regular" digital is called standard definition (SD). WSRE has one HD channel – WSRE HD 23.1 - and two SD channels – WSRE Original 23.2 and WSRE Plus 23.3.
Can I still get free TV?
You can still receive free television over-the-air with an antenna just like you do now as long as each TV either has a built-in digital tuner or is connected to a digital TV converter box. Find out what you need to do to switch to digital.
Preparing for the Switch to Digital
Who will be affected by the switch to digital?
If your TVs have digital tuners, or if you have cable or satellite service, your television reception will continue uninterrupted — you’ve already made the switch! But, if you watch an analog TV and receive TV signals through an antenna (for example, using “rabbit ears”), you will need to make a change to continue watching television after February 17, 2009. After that date, there will be no analog signals broadcast.
How do I tell if my TV is analog or if my digital TV has a built-in digital tuner?
If the TV is more than a couple of years old, it’s probably not digital. Check your owner’s manual, and see if there is any mention of “digital” or “DTV” on the TV set itself. If there is no mention of anything “digital,” it is most likely an analog TV. Read what you can do to continue using your analog TV.
The best way to determine if your TV has a built-in digital tuner is to consult your owner’s manual. You may also be able to find information about your TV on the manufacturer’s Web site. Some TVs with built-in digital tuners have labels containing the words “integrated digital tuner,” “digital receiver,” “digital tuner,” “DTV,” “ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee),” or “HDTV.” If you have one of these TVs, you’ve already made the switch and can watch DTV now. If your set is labeled “digital monitor,” “HDTV monitor,” “digital ready,” or “HDTV ready,” this does not necessarily mean it has a built-in digital tuner. These types of TVs were designed to work with digital set top box receivers or to connect to cable/satellite.
If affected by the switch to digital, what should I do?
You have THREE options:
1) Purchase a digital TV converter box for each television in your home that receives TV signals through an antenna. Get info about the government’s TV converter box coupon program.
2) Purchase a new television with a built-in digital tuner.
3) Subscribe to cable or satellite that carries the channels you want to watch.
Do I need to buy a new TV to watch digital television?
No. If you are watching analog TV over-the-air using an antenna or “rabbit ears,” all you need to buy is a digital TV converter box. These boxes will convert the DTV signals into a picture that can be displayed on your analog television. If you do decide to purchase a new TV, read our tips on how to select a digital TV.
Do I need to buy a new antenna to watch digital TV?
No. If the antenna or “rabbit ears” you are currently using to watch TV captures a good incoming signal, your antenna should continue to work well when your TV is hooked up to a converter box or with your TV with built-in digital tuner.
However, you will want to make sure you have a UHF/VHF antenna. Some digital channels appear in the UHF band and others on the VHF band. An antenna that receives both UHF and VHF signals will allow you to access a full range of digital channels. If you need help choosing an antenna, visit antennaweb.org.
DTV allows WSRE to reach an extended viewing area. We now reach much further to the west than with our analog transmitter. To see our digital coverage map and how to position your antenna, visit TVfool.com
When do I need to make the switch?
If affected, you need to take action and switch to digital by or before February 17, 2009. At midnight on February 17, 2009, all TV broadcasters will stop broadcasting their current analog signals and move to exclusively broadcasting DTV. This means you will lose the ability to watch TV.
What will happen if I don’t switch to digital TV?
If your TV has a built-in digital tuner or is connected to cable/satellite service — you’ve already made the switch (second or third television sets in a household that are not connected to cable/satellite or do not have built-in digital tuners will be affected). However, if you currently watch an analog TV with an antenna or “rabbit ears,” you will need to take action and switch to digital to continue watching television after February 17, 2009. You have three options to choose from in making the switch to digital. Find out what you need to do and how to watch DTV. Switching to digital TV is easy and inexpensive. Plus — once you Go Digital — you can start watching all four of WSRE's digital channels right away.
Do I have to wait until February 17, 2009 to switch?
You don't have to wait for February 17, 2009 to make the switch. You can start receiving digital-quality picture, sound and all four of WSRE’s digital channels, as well as other broadcaster’s channels right now.
TV Converter Boxes and Coupon Program
What is a TV converter box?
A converter box is an easy-to-install, electronic device that plugs into your analog TV and over-the-air antenna (or “rabbit ears”). It converts the digital television signal into analog so that it can be viewed on your analog TV. This allows you to keep using older televisions and lets you see all the new digital channels for FREE. The converter box is a small box with a remote control similar to cable/satellite boxes. Learn more about digital TV converter boxes.
What is the TV converter box coupon program?
The federal government has created a special coupon program to make digital TV converter boxes affordable for everyone so you can continue to receive free television from WSRE and other local stations after the switch. Each household can request up to two $40 coupons, each good toward the purchase of one digital TV converter box. (Eligible converter boxes are expected to cost $40-$70; there is a one-time cost for the box, and it does not require a monthly service fee.) There are a limited number of coupons available. We encourage you to reserve your coupons early before they run out. Coupons are good for 90 days from the date issued.
To learn more about the program, including how to request coupons, redemption instructions, and which retailers will redeem them:
- visit www.dtv2009.gov
- call 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), toll-free, to request a coupon or to receive coupon program information in English and Spanish; 1-877-530-2634 (TTY)
Where can I get a coupon for a converter box?
You can apply for TV converter box coupons by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), 1-877-530-2634 (TTY) or by visiting www.dtv2009.gov. Coupons will be mailed beginning February 17, 2008. Each household can request up to two $40 coupons, each good toward the purchase of one digital TV converter box. Coupons are good for 90 days from the date issued. Coupons are not available to pick up at retail locations or at WSRE.
Where can I purchase a TV converter box?
The converter boxes will be available at 250 retailers nationwide. When you receive your coupon in the mail, it will arrive with a list of local retailers in your area that carry the eligible converter boxes. National participating retailers include: Best Buy, Circuit City, RadioShack and Wal-Mart.
How much will a TV converter box cost?
Converter boxes are a one-time purchase with no monthly service fee. Eligible converter boxes cost between $40-$70.
What do I do if my converter box coupon expires before I have purchased a converter box?
Converter box coupons are good for 90 days from the date of issue, and each household can request up to two $40 coupons. If you have requested one coupon and it expires before you use it, you can apply for your second coupon. If you have requested two coupons and they both expire before you have used them, your household is no longer eligible for additional coupons — so pay close attention to the coupon expiration date.
Will my VCR work once I’ve connected the converter box to my TV?
Your VCR will continue to work with your TV once you've connected it to a converter box. However, because your converter box will control which channel you're tuned to on your television, you won't be able to watch one station and record another at the same time unless you connect a second converter box to your VCR.
How do I know what’s on WSRE’s digital channels?
WSRE currently programs and maintains four digital channels. The most up-to-date schedule listings are available on our website on the TV Schedule page. If you purchase a converter box or a new television, with a built-in digital tuner, it will display program titles and descriptive information on screen at the touch of a menu button. If you subscribe to digital cable or satellite service, you can use the on-screen program guides.
If I subscribe to cable or satellite service, will I be able to watch all of WSRE’s digital channels?
That depends on your provider and your level of service. WSRE broadcasts four digital channels. Check with your cable or satellite service to find out which of these channels they carry.
Will I still see closed captioning on WSRE digital channels?
Closed captioning is designed to assist deaf or hearing-impaired people, English Language Learners, young children learning to read and many others by displaying the dialogue or transcript of the audio portion of the program as printed words on the television screen. You will still be able to access closed captioning when you watch WSRE's digital channels.
Will I still be able to listen to SightLine?
Yes. SightLine <link to page: SightLine> can still be accessed through the Second Audio Program (SAP) channel. Check your owner’s manual to determine how to activate this feature of your converter box.
I have more questions about how to make the switch to digital TV. What should I do?
WSRE is here to help you make the switch and Go Digital. Sign up for WSRE’s Go Digital info kit and we will mail you a packet of detailed information about the swtich to digital television (DTV). You can also call us at (850) 484-1200, 1-800-239-WSRE (9773), weekdays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Remember, even if the switch to digital doesn’t affect you, it will affect someone you know. Please share this information with them to ensure they continue receiving free, over-the-air television after February 17, 2009.