PITTSBURGH -- The DTV transition is the switchover from the traditional analog method of transmitting television signals to exclusively digital broadcasting of free television programming.

The transition from analog to digital television represents the most significant advancement of television technology since color TV. Digital television allows TV stations to offer a number of new and better services.

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The date of the transition is slated for June 12, 2009. Click Here for F.A.Q.
or call 888-CALL-FCC for more information.

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Viewer-Submitted Questions and Answers:

Question Submitted By: Diane Cincala - Natrona Heights, Pa.

Hello. Our televisions are 14yrs old and older. We subscribe to basic cable and do not need a converter box. We understand that everything is going to be digital in Februart and that we need not worry as long as we have cable. My question is, come February, will everything then be transmitted in High Def. and will this cause us to get a coverter box or new TV? In otherwords, will we still be able to watch programs transmitted in HD on an old TV set?

Any light you can shed on this would be greatly appreciated. This techno. stuff makes my head spin!

Answer:

Ms. Cincala,

Thanks for watching WPXI and for taking the time to contact us. You are probably receiving a digital signal now via cable and they are converting that digital signal so that you can view it on your analog TV set. After the digital conversion, your cable company will continue to convert that digital signal for you. In essence, nothing should change for you. In February, all TV signals will be broadcast in digital which is already being done; broadcasters will cease to send an analog signal.

It isn’t possible for you to watch High Def on an analog TV set now and you won’t be able to watch HD in February unless you buy an HDTV. You are probably currently viewing digital programming and you will continue to receive digital programming in the same manner since you have cable. As a cable customer, to continue to view TV as you currently do you don’t need to do a thing. If you cease to utilize cable in February (or fiber or satellite) then your situation changes and you must take action. Converters are required for those folks who want to retain their analog TV sets but choose not to use cable, fiber, or satellite. They must also watch TV using an antenna. Also, keep in mind that if you get an HDTV you will also need an HDTV converter box from the cable company which is different from a regular digital cable box.

Stated another way, No, you can’t watch High Def on an old analog (if your TV set is 14 years old or older, it’s analog) TV set but you can watch digital TV on an old analog TV set; which is what you’re probably doing right now.

Annette Parks
Director of Engineering
WPXI-TV, Inc.

Question Submitted By: Robert Leard

I was trying to receive Channel 11 digital broadcast on my digital ready TV. I am using an enhanced indoor antenna. All the channel numbers but all said the digital signal was too weak. I am not sure that I was using the correct channel number. What channel numbers are you using for your digital broadcasts.

Answer:

Mr. Leard,

WPXI’s digital channel is 48; however, you will see 11.1 (WPXI-DT), 11.2 (WX Plus), and 11.3 (RTN) on your digital television set. Your reception is highly dependent on a few factors: your physical location (valley or hill), the direction you’re pointing, and most importantly, your antenna (type, location, and controls). I can’t stress enough that over-the air reception depends on a good antenna that is located on your roof and is amplified and/or has gain adjustments. Those factors will make all the difference in the world when it comes to your reception. Please visit www.antennaweb.org for more specific information as to antenna type and digital reception.

I hope this helps.

Annette Parks
Director of Engineering
WPXI-TV, Inc.

Question Submitted By: Robert Shotts - Shelocta, Pa.

I am on an antennae. Your station has always come in very strong. Because of the upcoming change to digital in February, I bought a converter box. Now I can not get channel 11 when using the converter box. I feel that I should be able to get it. My question is will I be able to get channel 11 after February even though I can't get it now.

Answer: Mr. Shotts,

Thanks for watching WPXI-TV and for taking the time to contact us. We began broadcasting our digital signal at full power in May of 2005. Without being able to see what the problem may be first hand, let’s start with the basics; first, your antenna. If you’re using a digital converter box and an antenna, your antenna must be UHF to receive the digital signals. An analog antenna will not pick up digital stations, only analog. I think a VHF/UHF antenna is the best option since a couple of stations will be acquired on VHF after the analog shutdown. If your converter has the “analog pass through” capability VHF will come in handy. Unlike analog, digital reception can best be described as working on a cliff effect; meaning, you have a signal or you don’t. With analog, you could adjust the antenna and see a very grainy image of the picture until it came in clearly but with digital it’s a crystal clear picture or nothing at all.

The second thing you must ensure is that you’re pointing in the right direction. There is a website www.antennaweb.org that is really good in helping you ensure that you are pointed in the right direction and that you have the right antenna (height, location, etc.) for the best possible reception. If the antenna is capable of gain control (gain helps you obtain and retain the signal) that also helps. Usually, a large antenna mounted on the roof that you are able to rotate (or it’s omni-directional) and adjust the gain control, will probably work the best.

Once you’ve determined that your antenna is capable of obtaining and retaining a good signal and you’re pointed in the right direction then I would suggest using the scan function on your digital converter box to pick up all the stations that are available in your area. I’m including a few websites that should help you learn more about the converter box you’ve selected as well as installation and reception for your antenna.

http://www.antennaweb.org

http://www.dtvanswers.com/dtv_antenna.html

http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-tv-converter/

http://dtvfacts.com/digital-tv-converter-box/

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/televisions/non-digital-tvs/digital-converter-boxes/digital-tv-converter-boxes-first-look-3-08/overview/digital-tv-converter-boxes-first-look.htm

http://www.dtv.gov/consumercorner.html

I hope this helps. If you have any additional questions, comments, or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.

Annette Parks
Director of Engineering
WPXI-TV, Inc.

Question Submitted By: Donald L. Howard - Castle Shannon, Pa.

Are the new digital converter boxes available to operate on 12VDC so the mobile units can receive service still?

Answer:

Mr. Howard,

Although I have not physically seen one; I understand they do exist. I suggest that you search the internet and check with local retailers for the device you seek.

The one unit I have heard about hasn’t had exceptional comments made about it; (http://www.artec.com.tw/ehtm/products/t3a.htm) so I am not advocating this product nor am I suggesting that you purchase this product. I am merely giving you a place to start your search.

I hope your search ends in success. Here are a few links; I hope this helps.

http://www.dtvboxanswers.com/artect3apro.html

https://www.dtv2009.gov/

http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-tv-converter/

http://dtvfacts.com/digital-tv-converter-box/

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/televisions/non-digital-tvs/digital-converter-boxes/digital-tv-converter-boxes-first-look-3-08/overview/digital-tv-converter-boxes-first-look.htm

http://www.dtvanswers.com/dtv_converterbox.html

http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/

http://www.dtv.gov/consumercorner.html

Here’s another unit…

Battery-Powered Converter Box In response to consumers' concerns about the transition rendering their portable TVs useless, the manufacturer, Winegard, has introduced the first battery pack for DTV converter boxes that will keep certain analog TV sets, including portable ones, operational during power outages. However, the pack is only compatible with a Winegard converter box. It requires 6 "D" batteries and lasts up to 18 hours. The battery pack and converter box are not yet available in stores, but can be ordered on the manufacturer's website. www.winegarddirect.com/viewitem.asp?p=RC-BP9V

Again, I am NOT advocating this product. I am only providing additional information as I receive it.

I hope this helps.

Annette Parks
Director of Engineering
WPXI-TV, Inc.

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