DTV FAQs

To see what's on VPT Digital TV, check out our

 

• What is digital television (DTV)?
• Is digital TV the same as HDTV (high definition television)?
• What is analog television?
• What is the DTV transition?
• Why is this change happening?
• What are the benefits of DTV?
• Where can I find VPT's digital channels?
• What's airing on VPT's digital channels?
• What equipment do I need?
• What is a DTV converter box?
• Where can I buy a converter box?
• How do I get a coupon?
  What if I did not receive my converter box coupons or they coupons were lost or expired?
• If I watch TV by antenna, what are my options to get TV after the change to digital?
• Where can I find an antenna technician?
• How do I know if I already have a digital TV?
  How do I know if I am receiving digital TV now?
• What if I connect my converter box and don't get digital channels?
  What if I have a digital TV set and antenna and do not get local digital channels? 
• How can I help a family member or friend make the switch?
• Can I recycle my TV?
• See more Frequently Asked Questions and find out more
• To request coupons toward purchasing a converter box

What is digital television (DTV)?
Digital television (DTV) is a new type of broadcasting technology that enables TV stations to provide dramatically clearer pictures and better sound quality.

DTV is more efficient and more flexible than the traditional broadcast technology known as analog. For example, DTV makes it possible for stations to broadcast multiple channels simultaneously (called multicasting), instead of broadcasting only one channel at a time.

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Is digital TV the same as HDTV (high definition television)?
All HDTV is digital, but not all digital TV is HD. Some digital television broadcasts are in standard definition, a format that looks as good as the best quality analog broadcasts. To see true HD, you need a HD television set. However, you can still enjoy Vermont Public Television's HD programs on an analog television set, if you connect a digital converter box or are watching via cable or satellite.

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What is analog television?
Analog television transmission was the standard broadcast technology from the time TV began until now. The analog format is not as efficient as digital television: it uses up much more of the valuable spectrum than digital. Analog is also susceptible to interference and snow that make a picture less clear.

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What is the DTV transition?
The DTV transition is the switchover from analog (the traditional method of transmitting television signals) to exclusively digital broadcasting. The transition from analog to digital television represents the most significant advancement of television technology since color TV was introduced. The DTV transition will be completed on Feb. 17, 2009, as set by Congress.

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Why is this change happening?
DTV technology is a more flexible and efficient technology than the current analog system. The switch to digital broadcasting enables television stations to offer clearer pictures, better sound and more programming choices. Going digital also frees up some of the airwaves for future innovative services for business and public safety.

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What are the benefits of DTV?
Digital television allows TV stations to offer a number of new and better services. In addition to providing dramatically better pictures and sound quality, DTV also enables TV stations to provide several channels of television programming at once. This is known as multicasting. VPT already multicasts its regular schedule, its VPT HD (high definition) service, VPT Create and VPT World. For a schedule of these services, click here.

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Where can I find VPT's digital channels?
You will find VPT on these over-the-air channels, as well as on many cable systems. Your remote control may have either a period or a dash to select multiple digital channels:

Burlington (transmitting from Mt. Mansfield)
33.1 Main schedule in High Definition
33.2 Main schedule in standard definition
33.3 Create (a schedule of popular how-to programs)
33.4 World (a schedule of public affairs and documentaries)

St. Johnsbury (transmitting from Burke Mt.)
20.1 Main schedule in High Definition
20.2 Main schedule in standard definition
20.3 Create (a schedule of popular how-to programs)
20.4 World (a schedule of public affairs and documentaries)

Rutland (transmitting from Grandpa Knob)
28.1 Main schedule in High Definition
28.2 Main schedule in standard definition
28.3 Create (a schedule of popular how-to programs)
28.4 World (a schedule of public affairs and documentaries)

Windsor (transmitting from Mt. Ascutney)
41.1 Main schedule in High Definition
41.2 Main schedule in standard definition
41.3 Create (a schedule of popular how-to programs)
41.4 World (a schedule of public affairs and documentaries)

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What's airing on VPT's digital channels?
VPT has four digital channels: our main schedule, VPT HD (high definition), our main schedule in standard definition, VPT Create and VPT World. For a guide to these services, click here.

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What equipment do I need?
If you currently receive free over-the-air TV on an analog TV set and you want to continue using your analog set, you will need to connect a digital converter box. To help U.S. consumers cover the cost of the converter box, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a division of the U.S. government, will issue up to two converter box coupons valued at $40 each to each household requesting them. You must request your coupons directly from the NTIA, and we encourage you to request your coupons now. (Tip: Its usually simpler online than by phone.) Information about the coupon program is available by clicking here. Please note that coupons expire 90 days from date of issue. There is no coupon program in Canada.

There are many models of digital converter boxes available in the U.S., and several models listed on our Canada page . Converter box models we find perform well are the Zenith DTT901 and the Digital Stream DTX9950. There are other models rated well by Consumer Reports.

You'll need a suitable antenna. If you have good reception of analog broadcasts, your current antenna may be all you need to receive digital signals. However, digital reception can be tricky, and you may need to upgrade to a better antenna. Connect your converter box as soon as you get it, so you'll know whether you'll need an upgrade. A "rooftop" antenna mounted on the roof or in an attic is generally best at pulling in digital channels. However, you may find that a good indoor antenna in a window, attic or garage does the trick. Here's a Terk indoor antenna (widely available at electronics stores for about $60) that VPT can recommend http://www.jr.com/terk/pe/TRK_HDTVA/

If you use an outdoor antenna and do not receive digital signals, VPT suggests you add a high gain signal amplifier. If it is an outdoor antenna, the amplifier should be mounted on the mast near the antenna. Radio Shack sells one model.

This article is a good overview of antennas: http://digitaltelevisionnow.org/media/dtv_antennas.pdf

For advice on the best type of antenna to use at your location, you can enter your U.S. address at this website: http://antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx. VPT recommends using a directional, rather than a multi-directional, antenna. (Note that Antennaweb.org is quite conservative in predicting what channels you'll receive, and it does not cover addresses in Canada.)

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What is a DTV converter box?
A DTV converter box is an electronic device that you connect between your analog television set and your antenna. It converts the digital television signal into analog, making it viewable on your analog TV. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will issue up to two converter box coupons valued at $40 each to each U.S. household requesting them. Each coupon may be used toward the purchase of one DTV converter box. They are not used for cable reception.

For more about how converter boxes work click here. For more about the coupons, click here.

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Where can I buy a converter box?
The government has certified large electronics retailers such as Best Buy and Radio Shack, as well as some department stores and pharmacy chains, to sell coupon-eligible boxes. Independent retailers and online sellers also carry boxes. On the government's coupon website, U.S. residents can enter their address and find a list of retailers. There are also online and telephone vendors listed. When you receive your coupons, you'll receive a list of local vendors. We advise you to call ahead before going to a local store, just to be sure boxes are in stock.

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How do I get a coupon?
Coupons are available to U.S. residents now through (pending new legislation) July 2009 at http://www.dtv2009.gov or at 1-888-388-2009. (If you use the Internet, you'll find it simpler to order online.) The government will mail your coupons to you. Coupons expire 90 days from date of issue.

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What if I did not receive my converter box coupons or the coupons were lost or expired?
If you applied for coupons more than a few weeks ago and have not received them, you can go online to www.dtv2009.gov and click on Where are my coupons? to find the status of your application, or you can call the government coupon line at 1-888-388-2009. If your coupons were mailed and did not arrive, were lost, or they expired, unfortunately, there is no replacement policy at present. Legislation pending in February 2009 may allow people whose coupons expired to re-apply. If you have a friend or family member who has cable or satellite and does not need coupons, that person can request coupons and give them to you.

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If I watch TV by antenna, what are my options to get TV after the change to digital?

Purchase a digital converter box
A digital converter box is an electronic device that makes the digital signal viewable on an analog television set. Converter boxes generally cost between $40 and $60. To help consumers cover the cost, the federal government offers up to two converter box coupons valued at $40 each per household. Each coupon may be used toward the purchase of a single converter box.

You will still need a suitable over-the-air antenna in addition to the converter box to receive a digital signal on your analog television set.

Purchase a new TV with a digital tuner
Another option is to upgrade to a new television set with a built-in digital tuner. As with older sets, you will need a suitable antenna to pick up free digital broadcast programming from local stations. Before deciding to purchase a new digital TV, you should make sure your current TV doesn't already have a built-in digital tuner. Most sets sold in the last few years that are larger than 27 inches will likely have a digital tuner.

To check whether your TV set can receive over-the-air digital broadcast signals, take a look at your owner's manual or look on the set for an indication that it has a built-in Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) tuner. You can also go to the manufacturer's website and check the capabilities of the set by manufacturer model number.

Subscribe to cable or satellite
These services will allow you to receive digital television signals on your analog or digital television set. No additional equipment is required to receive local full-power TV stations, if you decide to go this route. However, check that the pay service you choose carries all of the program services provided by the local broadcast stations.

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Where can I find an antenna technician?

See our list of local antenna service companies.

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How do I know if I already have a digital TV?
Check your remote control to see if it has a button with a period or dash on it. A digital TV set will have such a button to tune in stations’ multiple digital channels.

A true digital TV has a built-in digital receiver. Look for labeling in your owner's manual or on the TV itself. If you bought your TV before the late 90s, it's probably not digital.

Digital TV sets are likely to have one of these labels: Integrated Digital Tuner, ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) Tuner, QAM, Digital Tuner Built In, Digital Receiver, Digital Tuner, DTV, HDTV.

Newer TV sets that can display digital signals but still need a digital converter box will be labeled Digital Monitor, HDTV Monitor, Digital Ready, HDTV Ready.

If you can't tell from your owner's manual or the set itself, you can go to the manufacturer's website and check the capabilities of the set by model number. If that doesn't help, contact us.

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How do I know if I am receiving digital TV now?
If you are watching over the air by antenna on a digital TV set, you need to scan for local digital channels. If you scan, and your TV locks in on the local digital channels, you will be able to use the button on your remote control that has a dash or a period on it to select from the multiple channels of the local stations. For example, if you’re watching VPT’s channel 33, you will have the option of 33.1, 33.2, 33.3 and 33.4 (or 33-1, 33-2, 33-3 and 33-4).

If you watch by cable or satellite, you will find digital channels on separate cable numbers listed in your onscreen or printed channel list.

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WHAT IF I CONNECT MY CONVERTER BOX AND DON'T GET DIGITAL CHANNELS?
Some viewers connect a converter box and instantly have great digital reception. Others find it tricky to receive digital channels. Here are some suggestions from the FCC and VPT's engineers for viewers who need help receiving digital channels with a converter box.

Are you able to pull in any local digital channels?
If no digital channels are coming through at all and your converter box doesn't display information, it's possible the box was not installed correctly. Check your owner's manual about displaying the signal strength.

SCAN AND RE-SCAN

Before most converter boxes will work, they must scan all available digital channels and load that information into the memory of the converter box. Most will do this automatically. If you change the location of your TV or antenna, you should do a re-scan. Scanning can take a few minutes. Re-scanning can help when you lose a station you were receiving or when you lose the video or audio from a station.

If the converter box displays no signal or weak signal when you've set it up and scanned, or if there is a signal only at certain times or in certain weather, try manually entering VPT'S REAL DIGITAL CHANNEL number. TV stations' digital channel numbers are different from their analog channel numbers, but stations are required to identify their digital channels by the same number as their analog channels. Try entering the real VPT digital channel number you're trying to receive:

	Real VPT Digital Channel
33 Burlington Digital from Mt. Mansfield:	UHF 32
20 St. Johnsbury Digital from Burke Mt.:	UHF 18
41 Windsor Digital from Mt. Ascutney:	UHF 24
28 Rutland Digital from Grandpa Knob:	VHF 9

 

OTHER LOCAL DIGITAL CHANNELS
3 WCAX Digital from Mt. Mansfield was UHF 53 before Feb. 17 and is now UHF 22.

5 WPTZ Digital from Mt. Mansfield is UHF 14

22 WVNY Digital from Mt. Mansfield is VHF 13
44 WFFF Digital from Mt. Mansfield is UHF 43
57 Mountain Lake PBS WCFE Digital from Lyon Mt is UHF 38
31 WNNE Digital from Mt. Ascutney is UHF 25

WHERE TO CALL FOR HELP TUNING IN LOCAL CHANNELS

WCAX 3 (802) 652-6300

WFFF 44 (802) 660-9333

WPTZ 5 & WNNE 31 (518) 561-5555 (NY) or (802) 655-5455 (VT)

WVNY 22 (802) 660-9333

Mountain Lake PBS (518) 563-9770
Vermont Public Television 1-800-639-7811

A suitable antenna is essential to good digital reception. Try tuning in with your existing antenna first. If your television currently receives good quality reception on analog channels with an antenna, you are likely to receive digital TV signals with the same antenna. If you have been watching poorer quality analog signals with interference, static, snow or distortion, you may not get quality reception of digital channels with your current antenna. Digital has what's called the "cliff effect," meaning that if the digital signal falls below a certain strength, it can disappear entirely. You may have to adjust or upgrade your antenna to get a reliably good signal for digital broadcasts.

Since TV reception can be affected by such factors as hills, trees, buildings, weather and damaged or deteriorated equipment, digital reception can sometimes be improved by changing the location of your current antenna. Moving it away from other objects and structures, or placing it higher can often improve reception. Try tuning in with the signal strength display on your converter box turned on. Allow up to 10 seconds at each location for the box to respond to the signal. Try leaving the room temporarily.

Many antennas need to be aimed to get the best signal from the desired station. For indoor antennas, you may need to do this manually by trial and error. For outdoor antennas, a rotor that re-orients the antenna can improve performance. If you use a typical arrow-shaped outdoor antenna, be sure that you have the front of the antenna pointed toward the transmission site. The front is the single straight end, and the pointed or curved cluster part is the back. But note that sometimes, you get a better signal pointed away from the site to where a signal is being reflected.

On indoor rabbit ears antennas, the ears are for receiving VHF channels (2-13) and the loop or bow tie part is for receiving UHF channels (14 and higher). Make sure you're using an antenna that covers both UHF and VHF channels and that it's connected properly.

Your current rabbit ears or other indoor antenna may not be effective at pulling in digital signals. You may want to try an indoor antenna that includes features for better reception of UHF signals and/or an amplifier to boost the received signal. A modest-sized indoor antenna that goes in a window, attic or garage may do the trick. See our FAQ on equipment.

There are smaller outdoor antennas that do a good job of picking up digital signals; however, some viewers will need a full- sized, higher gain, directional rooftop antenna. If you use an outdoor antenna and do not receive digital signals, VPT suggests you add a high gain signal amplifier. If it is an outdoor antenna, the amplifier should be mounted on the mast near the antenna. Radio Shack sells one model.

It can be helpful to check what kinds of antennas your neighbors are using.

The performance of an outdoor antenna can degrade over time. If you are having problems with reception while using an outdoor antenna that is aimed correctly, check for loose or corroded wiring and broken antenna elements. If you already use an outdoor antenna, you may get better digital reception if you move the antenna mast to another location on the roof.

For best reception, with indoor or outdoor antennas, try to keep the length of wire between your antenna and TV set as short as possible.

Splitters that are used to connect a single antenna to multiple TV sets reduce the amount of signal available to each set. If you use a splitter and are having problems, check to see whether reception is improved without the splitter. If you want to continue using a splitter, an active splitter that includes an amplifier may solve reception problems.

Note that if you are near a station's broadcast tower, you can actually get too much signal. Consider using an attenuator or removing amplifiers to improve your reception.

If you decide to replace your antenna, the website www.antennaweb.org can help with advice for U.S. addresses on the type of antenna to use for stations you want to receive.

Your best resource can be a local antenna technician. These companies in the VPT viewing area do antenna work.

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WHAT IF I HAVE A DIGITAL TV SET AND ANTENNA AND DO NOT GET LOCAL DIGITAL CHANNELS?
Digital reception can be tricky. Here are some suggestions from the FCC and VPT's engineers for viewers who need help receiving digital channels over the air with antennas.

Are you able to pull in any local digital channels?
Your digital TV has a tuner to pull in analog channels as well as a digital tuner. To receive digital channels, you will first need to scan for digital channels according to the directions in your manual.

SCAN AND RE-SCAN
If you happen to change the location of your TV or antenna, you should do a re-scan. Scanning can take a few minutes.

If the converter box displays no signal or weak signal when you've set it up and scanned, or if there is a signal only at certain times or in certain weather, try manually entering VPT'S REAL DIGITAL CHANNEL number. TV stations' digital channel numbers are different from their analog channel numbers, but stations are required to identify their digital channels by the same number as their analog channels. Try entering the real VPT digital channel number you're trying to receive:

	Real VPT Digital Channel
33 Burlington Digital from Mt. Mansfield:	UHF 32
20 St. Johnsbury Digital from Burke Mt.:	UHF 18
41 Windsor Digital from Mt. Ascutney:	UHF 24
28 Rutland Digital from Grandpa Knob:	VHF 9

 

OTHER LOCAL DIGITAL CHANNELS
3 WCAX Digital from Mt. Mansfield was UHF 53 before Feb. 17 and is now UHF 22.

5 WPTZ Digital from Mt. Mansfield is UHF 14

22 WVNY Digital from Mt. Mansfield is VHF 13
44 WFFF Digital from Mt. Mansfield is UHF 43
57 Mountain Lake PBS WCFE Digital from Lyon Mt is UHF 38
31 WNNE Digital from Mt. Ascutney is UHF 25

WHERE TO CALL FOR HELP TUNING IN LOCAL CHANNELS

WCAX 3 (802) 652-6300

WFFF 44 (802) 660-9333

WPTZ 5 & WNNE 31 (518) 561-5555 (NY) or (802) 655-5455 (VT)

WVNY 22 (802) 660-9333

Mountain Lake PBS (518) 563-9770
Vermont Public Television 1-800-639-7811

A suitable antenna is essential to good digital reception. Try tuning in with your existing antenna first. If your television currently receives good quality reception on analog channels with an antenna, you are likely to receive digital TV signals with the same antenna. If you have been watching poorer quality analog signals with interference, static, snow or distortion, you may not get quality reception of digital channels with your current antenna. Digital has what's called the "cliff effect," meaning that if the signal falls below a certain strength, it can disappear entirely. You may have to adjust or upgrade your antenna to get a reliably good signal for digital broadcasts.

Since TV reception can be affected by such factors as hills, trees, buildings, weather and damaged or deteriorated equipment, digital reception can sometimes be improved by changing the location of your current antenna. Moving it away from other objects and structures, or placing it higher can often improve reception. Try tuning in with the signal strength display turned on. Allow up to 10 seconds at each location for the box to respond to the signal. Try leaving the room temporarily.

Many antennas need to be aimed to get the best signal from the desired station. For indoor antennas, you may need to do this manually by trial and error. For outdoor antennas, a rotor that re-orients the antenna can improve performance. If you use a typical arrow-shaped outdoor antenna, be sure that you have the front of the antenna pointed toward the site. The front is the single straight end, and the pointed or curved cluster part is the back. But note that sometimes, you get a better signal pointed away from the site to where a signal is being reflected.

On indoor rabbit ears antennas, the ears are for receiving VHF channels (2-13) and the loop or bow tie part is for receiving UHF channels (14 and higher). Make sure you're using an antenna that covers both UHF and VHF channels and that it's connected properly.

Your current rabbit ears or other indoor antenna may not be effective at pulling in digital signals. You may want to try an indoor antenna that includes features for better reception of UHF signals and/or an amplifier to boost the received signal. A modest-sized indoor antenna that goes in a window, attic or garage may do the trick. See our FAQ on equipment.

There are smaller outdoor antennas that do a good job of picking up digital signals; however, some viewers will need a full- sized, higher gain, directional rooftop antenna. If you use an outdoor antenna and do not receive digital signals, VPT suggests you add a high gain signal amplifier. If it is an outdoor antenna, the amplifier should be mounted on the mast near the antenna. Radio Shack sells one model.

The performance of an outdoor antenna can degrade over time. If you are having problems with reception while using an outdoor antenna that is aimed correctly, check for loose or corroded wiring and broken antenna elements. If you already use an outdoor antenna, you may get better digital reception if you move the antenna mast to another location on the roof.

For best reception, with indoor or outdoor antennas, try to keep the length of wire between your antenna and TV set as short as possible.

Splitters that are used to connect a single antenna to multiple TV sets reduce the amount of signal available to each set. If you use a splitter and are having problems, check to see whether reception is improved without the splitter. If you want to continue using a splitter, an active splitter that includes an amplifier may solve reception problems.

Note that if you are near a station's broadcast tower, you can actually get too much signal. Consider using an attenuator or removing amplifiers to improve your reception.

If you decide to replace your antenna, the website www.antennaweb.org can help with advice for U.S. addresses on the type of antenna to use for stations you want to receive.

Your best resource can be a local antenna technician. These companies in the VPT viewing area do antenna work.

 

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How can I help a family member or friend make the switch?
This change in television will be challenging for some viewers. If you know someone who receives TV by antenna, please review the information here. You can help someone with ordering coupons, purchasing a converter box and installing a converter box. If you have questions, please contact us or call 1-800-639-7811 for more information.

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Can I recycle my TV?
Your analog TV will still work for playing computer games and watching videos, even though it will not show digital programming without a converter box. If you want to dispose of an older TV, you will find recycling centers in Vermont accept TV sets. For more information about how to recycle your television and other electronics, you can enter your zip code at this helpful site http://mygreenelectronics.com

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See more Frequently Asked Questions and find out more at:

http://www.dtvanswers.com/

http://www.dtv.gov/

http://www.ezdigitaltv.com/

Reviews of converter boxes

More about converter boxes and online sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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To request coupons toward purchasing a converter box:

Visit http://www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-388-2009.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Other questions? Give Vermont Public Television a call at 1-800-639-7811 or email us.