Digital Television FAQ
What is digital television (DTV)?
What is high-definition television (HDTV)?
What is multicasting?
Why are stations
switching to digital?
What does WILL-DT broadcast?
How do I find
these channels?
How do
I receive a digital signal on my analog set?
How can I receive an
HDTV signal?
What kind of antenna do I need to receive an over-the-air signal?
What is digital television (DTV)?
In the digital system, images and sounds are captured using the same digital code found in computers--ones and zeros.
This method allows more information and programming to be broadcast
using less broadcast spectrum. Digital technology offers stations opportunities for high definition television,
surround-sound audio and multicasting. On Feb. 17, 2009, all TV stations
in the U.S. will switch completely to digital broadcasting.
What is high-definition television (HDTV)?
High definition television (HDTV) is not the same as DTV. HDTV refers to
the resolution quality of the picture being broadcast. This is
determined by the number of picture elements (pixels) across the screen
and the numbers of rows down the screen. HDTV can have up to six times
more pixels than the resolution of an analog signal. The higher the
resolution, the clearer the picture. Viewers receive high-quality,
crystal-clear pictures. These visually stunning pictures are displayed
in a wide screen, rectangular format with a 16 by 9 width to height
ratio compared to analog’s 4 by 3, or basically square format. The
superior picture and sound of HD programs can only be experienced on a
high-definition TV set.
What is multicasting?
In addition to transmitting in HDTV, WILL can transmit additional
channels of standard definition television (SDTV) programming
simultaneously. This is called multicasting. WILL’s digital service
includes two standard definition channels and one HDTV channel.
Why are stations
switching to digital?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has mandated that all TV
stations convert to digital transmission by February 17, 2009.
What does WILL-DT broadcast?
- WILL HD 12.1: High-definition PBS programming 24 hours a
day -- Nature, Antiques Roadshow, Great
Performances, NOVA and more.
WILL-DT schedule.
- WILL 12.2: The outstanding programming you’ve enjoyed for
decades. A standard definition channel duplicating WILL’s analog
programming.
- WILL Create/World: Create airs from 6 am to 6 pm and
offers cooking, arts and crafts, gardening, home improvement and
travel programs. World airs from 6 pm to 6 am, and features
PBS documentary, public affairs and news programs.
How do I find
these channels?
The remote control on a digital TV displays the “virtual” channel number
and the channel designations increase by decimals. So you will find
WILL-TV’s analog service on channel 12; WILL-DT’s high definition
channel on 12.1 (Comcast: Channel 916 in C-U; Channel 917 in
Springfield/Decatur
Media Com: Channel 712 in Charleston and Gibson City); WILL-DT’s standard definition channel on 12.2; and
Create/World on 12.3 (Create/World is broadcast on WILL-DT 3 and
Insight Cable: Channel 219 in C-U; Channel 220 in
Springfield/Decatur).
How do
I receive a digital signal on my analog set?
If you subscribe to satellite or cable, you can receive a digital signal
on your analog set. (But before you sign up with a local cable or
satellite company, be sure to check that WILL-DT and the other channels
you want are available from them.)
If you prefer to continue receiving a free over the air signal via an
antenna, you will need to purchase a TV converter box for each analog
set.
How can I receive an HDTV
signal?
To experience the highest resolution possible, viewers will need new TV
sets with an HD tuner and monitor or display device, such as the plasma
display panel. Manufacturers can label their TV sets “digital” even
though the sets are not capable of true high definition. Look for sets
that have the Consumer Electronics Manufacturer's Association (CEMA) HD
sticker.
What kind of antenna do I need to receive an over-the-air signal?
Some areas near our transmitter in Monticello may only need an “active
antenna” that sits on top of the TV set. Most people in our viewing area
will need a small or medium VHF/UHF combination outdoor antenna. There
are some small profile amplified outdoor antennas that may work in your
viewing area.
You can
find a helpful guide to antenna selection at
http://checkhd.com/aw/welcome.aspx. If you need an outdoor antenna,
make sure that it has an element for high VHF channels and not just UHF
channels.
For more information contact:
Rick Finnie, chief engineer
WILL-TV
300 N. Goodwin Ave.
Urbana IL 61801
(217) 333-1070
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