What is digital television or D-T-V?
            Digital television, or DTV, is a higher quality, more efficient way to transmit TV signals than the traditional analog TV system. DTV provides better picture and sound quality and takes up less broadcast space. DTV makes it possible for stations to provide more free programming. As part of the move to digital television, sections of the broadcasting spectrum will also be made available for new technology, including better communications for public safety service providers.
            For you as a Pioneer viewer, you could receive four digital channels over the air, instead of just one. On a digital television, these free over-the air channels come through with a dash and another number, such as 10-dash-1 through 10-4 in the Appleton area, or 20-1 through 20-4 in the Chandler-Worthington area.  In a little while, we will tell you more about what is available on these channels.
Why is TV becoming digital?
The transition to digital broadcast television came about as a congressional decision. Federal law requires full-power analog television transmitters to shut down at midnight on February 17, 2009.  The move from analog to digital should result in consumer and broadcaster benefits, such as more over-the-air channels.
 What is the “DTV transition” and when is it happening?
The phrase “DTV transition” refers to the nation’s move from analog to digital television technology. Pioneer and most other broadcasters already transmit DTV in tandem with traditional analog signals. At midnight on February 17, 2009, when full-power analog transmitters are shut off, full-power television broadcasting will be exclusively digital or DTV.
What does the phrase “over the air” television mean?

“Over-the-air” television means that you receive your signal through either a roof-top antenna, or

a set-top antenna (commonly called rabbit ears).  The viewers most directly affected by the digital

are “over the air” viewers. Most cable or satellite television viewers are not directly affected by the

digital television transition.

In this broadcast, you will hear the phrase “over the air” quite often.

 

Who needs to get new TV equipment?
Whether or not the DTV transition will affect you directly depends on how you currently receive television.

If your TV is connected to a pay TV service, like cable or satellite, check with your service provider. You should not be affected by the change to digital television.

If you receive TV signals through a community UHF service, or a local low-power transmitter, check with that community UHF provider or about what they plan to do.

If your TV has a built-in digital tuner, you should already be able to receive DTV signals over the air and your TV will not be affected by the change.

If your TV receives its signal over the air with an antenna and does not have a digital tuner, you have three options to continue receiving full-power TV signals, such as Pioneer’s Appleton and Worthington signals, after February 17, 2009:

Option one: Purchase a TV converter box. A TV converter box will cost $40 - $70. These converter boxes are already on the store shelves at many electronics retailers. The federal government is offering coupons to reduce the cost of the boxes. To request coupons or learn more about the coupon program, call 1.888.DTV.2009 or visit www.dtv2009.gov.  Again, that is 1-888-DTV-2009 or www.dtv2009.gov.
We will repeat that phone number and web address later in the program.
Option two: Connect your TV to cable, satellite or another pay service; or
Option three: Replace your TV with a new digital tuner equipped TV. A wide range of digital televisions are available starting at about $100.

Will ALL analog TV broadcasting end on February 17, 2009?
No. Transmitters classified as “full-power” will shut down on that date. Transmitters classified as “low-power” can remain in operation.
Here’s how this affects Pioneer viewers:
The Pioneer transmitters near Appleton (over-the-air channel 10) and Worthington (over-the air channel 20) are classified as full-power. After February 17, 2009, those sites will have digital only-signals. If you watch Pioneer over-the-air, that means through a roof-top antenna or set-top antenna in these areas, you will need to have a TV with a built-in digital tuner or a digital converter box.
The Pioneer transmitter near Fergus Falls on Channel 49 is classified as “low power” and will continue broadcasting an analog signal after February 17, 2009.  That’s because rules have not yet been issued for low-power transmitters.  The Channel 49 signal will eventually go digital, but not until sometime later next year.  We’ll have more about Channel 49, later in this program.  
As we mentioned a moment ago, if you receive your over-the-air signal through a community UHF provider, please check with that provider.
How do I know if my TV has a built-in digital tuner?
The easiest way is to check your owners manual.  If you TV is more than __________ years old, chances are it does not have a built-in digital tuner.
One way to check this out is by doing what is called a channel scan.  By using your remote, you can scan for signals in your area.  If the tuner says that it is looking for analog AND digital channels—similar to the display you see here—then you know that you have a TV with a built-in digital tuner.

Will my older TV sets still work after the transition?
Yes, however older sets may need an upgrade called a converter box to receive over-the-air signals. If your TV uses a roof-top antenna or set-top antenna and does NOT have a built-in digital tuner, you will need to either purchase a converter box or subscribe to a pay TV service such as satellite or cable to continue using the same TV set.  TV sets that are decades old will still work for over-the-air television if you use a converter box.  More on converter boxes in a moment…
If I choose to buy a new TV set, what should I look for?

You will want to buy a TV that has a built-in digital tuner. Most TV sets now in stores

have built-in digital tuners. The remaining older models that do NOT have digital tuners

should be clearly marked so you know what you are buying.

 

Can I still get free TV during the digital transition?
Yes. Free TV is NOT going away.  You can still receive free television over the air with an antenna just as you do now as long as your TV either has a built-in digital tuner or is connected to a converter box. The federal government is offering coupons (valued at $40 each) to reduce the cost of the converter boxes. The converter boxes cost from about $40 - $70.

How do I apply for the converter box coupons?

To apply for that coupon through the federal government, once again the phone number to call is 1-888-DTV-2009.  You can also apply on the web at www.dtv2009.gov.  You can apply for one or two coupons.
We will repeat those phone numbers and web addresses later in the broadcast.

When & where can I use the coupons?
You can use the coupons as soon as you receive them in the mail, but do not wait too long. The coupons expire 90 days after being issued.
When you receive the coupons from the federal government, look at the bottom of the coupon letter and you will find a list of area retailers where you can use the coupons. The list is based on a government database of authorized converter box retailers in zip codes near your community.
What if I need more than two converter boxes?
The federal government coupon program will only issue two coupons per household, but consumers may purchase as many converter boxes as they need. Each coupon is good for only one box.  After you have used your coupons, you will have to pay the regular retail price for additional boxes.
Do I need a converter box for each over the air television in my home?
The answer is Yes. You will need a converter box for each television on which you receive an over the air signal. You cannot split the signal in one place and feed it to multiple televisions.
If I do not need both coupons, can I give one to someone else?
The answer is Yes. There is no requirement that the person who receives the coupon use that coupon for a box in his or her own home. If you would like to use your coupon to help a friend or relative get a converter box, that is fine.
When should over-the-air viewers apply for converter box coupons?
You should apply for the federal coupons as soon as possible because it may take several weeks for the coupons to arrive.  Once you have the coupons, you have 90 days to use them before they expire.  If you get your coupons as soon as possible, you should have plenty of time to use the coupons and get your converter box installed.
How do I hook up a converter box?
Attach the cable from your antenna into the “antenna in” connection on the back of the converter box. Another cable attaches to the converter box, and runs from the converter box to your TV. It is that simple.
Once your converter box is attached to your TV and plugged in, follow the instructions in your converter box manual to tune in your TV.  With this converter box example, you tune your TV to Channel 3.  After that, you use your converter box to scan for digital channels in your area, and tune in the digital channels you want to watch.
The number of digital channels you find will depend on where you live. Most full-power TV stations are running from two to four digital channels.  Converter boxes are easy to operate because they come with a remote.
Again, converter boxes cost roughly 40 to 70 dollars, and are available at electronics stores.  If you have a $40 federal coupon, the coupon can only be used for converter boxes.
How do I hook up a VCR and a converter box?
If you have a VCR and a converter box, here is the most common way to hook both up to your TV.  If your television has red, white and yellow input jacks like these, you can use those jacks to connect to your VCR to your TV because your converter box connects through a different connection.
If you have any older TV that does not have red, white and yellow input jacks, you might want to use a combiner like this, or an A-B switch like these.  Electronics stores sell these items, which allow you to bring signals from two different sources into your TV.
What if I have an older TV that does not have standard connections?
Even if your TV is decades old, you should still be able to use a converter box.  In some cases, you may need an additional small adapter for your TV.
For the connection from the converter box to your TV, you may need an adapter such as this one for the connection to your television. These kinds of adapters are available at electronics stores, and are often available at hardware stores.
With a converter box, can I get a high-definition or HD signal?
A channel that is broadcast in HD can be received through a converter box, but it will not be a true high-definition display.  The signal will be down-converted through the box to a standard definition signal. The only way to get true high-definition quality is through a high-definition or HD television monitor.
Where are digital over-the-air TV broadcasts now available?
Digital over-the-air broadcast signals are available in most areas.  For example, if you receive Pioneer’s traditional analog signal over-the-air from our Appleton tower, you should be able to receive our digital signal as well. If you receive our signal from our Worthington tower, the same should be true.
If you watch Pioneer over-the-air in the Fergus Falls or Detroit Lakes area on Channel 49, you will have to wait a little longer for our digital signal to reach you. As we said earlier, that channel will become digital sometime later next year.
If I watch Pioneer over the air on Channel 49, what should I do?
If you want to get a digital converter box to receive full-power digital signals and Pioneer’s Channel 49 in the Fergus Falls and Detroit Lakes are, you will need a converter box with what is called “analog pass-through.”  This type of box will allow you to receive full-power digital signals from other broadcasters, and still pass through the analog signal from Channel 49.  Most of the converter boxes on the market do not have analog pass-through, so you will have to shop carefully.
How can I receive these new digital television signals?
You will need a television with a built-in digital tuner, or a converter box.  The converter box takes a digital signal, and converts it to analog so your analog television can process it. If you install a converter box, you can tune your television through the converter box, and you can receive digital signals.
If I get television from a satellite service, but I have not chosen to pay extra for local channels, can I use a digital receiver to get extra channels?

Yes. Pioneer has received calls from viewers who use a satellite service to get additional channels, but use a separate antenna to receive their local television channels. Depending on where you live, you could get anywhere from two to 20 digital channels based on how close you are to various TV station transmitters.
What are the benefits of digital TV?
There are two major benefits of digital TV: access to more free over-the-air channels, and the option to get high-definition TV.  For example, Pioneer is currently broadcasting four digital channels from Appleton and Worthington. One of those four channels is the PBS HD or high-definition channel.  The only way to get true high-definition quality on your television is to use a high-definition set, and get a high-definition signal either over the air, from a satellite service, or from a cable provider.   

Should I buy a new antenna for over-the-air DTV viewing?

Your existing antenna should work. If you find that you need a better antenna, set-top

 models such as this one are available for about $30.  If you decide to move from a set

-top to a roof top antenna, a traditional style antenna should work for you.

Where do I point my antenna to get the new digital signals?
The answer depends on where you live.  If you have a roof top antenna such as this one, you have to point the tip toward the transmitter. …..
If you have a smaller set top antenna, you have to point it like this……
Here are the locations of Pioneer’s towers near Appleton and Worthington.  Where you live will determine the direction for pointing your antenna.
In some cases, some analog over-the-air viewers may find it difficult to receive the new digital signals. In these cases, viewers may need to get a new antenna.
How is a digital signal different than analog?
The new digital signals behave differently in two important ways.
The first issue is signal loss.  When an analog signal gets weak, it gradually turns to what most people call “snow.”
When a digital signal is weak, the image may suddenly lock, and sections drop out. After that you may get a message that says “low signal.”
The second issue is the way digital signals move and bounce around.  In some cases, nearby objects such as trees or buildings may affect how you receive a digital signal.  The best thing to do is try to adjust your antenna until you receive the highest quality signal. On many new digital sets, there are signal strength indicators. Check your owners manual to find out how to get access to these indicators.
Is all digital TV High Definition or HD?
The terms digital television (DTV) and high definition television (HDTV) are often used in the same sentence, but they are NOT the same thing. HDTV is the highest quality form of DTV. Not all DTV is high definition.
Here is how it looks by the numbers: traditional television signals might be rated at a resolution of 480. This sometimes called Standard Definition or SD.   High Definition television, or HD, may have a resolution as high as 720 or 1080. What this means is a clearer and sharper picture. The higher the number, the greater the resolution, and the sharper the picture.
Why is the screen size or image size different?
Traditional analog television was broadcast with an image size called four by three.  This means that it was four units wide by three units high. 
New digital television images and television screens are a different size called 16 by Nine. This means 16 units wide by nine units high. This comparison of height and width is called the aspect ratio. Because of this change in size, more programs are being shot in what is called a wide screen format.  When you see one of these wide screen images, you might see it on a traditional television in what is called a letterbox format with black lines on the top and bottom.
OR when you use a new wide screen digital television, and you watch a program that was taped in the older format, you will see black lines on the side.
What is on the new digital channels?
As you scan for digital channels, you will find a variety of programs. At Pioneer, we are currently offering four digital channels over the air.
The numbers on the screen that start with 10 are the over-the-air digital channels transmitting from our Appleton tower; the channels starting with 20 are available from our Worthington area tower. All these channels are on the air 24 hours a day.
10-dash-one and 20-dash-one have the traditional Pioneer programming from PBS or local Pioneer programs. The programs here are exactly the same as our traditional analog Pioneer main channel.
10-dash-two and 20-dash-two have the Pioneer Create channel. This channel features mostly cooking, how-to, and travel programs.
10-dash-three and 20-dash-three have the Pioneer Minnesota Channel. This channel features legislative coverage during the legislative session, as well as programs from throughout the five-state region.
10-dash-four and 20-dash-four have the PBS High Definition Channel. This channel features great PBS programs that are designed for high definition broadcast. It includes some regular PBS programs such as Nature and Nova, but with increased picture quality.
Are these digital channels available over cable or satellite?
       Some cable providers are retransmitting our digital channels.  If you would like these channels on your local cable or satellite system, please contact your cable or satellite provider.   ///
So if you just tuned in, or have missed any of the major questions and answers about Digital television, here is quick recap of the major points about DTV:

1. On February 17, 2009 full power analog television transmitters will be shut off across the nation.  After that date, full power television transmitters will be broadcasting in digital only. Pioneer has full power transmitters near Appleton, broadcasting over the air on Channel 10,  and in the Chandler – Worthington area broadcasting over Channel 20.
2. If you watch television over the air – that means with a rooftop antenna or rabbit ears – you will need to have the right equipment to receive digital signals.  If you have television provided by a cable or satellite service, you should already be equipped for the transition.
3. To watch the new digital signals over the air through your home antenna, you will need one of two things: either a digital converter box, or a late model TV with a built-in digital tuner.  Your existing antenna should work, but you might need an upgrade to a newer antenna.
4. Pioneer is already broadcasting in digital from towers near Appleton,and Worthington.  But if you watch Pioneer over the air on Channel 49 in the Fergus Falls area, you will have to wait a little longer for our digital signal. K-49 will become digital sometime later next year.  K-49 viewers should get a digital converter box with “analog pass-through.” That will allow you to pick up other digital stations, and still receive Pioneer in analog.
5. Coupons are available from the federal government to help pay for converter boxes. Individuals may apply for up to two coupons per household. Again, the toll-free phone number for the federal coupon program is 1-888-DTV 2009. The web site to apply online is www.dtv2009.gov. We will show you the web site and phone number for applications again in a moment.
6. With digital television, you can receive more free channels, including high-definition. To see a true high definition picture, you will need a high-definition or HD monitor. Pioneer is broadcasting three standard definition digital channels, and one high definition channel.
   

                  To apply for coupons from the federal government, the web site to visit is
www.dtv2009.gov. 
If you would prefer to call, that phone number is 1-888-DTV-2009. 

When you call or visit the web site, be prepared to give your mailing address.  Coupons will be mailed to you from a federal agency, the National Telecommunications and Information Agency.  Allow several weeks for delivery.  You may apply for up to two coupons per household.  The coupons expire 90 days after they are issued.