Television's digital future has arrived

THE SWITCH TO DIGITAL TV IS COMING.

Digital TV

Are you ready?

Television broadcasting is moving from an old standard – known as “analog” – to a new standard called Digital TV. After Feb. 17, 2009, all television broadcasts will be digital. Digital TV provides crystal clear pictures and sound and more programming choices.

Even though February 2009 might sound like a long way off, it’s not too early to start preparing.

For more, check out our Digital TV Q&A page and glossary.


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HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO KEEP WATCHING WPT.

We want to be sure every viewer comes with us into the digital age and we’re eager to help you with the information you need so you don’t lose WPT and other channels after Feb. 17, 2009. On that day, by law, we must pull the plug on analog broadcasting.


Here are the ways you can watch WPT’s Digital TV signal:


Do you subscribe to a paid cable service?
If you get your TV from a cable or telephone provider like Time-Warner, Charter or one of the many smaller cable companies, your cable company will see that you continue to get local stations including WPT.


Do you pay for satellite service?
If you get your TV from one of the U.S. satellite services, DirecTV or DISH Network, your satellite company will see that you continue to get local stations including WPT.


Do you use an antenna?
If you receive over-the-air television programming by rabbit ears or other type of indoor or outdoor antenna, you have several choices:


1. Use a digital set-top converter box available through retailers for under $100 with your current TV and antenna. The federal government is making $40 coupons available to assist households in purchasing eligible converter boxes. For details and application information on the coupon program, click here or call 888-DTV-2009.


2. Purchase a new TV with a built-in digital tuner and use your current antenna. All new sets sold in the U.S. now include a digital tuner. For more information the choices available, check online or visit your local retailer.


3. Subscribe to a cable or satellite service. WPT is available on all services. Additional WPT “multicast” channels may not be available to all subscribers, so check with your provider before making your choice.


Important: You need a converter box only if you get free TV pictures by antenna. If you subscribe to a pay TV service -- cable, satellite or from a telephone company -- you don't need a converter to receive Digital TV signals.

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WISCONSIN PUBLIC TELEVISION IS ALREADY BROADCASTING DIGITAL TV.


WPT offers an array of channels through its Digital TV service. For detailed schedules, click here.

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DAYTIME DIGITAL TV PROFILE
6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday
6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday

WPT simulcast (xx.1) WPT analog schedule
Wisconsin Channel (xx.2) new from WPT
Create (xx.3) Lifestyle and how-to-programs
Wisconsin PBS Kids (xx.4) For children of all ages

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PRIME TIME AND OVERNIGHT DIGITAL TV PROFILE
6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday-Friday
7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday-Sunday

WPT simulcast (xx.1) WPT analog schedule
WPT HD (xx.5) High definition programs


 
Wisconsin PBS Kids