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The Digital Transition

What is Digital TV (DTV)?
What are the advantages of Digital TV?
When does the conversion to Digital TV take effect?
Who will be affected by the transition to digital television?
How can I continue watching Wisconsin Public Television's digital signal after the switch to digital-only broadcasting?
How is Wisconsin Public Television using Digital TV?
Does WPT have multicast channels?
Does WPT broadcast programs in high definition (HD)?

Q. What is Digital TV (DTV)?

A. Digital TV is a new type of broadcasting technology that uses information transmitted as "data bits" — like a computer — to display movie-quality pictures and sound. It replaces the traditional TV system — known as analog — which uses magnetic waves to transmit and display TV pictures and sound. The difference between analog and digital broadcasting is similar to that between compact discs and cassette tapes.

Q. What are the advantages of Digital TV?

A. In addition to improved picture and sound quality, an important benefit of DTV is that it will free up parts of the broadcast spectrum. This is possible because the modern technology of DTV is more efficient than analog TV technology. DTV allows the same number of stations to broadcast using less of the broadcast spectrum. This will make scarce and valuable spectrum available for public safety communications (such as police, fire departments, and rescue squads) and new wireless services. Additionally, digital television technology enables stations to provide several channels of programming simultaneously — known as "multicasting."

Q. When does the conversion to Digital TV take effect?

A. Digital TV is already available. All full-power broadcast stations are currently required to deliver a Digital TV signal. Congress has voted to delay the switch to digital-only broadcasting. WPT will maintain its analog signal pending further information. Until the switch, most television stations will continue broadcasting both analog and digital programming. After the switch to digital-only broadcasting, analog broadcasting will stop.

Q. Who will be affected by the transition to digital television?

A. Those who watch television on an analog TV set that is connected to an antenna must take action before the switch to digital-only broadcasting in order to continue receiving broadcast television.

Q. How can I continue watching Wisconsin Public Television’s digital signal after the switch to digital-only broadcasting?

A. If you currently receive your television broadcast over the air using an antenna, you have three options:

• Purchase an analog-to-digital converter box and hook it up to your existing TV set and antenna. The federal government is providing $40 coupons to be used toward to purchase of these boxes.
• Purchase a new, digital television that uses a built-in digital tuner and your existing antenna.
• Subscribe to cable or satellite service.

Q. How is Wisconsin Public Television using Digital TV?

A. WPT is using Digital TV to meet its mission to provide viewers access to additional educational, informational and entertainment programming. Digital TV gives us new tools for the new century and WPT is uniquely positioned to deliver high-quality educational material to Wisconsin homes, schools and workplaces through High Definition productions, multicasting, and datacasting.

Q. Does WPT have multicast channels?

A. Yes. WPT launched a daytime multicast service in February 2007; however, the channel lineup changed on October 6, 2008. WPT’s multicast channels now include our regular broadcast schedule in HD; a lifestyle channel of kids’, crafting, cooking, home project, travel shows, and UW telecourses; and, the Wisconsin Channel, featuring Wisconsin-based and regional programming, and news and public affairs. For more, check our online schedules.

Q. Does WPT broadcast programs in high definition (HD)?

A. WPT broadcasts HD programs from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. every day.