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Television is changing from analog to digital on February 17, 2009
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 What is the Digital Television (DTV) Transition
that everyone is hearing about?
By law, television stations nationwide must switch from the old method
of transmitting TV signals known as analog to DTV on February 17, 2009.
Why is the switch being made to DTV?
DTV provides a clearer picture, better sound and more channels. Plus,
digital is a more efficient way to broadcast and frees up the airwaves
for other services.
How do I get a DTV signal?
There are multiple ways to
tune in to digital television.
- For over-the-air viewers. When
considering using your existing antenna or purchasing new, please note
that our WBRA-DT digital signal is channel 3, which is low-band VHF.
For best results in the Roanoke viewing area we suggest an outdoor
low-band VHF or a hybrid VHF/UHF capable antenna in conjunction with
your DTV converter box or new digital television with an integral ATSC
tuner. Blue Ridge PBS's other two digital signals,
 WMSY-DT Channel 42 Marion
and WSBN-DT Channel 42 Norton, are UHF and do not require a VHF
antenna.
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DTV converter box. For viewers
who receive their television signal over-the-air through a roof top
antenna, rabbit ears, etc. for an analog television - DTV converter
boxes are available at local retailers for purchase.
The federal government is offering $40 coupons (up to 2 per household)
to go towards the purchase of these boxes. To sign up, click the icon
on the right or call 1-888-DTV-2009.
- Digital TV set: All TVs with a
digital tuner are able to receive digital signals broadcast by
television stations. By law, beginning in March 2007, all television
reception devices (including TVs, VCRs, etc) imported into the U.S.
contain a digital tuner. Retailers may continue to sell analog-only
devices from existing inventory but must prominently display a
consumer alert near the analog-only device.
- Service provider: If you get
your signal by cable, satellite or a telephone company television
service provider you will be able to watch DTV on either an analog or
digital TV set.
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Blue Ridge PBS' Digital Program
Service In addition to our
standard analog signal, three daily programming services are currently
being multicast:
- Blue Ridge PBS HD (15.1, 47.1 and
52.1)
- Blue Ridge PBS (15.2, 47.2 and
52.2) - a simulcast of our analog signal
- Blue Ridge PBS World (15.3, 47.3
and 52.3) - PBS WORLD includes public television's top
documentary, public affairs, news and other nonfiction programming.
Included are popular and critically acclaimed series like "American
Experience," "Frontline," "History Detectives," "Nature," "NOVA,” and
more. PBS WORLD
also includes second airings of "The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer"
weeknights at 10:00 p.m.
Visit our online schedule! |
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FCC 388 - DTV Consumer
Education Quarterly Activity Report |
Quarter Ending 3/31/08
- WBRA-DT, WMSY-DT, &
WSBN-DT: PDF
- WBRA-TV, WMSY-TV, &
WSBN-TV: PDF
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Quarter Ending 6/30/08
- WBRA TV/DT:
PDF
- WMSY TV/DT:
PDF
- WSBN TV/DT:
PDF
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Quarter Ending
9/30/08:
- WBRA TV/DT:
PDF
- WMSY TV/DT:
PDF
- WSBN TV/DT:
PDF
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In August
1967, we signed on the air as the
nation's first all color educational television
station. |
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Now Blue Ridge PBS has moved into
the digital age...
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Using 37,000 feet of wire, 15,000 pounds of equipment and 26 separate
computer systems...
our Technical Operations Center went on line in
2002. |
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Blue Ridge PBS reaches our viewers through its six transmitters:
WBRA-TV
15 & WBRA-DT 3, Roanoke
WMSY-TV 52
& WMSY-DT 42, Marion
WSBN-TV 47 & WSBN-DT 32, Norton
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