Friday, March 21, 2008, 17:18
Comment:
On two different TV sets tuned to WLIO DT 8.1, the image does not fill the screen but is, instead surrounded by a black "frame." In comparison, WLIO DT 8.2 and 8.3 and the other area digital signals fill the screen.
Any ideas of what's happening?
WLIO-DT sends out a signal in 16:9 format, which is standard HD.
When we’re transmitting SD, you should see a black band on either side of the picture, since SD does not fill the picture from side to side.
If you’re seeing black bands on the top and bottom, that usually means that the set needs to have the aspect ratio changed. On some sets we’ve noticed that the button on the TV is called “aspect”, on others it’s “picture”, and on still others it’s called “size”. Once the 16:9 mode is selected for WLIO, then it should stay that way.
We do not “fill” the HD screen with SD programming, stretching the picture to make it look HD. Other stations do it to make it look like HD. That, in my opinion, is not HD or true 16:9 format. Plus it distorts the picture by putting everything out of correct aspect ratio.
Fred
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( 2.9 / 307 )As you have been hearing on our station, you should get a converter box if you intend to stay with an analog television. Each household is entitled to (2) converters by law.
Last week I was alerted by a viewer in Harrod that he called the telephone number we advertise for getting a converter box, and was told that he was not eligible.
Upon further investigation I found out that the database used to verify a viewer's location is the same one as the U.S. Post Office uses for verifications of addresses.
If you should be disqualified from getting a converter because of an address problem, check to make sure your address is correct. I know this sounds silly, but sometimes the address people use in a community is not the legal address.
For example, 12345 Main North is not the same as 12345 N Main Street, although people in the community accept this as a good address, and you're probably still getting mail from your local post office.
If you have a problem there are two ways to check your address. You can contact your county office to get the legal description, or contact the U.S. Post Office.
You can go to http://zip4.usps.com/zip4/welcome.jsp and put in your address for confirmation.
WLIO can not resolve your problem.
Also, be sure you are going to the CORRECT web site. I had a viewer call me saying that we were advertising a porn site! When I investigated I found that some unscrupulous scammer had purchased a .COM domain name that sounds like the DTV2009.GOV web site. Make sure you type in the correct name.
The web site for applying for a coupon is secure, which means when you log in you'll see the URL as https://www.dtv2009.gov. Note that it's HTTPS and not HTTP. If you are seeing another address which is not secure, or if you are being directed to a .com site and asked to give personal information, you are likely being scammed.
To get a converter you will NEVER be asked to provide personal banking data, credit card numbers, or asked to pay a fee for application.
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( 3 / 281 )Many of you have heard me talk about the need for antennas. Unless your cable company carries all three WLIO-DT signals, you could be missing out on our stations. With an antenna you can get more stations, from Toledo, Fort Wayne, Dayton, and of course, Lima. Here is a recent e-mail from a viewer.
From: Greg Oen
Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2008 5:41 PM
To: Fred Vobbe, WLIO Engineering
Subject: RE: WLIO-DT
Mr Vobbe, it's been a while. Sorry I haven't kept you up to date. I've worked on several antenna systems in the last year and, without an exception, your signal on channel 8 comes in fine; and every one of these antennas is pointing at Dayton for their analog signals for WHIO and WDTN (2 & 7). These were all within a 10 mile radius of Minster. I've advised those with a rotor that they should re-aim if your signal breaks up or drops out. I just thought I'd let you know.
Greg Oen
Minster
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( 2.9 / 258 )On May 23, 2001, WLIO filed a petition with the F.C.C. for digital television facilities of 30,000 watts at 541 feet (aat).
Since that time, WLIO has operated with an Special Temporary Authorization to operate at 27,500 watts from 455 feet. It's been determined that the coverage meets the service area of WLIO, and in many geographic areas surpasses the coverage of channel 35 by more than twice the coverage.
Therefore, WLIO filed a petition on February 11, 2008, with the F.C.C. to stay at 27,500 watts at 455 feet as "permanent facilities".
Today, the F.C.C. agreed with the petition, and WLIO will remain with our present facility.
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( 3 / 261 )It's getting down to 11 months before analog will be switched off, and the FCC has released their 7th, and 8th Report & Order.
On August 6, 2007, the F.C.C. adopted a new, and final, Table of Allotments for digital television (“DTV”) providing all eligible stations with channels for DTV operations after the DTV transition on February 17, 2009.
The final DTV Table accommodates all eligible broadcasters, reflects to the extent possible the channel elections made by broadcasters, and is consistent with efficient spectrum use.
The final DTV Table also establishes the channels and facilities necessary to complete the digital transition and ultimately will replace the existing DTV Table at the end of the DTV transition.
Complete list of ALL United States TV stations:
This is a 54 page document in PDF form. WLIO is listed on page 36.
In the related link (below) you'll find the complete, and large F.C.C. legal text involving the most recent order. It, too, is a PDF document, but is 134 pages.
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( 3 / 252 )After February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations will broadcast in digital only.
In 1996, the U.S. Congress authorized the distribution of an additional broadcast channel to each broadcast TV station so that they could start a digital broadcast channel while simultaneously continuing their analog broadcast channel.
Later, Congress mandated that February 17, 2009, would be the last day for full-power television stations to broadcast in analog. The switch from analog to digital broadcast television is referred to as the digital TV (DTV) transition. Broadcast stations in all U.S. markets are currently broadcasting in both analog and digital.
According to Fred Vobbe, VP/Chief Engineer, “February 2009 will be here sooner than we think. Now is the time for us all to get up to speed on DTV: what is it; what does it mean to me; what do I need to do? We at WLIO encourage everyone to educate themselves on this important issue.”
Digital broadcasting allows stations to offer improved picture and sound quality, and digital is much more efficient than analog. For example, rather than being limited to providing one analog program, a broadcaster is able to offer a super sharp “high definition” (HD) digital program or multiple “standard definition” (SD) digital programs simultaneously through a process called “multicasting.”
On WLIO-DT you will find the normal NBC programming on 8.1. On channel 8.2 you will find The CW. On WLIO-DT channel 8.3 you'll find NBC's WeatherPlus, the areas only local all weather TV station.
For viewers who have one or more televisions that receive free over-the-air programming (with a roof-top antenna or “rabbit ears” on the TV), the type of TV you own is very important. A digital television (a TV with an internal digital tuner) will allow you to continue to watch free over-the-air programming after February 17, 2009.
However, if you have an analog television, you will need a digital-to-analog converter box to continue to watch broadcast television on that set. This converter box will also enable you to see any additional multicast programming that your local stations are offering.
To help consumers with the DTV transition, the Government established the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a part of the Department of Commerce, administers this program. Every U.S. household is eligible to receive up to two coupons, worth $40 each, toward the purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes. You will be able to request the coupons beginning in January of 2008.
The coupons may only be used for eligible converter boxes sold at participating consumer electronics retailers, and the coupons must be used at the time of purchase. Manufacturers estimate that digital-to-analog converter boxes will sell from $40 to $70 each. This is a one-time cost. For more information on the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program, visit the NTIA’s Web site at www.dtv2009.gov, or call 1-888-388-2009 (voice) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY).
Cable and satellite TV subscribers with analog TVs hooked up to their cable or satellite service should not be affected by the February 17, 2009, cut-off date for full-power analog broadcasting, but should contact their provider to find out anything is needed to be prepared for the February deadline.
There are many sources of information about the digital transition but one of the best is the government’s Web site www.dtv.gov. It contains information on what DTV is, questions consumers should ask when purchasing new television sets, what programs are available in DTV, and much more. You can also call 1-888-CALL-FCC.
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( 3 / 418 )Several years ago we started building the new transmitter room at WLIO. Below, Fred Vobbe (R) meets with Dave (L) of M&W Construction to discuss the plans for the building.
In the picture below, Brent from ERI changes the beacon on the top of the tower. The beacon, which was originally installed in 1969 was an incandescent 1240 watt bulb. It was replaced with an energy efficient LED beacon that consumes just 40 watts!
;)
Meanwhile, the new Channel 8 antennas arrived. They were installed in early March, and provide the area with 27,500 watts of coverage. These antennas are custom built E.R.I. antennas.
;)
And finally, the new transmitter arrives. The channel 8 transmitter is a 5,000 watt Axcera "Innovator" digital transmitter. This transmitter will normally operate at 3,990 watts to provide 27,500 watts ERP (Effective Radiated Power).
The transmitter has eight power modules, and two exciters.
Want to see more pictures? Let us know!
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( 2.9 / 379 )I still am getting questions from the public on the COUPONS for the DTV converters. From the NTIA site, here is what we know. Click on the "Related Link" line below to go to their web site.
Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program
The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has launched the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program (Coupon Program), as authorized in the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005.
Starting January 1, 2008, all U.S. households will be eligible to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of up to two, digital-to-analog converter boxes. For more details on the federal regulations, including the budget information, please see the DTV Converter Box Coupon Program Rules.
For a quick overview, see the Associated Press (AP) video about the digital TV converter boxes with Technical Writer Peter Svensson at AP Online Video Network www.ap.org/ovn/)
See also an interview with John Kneuer, Assistant Commerce Secretary for Communications & Information, on the C-SPAN television program "The Communicators" on February 3, 2007. Mr. Kneuer discussed the conclusion of the transition to digital TV by February of 2009.
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( 3 / 336 )The following story was passed to me by our newsroom. It appeared on the AP wire in the newsroom today ...
Retailers Anxious Over Analog TV Cut-Off
January 9, 2008 - Associated Press
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Best Buy Inc.'s chief executive said Tuesday that he is "very nervous" about being able to supply customers with the millions of digital TV converter boxes needed ahead of the shutdown of most analog TV transmissions in 13 months.
"I think it's one of the biggest risks our industry has," vice chairman and CEO Brad Anderson told an industry audience at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Full-power television stations will turn off their analog signal on Feb. 17, 2009, after which they will broadcast in digital only. Viewers who receive their signals through an antenna instead of cable or satellite and don't have a digital-ready TV will have to buy a converter.
The Nielsen Co. estimates that 14.3 million households rely on over-the-air television broadcasts for programming. Still others have sets that receive analog broadcasts as a complement to cable, satellite or digital sets in the same household.
"The number of converter boxes that is going to be required could put tremendous pressure on us to solve all those problems" in a short time, said Anderson.
"We're very nervous about the potential risk. Once it gets turned off, it could be very interesting," he added.
Apart from the supply issue, customer education looms as a problem for the retailers. Speaking on the same panel, Phil Schoonover, the CEO of Circuit City Stores Inc. said Anderson's caution was appropriate. He contrasted the digital TV transition to the introduction of high-definition television sets, which mainly attracted the well-heeled and technically savvy.
"I think it will feel very different in this next round of TVs, because we're through the early adopters," Schoonover said.
At the same time, Schoonover defended the transition as "well thought out," and said it has been handled in a very responsible way.
The airwaves to be vacated by the analog transmissions will be auctioned by the federal government to providers who will use them for wireless broadband services.
Customers are likely to look to specialty electronics stores like Circuit City and Best Buy for guidance ahead of the transition. Steve Eastman, the Target Corp.'s vice president and general merchandising manager for consumer electronics, was less apprehensive about the digital transition.
"From a category standpoint, I think it's great — it's getting people to talk a lot about HD and what technology they have in their home," he said.
But he acknowledged that a lot has to be done to prepare. "The clock's ticking and this is coming very quickly," he said. The company plans to have converter boxes in stores by April.
The converter boxes are expected to cost between $40 and $70. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration has begun accepting requests for two $40 coupons per household to be used toward the purchase of the boxes.
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( 3 / 320 )The following article was on our AP Wire this morning in the newsroom...
Low-power TV stations worried about transition to digital broadcasting
By John Dunbar, Associated Press
WASHINGTON – Owners of thousands of small television stations that reach rural populations or specialize in community affairs and minority programming are worried the digital transition is going to leave their audiences watching a blank screen.
It's all because of a little-noticed exemption in the congressionally ordered, nationwide migration of the television industry to digital broadcasting.
On Feb. 17, 2009, owners of full-power television stations will turn off their old-technology analog signals and broadcast in digital only. Viewers who receive their signals through an antenna who don't have a digital-ready TV will have to buy a converter box.
But here's the wrinkle: the mandate to go digital applies only to the roughly 1,760 “full-power” stations in the U.S. There are more than 2,900 low-power television stations and about 4,400 signal-relay stations known as “translators” that will not be required to go digital by the deadline.
Those low-power stations provide service to rural areas and to specific communities in urban areas that are not targeted by big broadcasters. Such stations are much cheaper to build, and unlike full-power stations, broadcast almost exclusively to viewers who use antennas to pick up programming.
Translator stations rebroadcast the programming of full-power stations. They serve areas that are too far away from a full-power transmitter, or are cut off from a signal due to mountainous terrain.
So what's the problem?
The government is encouraging over-the-air television viewers to buy a converter box before the digital transition date, and is subsidizing the cost with two $40 coupons per household. The boxes “down-convert” a digital signal to analog, thus allowing older televisions to pick up programming.
If a viewer who watches programming broadcast on a low-power or translator station buys the wrong box, he may be in for a frustrating experience.
Signals from full-power stations will come in fine. But most of the boxes that have been certified for sale will block the low-power signal if it is being broadcast in an analog format.
The situation would become even more frustrating if a set receives signals from both low-power and full-power stations. Digital channels would work with the box, but not without it. Analog channels would work without the box, but not with it.
It is tough to say exactly how many viewers will be affected. Most of the low-power stations are too small or too remote to subscribe to audience rating services like Nielsen. In addition, some low-power stations have already converted to digital broadcasting on their own.
But Amy Brown, executive director of the Community Broadcasters Association, says there are “tens of thousands” of viewers in “every major TV market” who will be affected.
For viewers who want to receive both digital and analog channels, the solution is a converter box that includes a “pass-through” feature. Such a box would convert the digital signal and allow the analog signal to “pass through” to the set unmodified.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which is administering the coupon program, has approved three boxes that will pass through analog signals: the Philco TB150HH9, the Philco TB100HH9 and the ECHOSTAR TR-40.
Brown's organization, which represents low-power television stations, asked the Federal Communications Commission to outlaw boxes that don't have the pass-through feature. Barring that, they are asking for labels to be placed on the converter boxes.
The group has also criticized the NTIA for not requiring electronics makers to include the pass-through feature on their boxes. They are also upset that the NTIA and the FCC have been incorrectly telling the public that all broadcasters will turn off their analog signals in February of 2009.
The NTIA, for example, on its digital transition brochure notes that “after Feb. 17, 2009 all television broadcasts will be digital.”
The NTIA says requiring the pass-through feature in all boxes would have pushed up the cost for those who wouldn't need it. They also were concerned about reports of the feature causing interference on digital channels.
For the owners of low-power stations, the problem raises concerns over public safety, potentially depriving viewers in remote areas of an important information lifeline.
And they say it will affect their bottom line. “If we are cut off from any more of the audience, we're going to go out of business,” said Greg Herman, vice president of technology for the CBA.
---
On the Web:
FCC fact sheet on low-power stations: www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/DTVandLPTV.html
Community Broadcasters Association: www.dtvnow.org
National Translators Association: www.tvfmtranslators.com/
To apply for a coupon for a converter: /www.dtv2009.gov/
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