WILL Headlines, News, & Notes
Digital Television FAQ
Thursday, May 22, 2008
WILL-TV ended its analog TV broadcasts on March 31, 2009. Here are answers to key questions about receiving digital TV.
What is digital television (DTV)?
In the digital system, images and sounds are captured using the same digital code found in computers—ones and zeros. This method allows more information and programming to be broadcast using less broadcast spectrum. Digital technology offers stations opportunities for high definition television, surround-sound audio and multicasting. On June 12, 2009, all TV stations in the U.S. switched completely to digital broadcasting. WILL-TV ended its analog broadcasts at 6 am on March 31, 2009.
What is high-definition television (HDTV)?
High definition television (HDTV) is not the same as DTV. HDTV refers to the resolution quality of the picture being broadcast. This is determined by the number of picture elements (pixels) across the screen and the numbers of rows down the screen. HDTV can have up to six times more pixels than the resolution of an analog signal. The higher the resolution, the clearer the picture. Viewers receive high-quality, crystal-clear pictures. These visually stunning pictures are displayed in a wide screen, rectangular format with a 16 by 9 width to height ratio compared to analog’s 4 by 3, or basically square format. The superior picture and sound of HD programs can only be experienced on a high-definition TV set.
What is multicasting?
In addition to transmitting in HDTV, WILL can transmit additional channels of standard definition television (SDTV) programming simultaneously. This is called multicasting. WILL’s digital service includes one HD channel and two standard definition channels.
Why are stations switching to digital?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandated that all TV stations convert to digital transmission by February 17, 2009. Congress delayed this mandate until June 12, 2009, but some stations turned off their analog signal before then.
What does WILL-DT broadcast?
* WILL DT 12.1: WILL’s digital signal with all your favorite local and PBS shows, presented in high definition when available. WILL-DT schedule.
* WILL World 12.2: Features PBS documentary, public affairs and news programs.
* WILL Create 12.3: Offers cooking, arts and crafts, gardening, home improvement and travel programs.
How do I find these channels?
The remote control on a digital TV displays the “virtual” channel number and the channel designations increase by decimals.
WILL-DT 12.1
WILL’s primary digital signal. Whenever available, programs air in high definition on WILL DT 12.1.
Comcast Cable:
Channel 916 in Champaign-Urbana and Bloomington-Normal; Channel 917 in Springfield/Decatur
Mediacom:
Channel 712 in Charleston, Gibson City, Fairbury, Pontiac, Mahomet, Rantoul, Farmer City, Clinton, Atlanta, Leroy, Heyworth, McLean County
WILL 12.2
WILL World, offering PBS documentaries, news and public affairs.
Comcast:
Channel 417 in Champaign-Urbana, Bloomington, Normal
Channel 416 in Springfield, Decatur, Lincoln
Mediacom:
Channel 119 in Fairbury, Pontiac, Mahomet, Rantoul, Farmer City, Clinton, Gibson City, Atlanta, Leroy, Heyworth, McLean County
WILL 12.3
WILL Create, offering cooking, arts and crafts, gardening, home improvement and travel programs.
Comcast Cable:
Channel 219 in Champaign-Urbana
Channel 220 in Springfield/Decatur.
Channel 213 in Bloomington-Normal
Mediacom:
Channel 118 in Fairbury, Pontiac, Mahomet, Rantoul, Farmer City, Clinton, Gibson City, Atlanta, Leroy, Heyworth, McLean County
How do I receive a digital signal on my analog set?
If you subscribe to satellite or cable, you can receive a digital signal on your analog set. (But before you sign up with a local cable or satellite company, be sure to check that WILL-DT and the other channels you want are available from them.)
If you prefer to continue receiving a free over the air signal via an antenna, you will need to purchase a TV converter box for each analog set.
How can I receive an HDTV signal?
To experience the highest resolution possible, viewers will need new TV sets with an HD tuner and monitor or display device, such as the plasma display panel. Manufacturers can label their TV sets “digital” even though the sets are not capable of true high definition. Look for sets that have the Consumer Electronics Manufacturer’s Association (CEMA) HD sticker.
What kind of antenna do I need to receive an over-the-air signal?
Some areas near our transmitter in Monticello may only need an “active antenna” that sits on top of the TV set. Most people in our viewing area will need a small or medium VHF/UHF combination outdoor antenna. There are some small profile amplified outdoor antennas that may work in your viewing area. You can find a helpful guide to antenna selection at http://www.antennaweb.org. If you need an outdoor antenna, make sure that it has an element for high VHF channels and not just UHF channels.
Here are some steps to take to tune in the WILL signal:
1. Make sure your antenna is pointed toward our transmitter in Monticello, not our station in Urbana.
2. If you are still experiencing difficulties, run the auto setup on your converter box.
3. If you still are having problems, readjust your rabbit ears or antenna and rerun the auto setup.
4. Still no luck? Put the Channel 12 designation in manually according to the instructions that come with your converter box.
5. If that doesn’t work, your converter box may be looped through your VCR. Disconnect the two (you may have to unplug the converter box and let it reset for a few moments before plugging it back in). Reconnect the converter box directly to your TV and try Channel 12.
6. If you are still experiencing difficulties, you may need to boost the signal strength with a different antenna. Check antennaweb.org to see if your geographical location may necessitate a new antenna.
For more information contact:
Rick Finnie, chief engineer
WILL-TV
300 N. Goodwin Ave.
Urbana IL 61801
(217) 333-1070
